About

RDL+ is building an original sound that embodies the members’ collective ideas, inspirations, and histories.  With their 2014 debut album, Más P’alla Va, the group focused on writing and playing original compositions, while taking both lyrical and open improvisations on the pieces.  While maintaining an aesthetic stemming from traditional jazz, the group experiments with odd meters, timbre, form, and melodic ideas.  Nonetheless, the exploratory nature of the group is always rooted in the essence of the composed or arranged pieces. Led by Doug Lee (bass), Luis Salcedo (guitar), and Ruthie Dineen (piano), the trio moves from solo to large ensemble based on artistic inspiration.

“WE ARE INTERESTED IN BEING CREATIVE AND FULL MUSICIANS, BOTH ON OUR OWN AND AS A GROUP.  WHEN WE COME TOGETHER IT FEELS RIGHT; SEAMLESS, EXHILARATING, AND MEANINGFUL ALL AT ONCE.”

Since the Fall of October 2015, RDL+ led a monthly series at Studio Grand in Oakland, Bay Area Bridges. This series celebrated the Bay Area, with Oakland as its hub, and brought together the most interesting and ground-breaking voices that need to be heard and reckoned with. Shows included music written and presented by RDL+ as well as other innovative artists, and aimed to break new ground in modern music. Past guests have included vocalist Tiffany Austin, playwright/director Rebecca Martin, and Amaranth String Quartet.

RDL+ released a trio album, Pacific Voyage, in 2016 featuring Doug Lee, Steve Weems, and Ruthie Dineen. This release was followed by a tour in Spain. In 2024 RDL+ celebrated their newest release, a five album compilation of the music from the Bay Area Bridge Series.