Biography

Sal La Rocca | Biography 

biography 

Biography

Sal is one of Belgium’s most in-demand double bassists

Sal La Rocca has played alongside Toots Thielemans, Philip Catherine, Steve Grossman (US), Lee Konitz (US)…After a stint with rock playing guitar, at age 23, he discovers jazz in the early 80’s and switches to double bass which he intensively explores on his own, taking as a model Paul Chambers. Sal has released three albums under his own name, such as Latinea (2003) and It Could Be The End (2012) with : Lorenzo Di Maio (gt.), Pascal Mohy (p) and Hans van Oosterhout (drs) featuring : Jacques Schwartz-Bart (t. sax) on the Igloo-Records label. (2018) “Shifted” (Nov 2018), with : Jeroen van Herzeele (t. & s. sax), Pascal Mohy (p & Wurlitzer) & Lieven Venken (drs) on Igloo Rec. & el Negocito Rec. labels. – Igloo Records/Artist

© Hugo Lefevre

Some bands of which Sal La Rocca is (or was) a member

Member of : Denise King (US),  Phil  Abraham Quartet, Terramondo Quartet, Igor Gehenot Trio featuring Jean-Paul Estiévenart, Philip Catherine Trio or Quartet, Del Ferro/Vaganée Group, Chris Joris Quartet, Anne Wolf Quartet, Sabin Todorov Trio, Ingrid Nomad, Nathalie Loriers Trio, Nathacha Wuyts Quartet, Ex-Member of Vaya Con Dios featuring Dani KLEIN (from 2006 to 2014)…

SPW / Olivier Gigean

During his career, he has recorded on numerous albums

2003, he released his first album “Latinea”, included musicians Bruno Castellucci, Peter Hertmans, Kris Goessens and Jacques Pirotton. Therefore, around this time, Sal became the official bassist of singer Anne Ducros, playing, recording and touring with her group for several years…Besides this, he added several jazz greats to his resume, including trumpeter like Randy Brecker and pianists Thierry Eliez, Enrico Pieranunzi, Jacky Terrasson and René Urtreger.

2006, RTB TV Live Recording with : Steve Houben (a.sax), Richie Beirach (p) and Martijn Vink (drs). Live @ Palais Des Congrès – Jazz à Liège Festival.

2007, he became the bassist for pop rock group VCD. Sal participated in both a European and world tour with the group.

2010, he was bassist for the Steve Grossman Quintet performing at the Dinant Jazz Night Festival. The group featured Steve Grossman, Nico Menci, Alvin Queen, Joe Lovano and Sal.

2011, he joined the Gregory Houben Quintet, which was comprised of Gregory Houben (tp), Pierrick Pedron (a.sax) and Sal La Rocca. Sal met American singer Denise King through French pianist Olivier Hutman, they formed a quartet that performed in what is referred to as the Benelux States (Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg) and France.

2012, Sal released his second album “It Could Be The End” (featuring a number of original compositions) through Igloo Records. The group was comprised of Lorenzo Di Maio, Pascal Mohy, Hans van Oosterhout featuring Jacques Schwarz-Bart.

2013-14, Vaya Con Dios Farwell Tour, end tour @ Forest National (DVD Recording) and Sportpaleis.

2015, Sal is hired by Bob Mover and John Snauwaert for a tour of ten concerts in Belgium.

2016, He had the privilege of playing with the Sun Ra Arkestra for a short tour in Belgium and Holland.

2017, China Tour with Phil Abraham Quartet.

2017-18, Sal La Rocca played a few concerts with two famous French musicians like : Jacky terrasson & Stéphane Belmondo (with whom he had already played before, 2003 and 2005) in quartet with the young and talented Belgian drummer Antoine Pierre.

2018, Sal released his third album “Shifted” with : Jeroen van Herzeele (t. & s. sax), Pascal Mohy (piano & Wurlitzer) & Lieven Venken (drums) on IGLOO RECORDS & EL NEGOCITO RECORDS labels.

2019-20, Belgian Tour with Sal La Rocca Band Featuring Stéphane Belmondo (FR).

2021, New band experience : “SLR 5” with : Maayan Smith (t.sax), Phil Abraham (tb), Igor Gehenot (piano) & Noam Israeli. A sneak peek at bass player Sal La Rocca’s new band, SLR 5, and their upcoming release “JOKER”.

biography

Musicians with whom Sal La Rocca played

(Once or more than once)

Harold LAND, Steve GROSSMAN, Lee KONITZ, Gordon BECK, Charlie MARIANO, Randy BRECKER, Bob FRANCESCHINI, Richie BEIRACH, Didier LOCKWOOD, Scott HAMILTON, Jack VAN POLL, John ENGELS, Andre CECCARELLI, Ch. HIRSON, Bert JORIS, Jiggs WIGHAM, Dave TURNER, Michel GRAILLIER, Sheila JORDAN, Deborah BROWN, Mark MURPHY, Ada ROVATTI,  Sangoma EVEREST, Stanley JORDAN, Anne DUCROS,  Roni BEN-HUR, Bob MOOVER, Tony LAKATOS, Roby LAKATOS, Bobby DURHAM, Steve WILLIAMS, Dani KLEIN, Olivier HUTMAN, Denise KING, Jacques SCHWARZ-BART, William LECOMTE, Pierrick PEDRON, Alvin QUEEN, Baptiste TROTIGNON, Sylvain BEUF, Sun Ra ARKESTRA Featuring Marshall ALLEN etc…

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