Zenón's Open Ensemble in Full Bloom
A saxophonist and his ensemble turning composed structures into genuine conversation, track by track.
Awake brings together Miguel Zenón's most expansive ensemble work to date — a ten-piece group that includes strings, brass, and a rhythm section built for both precision and improvisation. This isn't a big band in the traditional sense; it's a chamber jazz orchestra where each voice has space to breathe. The lineup mixes seasoned collaborators like Luis Perdomo on piano with fresh combinations of horns and strings, creating textures that feel both composed and spontaneous.
Zenón's writing here strikes a careful balance between formal structure and freedom. Pieces build from simple themes into sections where soloists push against the ensemble's harmonic framework. Tony Malaby's tenor saxophone cuts through with a direct, almost anxious energy, while the strings — including violin, viola, and cello — add color without ever drifting into mere decoration. The rhythm section, anchored by Hans Glawischnig on bass, stays grounded and swinging even when the melodies above suggest something more abstract.
The album's title suggests waking or awareness, and there's something alert about the way these pieces unfold. This is mature work from Zenón as a bandleader — confident enough to trust his musicians, disciplined enough to shape what they do into something coherent. Not flashy, not trying to prove anything. Just a saxophonist and his ensemble paying attention to what's happening in the room.
Who's playing
Hans Glawischnigbass
Luis Perdomopiano
Miguel Zenónalto saxophone
Tony Malabytenor saxophone
Michael Rodrigueztrumpet
Ben Gersteintrombone
Henry Colemembranophone, percussion
Judith Insellviola
Marlene Riceviolin
Orlando Wellsviolin
Nioka Workmancello
