• Genre :: Latin Jazz
• Listen :: Track 1 | Track 2
• View :: Alejandro Aviles' MySpace

The Alejandro Aviles Latin Jazz Quartet consists of Henry Cole (from Puerto Rico) on drums, Ricardo Rodriguez (Puerto Rico) on bass, Jason Gillenwater (United States) on tenor saxophone, and Alejandro Aviles (Cuba) on alto and soprano saxophones. Utilizing a diverse selection of Latin American rhythms, the group's repertoire includes original music as well as arrangements of popular jazz standards. Many of the rhythms found in their music originates from Puerto Rico, Argentina, Brazil, and Cuba. The unique choice of instrumentation also provides a modern touch that emphasizes improvisation and spontaneity. The Alejandro Aviles Latin Jazz Quartet combines traditional jazz concepts with Latin rhythms producing an explosive musical experience not to be missed.

Alejandro Aviles received his B.S. in music education from Hofstra University and his masters in music from Manhattan School of Music. He has studied saxophone, improvisation, piano, and music arrangement. Alejandro has taught students of all ages and has also served as a faculty member of Oneonta Musical Festival. Mr. Aviles has conducted saxophone master classes at the Conservatory of Puerto Rico and served on the faculty of the International Jazz Workshop in Xalapa, Mexico.

Ricardo Rodriguez was born in Ponce, Puerto Rico. He received his BA in double bass in classical music in Puerto Rico. He studied privately with multiple professors at the Berklee School of Music of Boston at their summer for Outstanding Musicians. Mr. Rodriguez has served as a professor at the Extension Programs of the Conservatory of Puerto Rico.

Composer, arranger, and drummer Henry Cole Rios studied at Conservatorio de Musicia in San Juan Puerto Rico, as well as Berklee College of Music and Columbia University during the summer of 2003. Currently, he is studying at the Manhattan School of Music, where he received a full scholarship. He has performed with artists David Sanchez, Dee Dee Bridgewater and others. Mr. Rios toured the U.S., Canada and Europe with several musicians and has also performed at several festivals.

Jason Erik Gillenwater graduated magna cum laude and received a bachelor of music degree from Berklee College. He received his masters in music from Manhattan School of Music with a major in jazz performance. Mr. Gillenwater has performed around New York and New England and has played throughout the U.S., Spain, and Latin America on tenor saxophone, clarinet, and flute. Mr. Gillenwater teaches saxophone, clarinet, and flute as a private instructor and also teaches at Merit Music in New Canaan, Connecticut.