Internationally Acclaimed Saxophonist/Composer Miguel Zenón Earns Two Grammy® Nominations
Best Latin Jazz Album for Música De Las Américas
Album Inspired by the History of the American Continent
Best Instrumental Composition for the single “El País Invisible”
Photo by Adrien Tillmann
Internationally acclaimed saxophonist/composer Miguel Zenón has earned two 2023 Grammy® nominations. He received a nomination in the category of “Best Latin Jazz Album” for his highly lauded recording Música De Las Américas (Miel Music) featuring his longstanding quartet of pianist Luis Perdomo, bassist Hans Glawischnig, and drummer Henry Cole along with the illustrious Puerto Rican ensemble Los Pleneros de La Cresta as well as master musicians Paoli Mejías on percussion, Daniel Díaz on congas, and Victor Emmanuelli on barril de bomba.
Zenón was also nominated in the category of “Best Instrumental Composition” for the single “El País Invisible” (Navona Records) featuring Zenón on alto saxophone with José A. Zayas Cabán on soprano sax, Ryan Smith on tenor sax and Casey Rafn on piano.
"I am honored to receive these nominations along with such a distinguished group of musicians,” says Zenón. “I look forward to attending the ceremony in February.”
A multiple Grammy® nominee and Guggenheim and MacArthur Fellow, Miguel Zenón is one of 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 of his generation, Zenón has also developed a unique voice as a composer and as a conceptualist, concentrating his efforts on perfecting a fine mix between jazz and his many influences. Born and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Zenón has recorded and toured with a wide variety of musicians including Charlie Haden, Fred Hersch, David Sánchez, Danilo Pérez, Kenny Werner, Bobby Hutcherson and The SFJAZZ Collective.
Photo by Adrien Tillmann
Música De Las Américas
“This music is inspired by the history of the American continent: not only before European colonization, but also by what’s happened since—cause and effect,” says Zenón of his latest album of all original works. The music pays tribute to its diverse cultures while also challenging modern assumptions about who and what “America” is. The album has earned broad critical acclaim:
★★★★ ½ “Saxophonist and composer Miguel Zenón hits us again with an album of groove-centric music packed with meaning, soul and ambition.… an incredibly uplifting listen. Zenón delivers something so rare: music that makes you think and even want to dance.” – Frank Alkyer, DownBeat
★★★★ ½ “Música de las Américas is Zenón's crowning achievement as a composer and bandleader. While the ambition of the project could easily have filled several albums and derailed a lesser talent, in his hands it is a commanding statement on history, tragedy, revolution, evolution, and the continued struggle for self-determination and dignity.” – Thom Jurek, AllMusic
★★★★ “The instruments for Zenón’s imagination are the razor-sharp lines of his alto sax and the fluid interplay of his tight-knit quartet…Motif’s are eloquently stated by the leader’s lone sax, mood intensify as rhythms surge and complex improvised narratives grip.” – Mike Hobard, Financial Times
“This album reveals not only how heady Miguel is but also the brilliant nature of his compositions….You can feel the fire.” – Keanna Faircloth, NPR Music
“…arresting music…a major step forward…These are bona fide pros with reams of personality and heart. Head-turning melodies, crackling rhythms, and swinging for days – that’s what great jazz is about….” – Morgan Enos, JazzTimes
Música De Las Américas
“This music is inspired by the history of the American continent: not only before European colonization, but also by what’s happened since—cause and effect,” says Zenón of his latest album of all original works. The music pays tribute to its diverse cultures while also challenging modern assumptions about who and what “America” is. The album has earned broad critical acclaim:
★★★★ ½ “Saxophonist and composer Miguel Zenón hits us again with an album of groove-centric music packed with meaning, soul and ambition.… an incredibly uplifting listen. Zenón delivers something so rare: music that makes you think and even want to dance.” – Frank Alkyer, DownBeat
★★★★ ½ “Música de las Américas is Zenón's crowning achievement as a composer and bandleader. While the ambition of the project could easily have filled several albums and derailed a lesser talent, in his hands it is a commanding statement on history, tragedy, revolution, evolution, and the continued struggle for self-determination and dignity.” – Thom Jurek, AllMusic
★★★★ “The instruments for Zenón’s imagination are the razor-sharp lines of his alto sax and the fluid interplay of his tight-knit quartet…Motif’s are eloquently stated by the leader’s lone sax, mood intensify as rhythms surge and complex improvised narratives grip.” – Mike Hobard, Financial Times
“This album reveals not only how heady Miguel is but also the brilliant nature of his compositions….You can feel the fire.” – Keanna Faircloth, NPR Music
“…arresting music…a major step forward…These are bona fide pros with reams of personality and heart. Head-turning melodies, crackling rhythms, and swinging for days – that’s what great jazz is about….” – Morgan Enos, JazzTimes
