For his second album, Puerto Rican-born saxophonist Miguel Zenón, who received plenty of acclaim for his debut, assembled what he calls his "dream band" -- pianist Luis Perdomo, bassman Hans Glawischnig, and drummer Antonio Sanchéz -- for a fascinating quartet date. Two covers bookend the album, one of Silvio Rodríguez's "Leyenda" and the other a surprising choice, the old hymn "Great Is Thy Faithfulness," and they, along with Zenón's original compositions, show the range and direction of his work. There's a spirituality to it that's evident throughout, a questing through music. And once more he continues in his quest to find the intersection point between jazz and Latin music, a place that makes sense to him, and which he handles well, truly beginning to define a territory that's his own. A powerful player, with an almost miraculous sense of imagination and melody on the instrument, his work here consolidates the work he did on Looking Forward, with Branford Marsalis' production giving plenty of space to the players. Zenón is more than just another young talent. That much is obvious. On the basis of this, he could well prove to be a major artist in the making. - Chris Nickson
The young Marsalis Music label continues to produce interesting recordings with a mindset of creating music that expresses individuality as well as substance. Last year's releases featured guitarist Doug Wamble's Country Libations and Harry Connick Jr.'s instrumental Other Hours, which created fresh and progressive approaches. Alto saxophonist Miguel Zenon continues on that path in 2004 with his auspicious release Ceremonial.
A native of a San Juan, Puerto Rico, Zenon's new recording brings not only Latin persuasions but also a refined mix of contemporary, classic, and global influences. The recording begins with compositions that are melodic yet leave ample room for improvisation. Zenon's playing is in full command as he freely solos with and against diverse rhythms. His horn has a slight acidic tone that is fluid and purposed with feeling. Zenon's writing skills and influence have appeared on pianist Danilo Perez recordings and are of particular interest. Backed by a potent quartet the music is thoughtful and executed with skill and spirit.
The opener "Leyenda" begins with Zenon's warm alto voice and develops into a gradual upbeat melody that hints at things to come. "Ceremonial" and "Transfiguration" bring Latin charms by adding soulful rhythms and voices with a modern feel. The quartet is on fire on the complex and funky "Mega" with extreme percussion by "Tito" Matos, which quietly blends into the tranquil piece "A Reminder of Us."
The tour de force composition "Morning Chant" combines rigorous hard bop and spiritual chants in a unique way as pianist Luis Perdomo solos with fierceness and drummer Antonio Sanchez adds percussive highlights behind Zenon's rapid alto lines. The interesting "440" includes a contagious rhythmic pattern with some nice solo work from bassist Hans Glawischnig. The recording ends with the quartet swinging their hearts out on "Ya" and Zenon's own rendition of the hymn "Great Is Thy Faithfulness." Highly recommended. - Mark F. Turner
Tracks
01. Leyenda (Silvio Rodríguez Domínguez)
02. Ceremonial (Miguel Zenón)
03. Transfiguration (Miguel Zenón)
04. Mega (Miguel Zenón)
05. Mega (Miguel Zenón)
06. Morning Chant (Miguel Zenón)
07. 440 (Miguel Zenón)
08. Mega (Miguel Zenón)
09. Morning Chant (Thomas O. Chisholm/William Runyan/Miguel Zenón)
10. Great is Thy Faithfulness (Thomas O. Chisholm)
11. Leyenda (Silvio Rodríguez Domínguez)
12. Transfiguration (Miguel Zenón)
13. Ya (Miguel Zenón)
14. A Reminder of Us (Miguel Zenón)
MIGUEL ZENÓN alto saxophone
LUIS PERDOMO piano, electric piano
HANS GLAWISCHNIG bass
ANTONIO SANCHÉZ drums
Recorded March 4 & 5, 2003 at Systems II Studios, Brooklyn, NY
Rounder Records - 11661-3308-2