VANESSA RODRIGUES
Organ, Piano

Vanessa Rodrigues is yet another free oxygen band-aid who fled the prairies in search of greener, groovier grass. Enticed by Montreal's multi-rhythmic pulse, she moved here from Edmonton in 1996 to study jazz piano at McGill university and to churn out Salsa and Merengue montunos with Papo Ross' Orquesta Pambiche (1997-2000). Hearing the Tower of Power recording of Squibcakes in 1999 opened the door for the Hammond B-3 organ to come roaring into Vanessa's spirit. She later gave birth to the monsterous 11-piece soul machine Groove Prophecy that funked McGill right up for 2 years, before moving on to form smaller jazz organ groups which have performed at the Montreal International Jazz Festival, other Canadian festivals and venues, and overseas in Denmark and Japan. Vanessa brings all styles of music that she has come to know and love, everything from classical to jazz, funk and worldbeat, to her current musical existence; and that's why we call her "Sleazy V" ... she'll play anything with anyone!

It ain't easy being sleazy, but it sure is a hell of a good time!