The Pace Report: "Miguel's Puerto Rican Musical Epiphany" The Miguel Zenon Interview
Channel: Brian Pace a.k.a The Pace Report
Date: 2011-11-21

One of this year's critically-acclaimed recordings of 2011 is of alto saxophonist and bandleader Miguel Zenon. The Puerto Rican native's latest disc "Alma Adentro: The Puerto Rican Songbook" features music and compositions made famous by what Miguel hails as "the great Latin songbook made famous by many lesser composers from my country." "Alma Adentro" was arranged by Zenon himself with orchestrations done brilliantly by composer and pianist Guillermo Klein.

Born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Miguel studied classical music at the Escrula Libre de Musica while attending school. He decided to pursue music here in the states where he received a scholarship at the Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts. It was there he'd be schooled and mentored by pianist Danlio Perez and drummer Bob Moses, where began playing professionally.
The MacArthur and Guggenheim fellow has played and backed the likes of Charlie Haden, Los Gauchos, David Sanchez, and the late Ray Barretto. Miguel is one of the co-founding members of the SFJAZZ Collective.

"Alma Adentro" is the third of a series of recordings in which Miguel pays tribute to the music of his native Puerto Rico. His last disc "Esta Plena" was nominated for a Grammy and is available on Marsalis Music. Miguel's band includes: drummer Henry Cole, pianist Luis Perdomo, and bassist Hans Glawischnig.

Miguel is currently on tour. For upcoming tour dates or to order "Alma Adentro," please visit him on the web at miguelzenon.com.