Jonathan Suazo
Jonathan Suazo is a Puerto Rican Saxophonist / Composer. His music is inspired by artists like Kenny Garrett, Miguel Zenón, David Sánchez, John Coltrane and many more. His new Ricano project highlights traditional rhythms from his Puerto Rican / Dominican roots within a Cross-Cultural Fusion container of his many musical influences.
He obtained his Bachelor’s Degree in Jazz & Caribbean Music at the Conservatorio de Música de Puerto Rico, and his Masters Degree in Contemporary Performance at Berklee College of Music (Global Jazz Institute). He's been named one of the Top Ten Emerging Jazz Artists of 2023 by The Recording Academy. He’s a 2023 Winter South Arts Jazz Road Artist, a 2023
New Music USA Creator Fund Recipient, and has been taught by renowned musicians like: David Sanchez, Terri Lyne Carrington, Marco Pignataro, John Patitucci, Danilo Pérez, George Garzone and Joe Lovano.
Jonathan has also performed in venues such as Dizzy's Club Coca Cola, Martinique Jazz Fest, DR Jazz Fest, Puerto Rico Heineken Jazz Fest, SF JAZZ, Elephant Room Austin TX, SXSW, Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, The MFA Boston, and many more. He's collaborated / performed with artists such as: Terri Lyne Carrington, Paoli Mejías, ILé, Miguel Zenón, Emil "El Hijo de Borikén" Martínez, David Sánchez, Kevin Harris, Rakalam Bob Moses, Giovanni Hidalgo, Christian Nieves, Ricky Rodriguez, Tito Matos, Ricardo Pons, Calma Carmona, William Cepeda, Jon Secada, Pedro Capó, Obie Bermudez, Hans Glawischnig, Humberto Ramirez, Silverio Perez, Tony Escapa, Charlie Sepúlveda and many others.
Jonathan is also co-leader of the free improv/experimental group, the No Base Trio.
Ricano
Release Date: August 4, 2023
RICANO is an Afro-Caribbean experience that presents themes of exploration, fusion, integration, community, and self-acceptance. This project is about sharing and celebrating the coexistence of Afro Puerto Rican and Afro Dominican styles of music by bringing the audience into a cross cultural fusion container of my roots and my many musical influences. Both of these traditions are beautiful in every way, they contain uplifting chants, captivating lyrics, as well as dance and improvisational elements that are deeply connected to the unique ancestry of each island (Puerto Rico and Dominican Republic). This album represents a transformational chapter in my life. It opens a new door that I’m sure will span many incarnations. The process of searching, embracing, loving, celebrating and sharing all of what we are as multidimensional beings is something I can't recommend enough… It’s given me a huge source of inspiration. I hope these sounds resonate with you.
- Jonathan Suazo - All Original Compositions, Arrangements, Alto Sax, Tenor Sax (5) Vocals (1, 2, 7), Lyrics (2) Chorus Lyrics (1)
- Ramon Suazo - Tenor Sax (1)
- Miguel Zenón - Alto Sax (5)
- David Sánchez - Tenor Sax (8)
- Fabiola Méndez - Vocals, Lyrics & Cuatro Puertorriqueño (7)
- Christian Nieves - Cuatro Puertorriqueño (3)
- Emil Martínez Roldán “El Hijo de Borikén” - Soneo (1)
- Eduardo Zayaz - Piano, Keyboard (1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9)
- Anibal Cruz - Piano, Keyboard (2, 3)
- Josean Jacobo - Piano, Co – Arrangement on Merengue Section (5)
- Francisco Alcalá - Drums (1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 9)
- Tanicha López - Voice (1, 2, 3, 5, 7), Vocal arrangement oversight (9)
- Génesis Dávila - Voice (1, 2, 5, 9)
- Giovanni Ortíz - Bass (1, 2, 7, 8, 9) Percussion Sound Design (10)
- Hans Glawischnig - Bass (5)
- Ricky Rodriguez - Bass (6)
- Ramon Vázquez - Bass (4)
- Juan Maldonado - Bass (3)
- Rafael Rosa - Guitar (9)
- Gabriel Vicéns - Guitar (8) Intro (9)
- Juan Aldahondo - Electric / Acoustic Guitar (2, 10)
- Kike Serrano: Co - Arranger (1) Afro Puerto Rican Percussion (1, 3, 6, 8, 9)
- Beto Torrens - Afro Puerto Rican Percussion (9)
- Miguel Martínez - Güícharo Puertorriqueño (1) Afro Puerto Rican Percussion (7)
- Yilianny Polanco - Güira Dominicana (1)
- Otoniel Nicolás - Afro Dominican Percussion (2, 6, 8, 10) Drums (5)
- Florentino “Magic” Mejía - Afro Dominican Percussion (5)
- Felix “Abuelo” García - Tambora Dominicana (5)
Supporting BG Vocals (1, 2)
- Amaury Febres, Miosotis Alvarado, Yitzhak Cruz, Tanicha Lopez, Jonathan Suazo
Studio Engineers:
- Julio González | El Padrino Recording Studio, Puerto Rico (1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9)
- Alan Leschhorn | Allangtr Studi, República Dominicana (5)
- Juan Maldonado | JM Studio Productions, Boston MA (7)
- Jonathan Suazo | Pasillo Sonoro, Puerto Rico (5)
-Mixing Engineers:
-Danilo Pichardo (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
-Jonathan Suazo (10)
Mastering Engineer: - Michele Papa from MS Studio New York
Sound Design:
-Tiffany Román (8, 9)
-Giovanni Ortíz SD on Afro Dominican Percussion (10)
-Jonathan Suazo Sound (10)
Graphic Design:
- Alberto Cardona
- Humberto Torres from Pitirre Studios
Photography: Gina Principe
Bonus Art Piece: Angel López