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Multiple Grammy Nominee and Guggenheim and MacArthur Fellow Miguel Zenón represents a select group of musicians who have masterfully balanced and blended the often contradictory poles of innovation and tradition. Widely considered one of the most groundbreaking and influential saxophonists and composers of his generation, he has also developed a unique voice as a conceptualist, concentrating his efforts on perfecting a fine mix between jazz and his many musical influences. He will be joined at the Moss Theater by pianist Luis Perdomo, bassist Hans Glawischnig, and drummer Henry Cole.
Born and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Zenón has released fifteen recordings as a leader, including the Grammy-nominated Música De Las Américas (2022), El Arte Del Bolero (2021) and Sonero: The Music of Ismael Rivera (2019) and Yo Soy La Tradición (2018). He has worked with luminaries such as The SFJAZZ Collective, David Sánchez, Danilo Perez, Kurt Elling, Joey Calderazzo, Steve Coleman, Jerry Gonzalez & The Fort Apache Band, The Mingus Big Band and Bobby Hutcherson.
Zenón has been featured in publications such as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Los Angeles Times, The Boston Globe and The Chicago Tribune. In addition, he topped both the Jazz Artist of the Year and Alto Saxophonist of the Year categories in the 2014 JazzTimes Critics Poll and was selected as Alto Saxophonist of the Year by the Jazz Journalists Association in 2015, 2018, 2019 and 2020 (when he was also recognized as Arranger of the Year). In 2023 he was recognized by the same organization as the Composer of the Year.
His latest album, Música De Las Américas (Miel Music 2022) features original music by Zenón inspired by his passion for the history of the American continent. The album pays tribute to America’s diverse cultures while also challenging modern assumptions about who and what “America” is. The album showcases his longstanding quartet featuring pianist Luis Perdomo, bassist Hans Glawischnig, and drummer Henry Cole, with special contributions from the illustrious Puerto Rican plena ensemble Los Pleneros de La Cresta and master musicians Paoli Mejías on percussion, Daniel Díaz on congas, and Victor Emmanuelli on barril de bomba. Música De Las Américas was nominated for a Grammy under the Best Latin Jazz Album category and recognized as one of the best jazz albums of the year by Jazz Times, The Jazz Journalists Association, All About Jazz and La Fundación para La Cultura Popular, among others.
Featuring:
Alto Saxophone: Miguel Zenón
Drums: Henry Cole
Bass: Hans Glawischnig
Piano: Luis Perdomo