Ocotrillo is comprised of Gabe Hall‐Rodrigues (acccordion and vocals), Sean Brogan (bass), and Wes Anderson (drums). All members of the trio graduated with degrees in music from Arizona State University (ASU). Ocotrillo’s repertoire contains a variety of music styles, including classic jazz and standards, older styles, such as Dixieland or New Orleans jazz, as well as music from various parts of Brazil, including numbers by Tom Jobim, Gilberto Gil, Luiz Gonzaga, and more. The group brings a fun and positive energy to playing, and each performer holds awards for his respective instruments from national and state organizations. The group hopes to be able to entertain any audience and truly enjoys making music together for people who enjoy it.
Gabe Hall‐Rodrigues is a native of Arizona and began playing piano at the age of 7. He grew up in a Brazilian‐American family and the mixing of his two parents’ cultures provided him with exposure to a variety of genres and a unique set of musical experiences. Although only 23, Gabe has been performing in Arizona, California, and Mexico for the past 9 years and has performed with a variety of ensembles primarily playing keyboard or piano, and singing.
Gabe graduated ASU in May 2010 with a degree in Music Therapy. He is beginning his Master’s Degree program in Jazz Piano Performance in the Fall of 2011. Gabe is an active performer in the Phoenix valley with several groups, including: Another Day, a local reggae‐ rock band in which he plays keyboards, accordion and is the lead singer; The Dixie Devils, an ASU‐ affiliated New Orleans style jazz band in which he plays accordion and sings; and Som Brasil, a local Brazilian band playing a variety of genres native to that country. He has been featured singing with the ASU Concert Jazz Band on two occasions and was an accordion soloist with the ASU Sun Devil Marching Band. Gabe was featured as a guest artist with the Salt River Brass Band on various concerts and has performed with numerous chamber ensembles highlighting many works by Astor Piazzolla.
Gabe was awarded first place in the U.S. Virtuoso Solo Competition at the 2010 American Accordionists’ Association Festival in Hershey, Pennsylvania.
Sean Brogan is a recent graduate from the Herberger School of Music at ASU. As a Jazz Performance major, Sean‘s education focused heavily on Theory, Performance, Ear Training, Arranging, Composition, and Improvisation. While at ASU, Sean had the opportunity to perform in many exceptional ensembles, including ASU’s Latin Jazz Band, Concert Jazz Band and various small ensembles. For his Senior recital, many original compositions were presented, which represented the many musical influences throughout his life. Since graduating in May 2010 with honors (Magna Cum Laude), Sean has pursued his career as a freelance musician.
Being well versed in many musical styles has led Sean to work alongside other great artists, such as Frank Marocco, Fred Forney, Nick Manson, Margo Reed, Barb Catlin, Lynne Timmes, and many others. Sean currently holds the principal bassist position for the Phoenix Children’s Chorus and is a former member of the Sedona Jazz on the Rocks youth band.
Wesley Anderson started playing the drum‐set at the age of 8. By the age of 17, he joined the Arizona Academy Drum and Bugle Corps, where he played snare drum from 2004‐2008. During this time he received numerous awards and championship titles. Wes attended ASU from 2008‐2010 receiving his Bachelor of Music in Jazz Performance in December of 2010. He currently teaches the ASU drum‐line, as well as local private students. Over the years Wes has been given the opportunity to play with many notable musicians, including Frank Marocco, Stas Venglevski, Vince Abbracciante, Bob Mintzer, Wycliff Gordon, Gregg Bissonette and many others.
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