Of all the saxophonists on the scene today, Miguel Zenón perhaps might have the most distinguishable voice of them all. Drawing on influences from jazz, the music of his native Puerto Rico, and much more has allowed the award-winning saxophonist a singing quality on the saxophone like no other. Coupled with his virtuosic technique he is the complete package. And his comrade in arms for over twenty years, pianist Luis Perdomo, is a master in his own right. The Venezuelan born pianist has a rich harmonic sense coupled with his rhythmical palate which has established him as one of the most notable pianists of his generation. The two usually are joined by Hans Galwischnig on bass and Henry Cole on drums in Zenóns quartet, but for a special occasion on September 28th, 2020 the two gave a live concert performance at the Jazz Gallery. The concert was a special one and it has culminated in this new release entitled El Arte del Bolero.
The six-track album features some of the most popular boleros of all time. They are songs that Zenón and Perdomo are very familiar with and that familiarity has allowed them the freedom to freely communicate with one another and “sing” the lyrics through their respective instruments. The first classic the duet performs is “Como Fue” made famous by Benny Moré. Zenón’s rich tone opens things up with a beautiful melodic cadenza before being joined by Perdomo’s subtle playing that sneaks in to join the saxophone out of nowhere. The playing is lyrical and flowing with both musicians always knowing where the other is going. “Alma Adentro” is a selection resurrected from Zenón’s 2012 album entitled Alma Adentro and it’s a song that, as Zenón says “… always brings back feelings of longing and deep nostalgia, a yearning for things no longer there.” The duo then turn to “Ese Hastío”, which is another classic the duo have an affinity for. Their inspiration for this rendition comes from Ray Barretto who recorded the song under another title “Piensa en mi.” The joyful harmonies that make up “La Vida es un sueño” hide the tragic story of Arsenio Rodriguez who went blind after a childhood accident and composed this song upon learning his sight could not be restored. Zenóns tone seems reflectively melancholic and the duo’s playing takes on a spiritual essence almost as if they are playing in church. “Que te pedí” opens up with a magnificent cadenza that joins the piano in a very danceable beginning. The supporting rhythmical drive provided by Perdomo allows Zenón’s alto to soar on top of it, and I love the traditional cha-cha feel they end with.
For the final selection, the duo goes back to 2012 for the opening track of Alma Adentro which is entitled, “Juguete.” Much like the name suggests it’s a playful tune, and Zenón played with this arrangement to make it have its own identity separate from the 2012 recording with wind ensemble. It possesses the same magic and enchantment from eight years ago as both players take a child-like curiosity to it, pushing their creative talents to the max. The trading between the two shows that their twenty-year history together has formed a symbiosis that very few players ever get a chance to experience. The uptempo selection is joyful and a perfect way to cap off this incredibly intimate and fun-filled concert. The ability for Zenón and Perdomo to create such wonderful music despite the world’s atmosphere last year is truly remarkable is a true testament to how much they love to play music, and how they pass this joy along to others when they play.
I must say it is an album I am privileged to have listened to start this year, and I hope the joy will only continue in 2021. My thanks to maestro’s Zenón and Perdomo for their artistic vision, their gift of music, and I wish them continued success and health as they produce the next gem for the world to listen to! For further news and information please visit the following links.
www.miguelzenon.com
www.luisperdomojazz.com
Miguel Zenon photo by Noah_Shaye. Luis Perdomo photo by Nick Carter
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