Miguel Zenon
A native of San Juan, Puerto Rico, Miguel Zenon studied saxophone at the famed Ecuela Libre de Musica; an institution that boasts such distinguished alumnus as tenor saxophonist, David Sanchez, percussionist, Richie Flores and bassist John Benitez. Although Miguel listened to and explored the music of Bird and other jazz greats while in high school, it wasn't until he began his studies at the Berklee School of Music--where he received a scholarship from the Puerto Rico Heineken Jazz Festival --that his formal jazz training began.
Zenon excelled at Berklee and received the Berklee Best Scholarship Award, the Frederic Cameron Weber Award and a grant from the Corporation of Musical Arts while in attendance. He also became active in the Boston area jazz scene where he gained professional experience with the drummer Bob Moses' Mozamba and the Either/Orchestra. Upon his graduation in 1998, Miguel received a scholarship to attend the prestigious Manhattan School of Music in New York City where he received his Masters in Saxophone Performance in 2001. Among the distinguished list of musician/educators he has studied with are Angel Marrero, Leslie Lopez, Rafael Martinez, Danilo Perez, Dick Oatts, Dave Liebman, George Garzone and Bill Pierce.
In his very short, but rather illustrious career, the 25 year old Zenon has performed and recorded with a quite a diverse array of artists and groups. In addition to being a longstanding member of the David Sanchez Sextet, he has worked with Danilo Perez, William Cepeda's Afrorican Jazz, Bob Moses' Mozamba, The Either/Orchestra, The Village Vanguard Orchestra, The Guillermo Klein Big Band, John Benitez, The David Murray Big Band, The Jason Linder Big Band, Brian Lynch, Greg Tardy, among others.
2002 marks the latest step in Zenon's musical journey. He released Looking Forward, his first CD as a leader, on the Fresh Sound New Talent label. Here, Zenon creates a highly original and, as the title suggests, "forward looking" musical statement. A fusion, in the best sense of the word, of jazz, latin, classical and folkloric influences. Joining him on this recording are longtime associates Luis Perdomo, Antonio Sanchez, Hans Glawischnig, Pernell Saturnino and special guests David Sanchez, William Cepeda, Diego Urcola and Ben Monder. Looking Forward not only reveals Zenon's remarkable talents as a performer and composer, but his considerable talents as a producer as well.