Label: Miel Music, 2024
Personnel - Miguel Zenón: alto saxophone; Diego Urcola: trumpet, valve trombone; Alan Ferber: trombone; Jacob Garchik: trombone, tuba; Matt Mitchell: piano; Miles Okazaki: guitar; Chris Tordini: bass; Dan Weiss: drums; Daniel Diaz: percussion.
Puerto Rican alto saxophonist and composer Miguel Zenón has long been a formidable presence in the eclectic jazz scene, known for his deft handling of compositions that seamlessly blend Latin rhythms with contemporary jazz, serving as fertile ground for improvisation. Golden City, his 16th album as a leader, is a visceral work inspired by the rich history of San Francisco and its surrounding areas, specifically from the perspective of its immigrants and minority groups. For this project, Zenón leads a distinctive nonet, featuring a four-horn frontline that includes two trombones.
Written for the Ohlone people, “Sacred Land” makes a terrific post-bop opener, introduced by the sobering clarity of Zenón’s saxophone chants. The piece acquires a polyrhythmic feel before evolving into a delicious rhythm in seven over which there are luminous solos from pianist Matt Mitchell and Diego Urcola, a trumpeter who, on this track, skillfully navigates the valve trombone. Following a sequence of parallel phrases with no harmonic backdrop, Puerto Rican percussionist Daniel Diaz rhythmically accentuates the vamp leading to the thematic melody.
“Rush”, a nod to the California Gold Rush of 1848, unfolds with methodical steps in a 5/4 meter, anchored by pulsating piano and Dan Weiss’ precise drumming. The mood shifts after a while, and the rhythm is intensified for a slightly more turbulent and dramatic finale. “Wave of Change” is bracingly direct, marching optimistically with the horns ‘singing’ a riff that resonates with both protest and victory. The rhythm section shines in its coordinated movements, and the track concludes on a sweet note.
“Acts of Exclusion” is a vehement shout against racism and xenophobia while addressing the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882. Following a firm pedal point created by bassist Chris Tordini, and a series of wild unison lines, Zenón and guitarist Miles Okazaki lead their own spontaneous riots. While the former serves up a dazzling stream of notes with occasional fractal dimension and a glimmer of Wayne Shorter, the latter creates lavishly with elements of free funk, rock, and experimental jazz in mind. It’s avant-fusion what you get. “Cultural Corridor” transports listeners to San Francisco’s multi-ethnic places, featuring Jacob Garchik on tuba and elated horn playing.
“Displacement and Erasure” critiques gentrification, employing a slow-simmered yet pulsing additive meter flow (3+2). Dave Holland Quintet suddenly comes to mind, and trombonist Alan Ferber delivers an absorbing solo, preceding Zenón’s blend of folk and post-bop dialects.
Golden City is both assured and daring, a manifestation of Zenón’s artistry as a composer, arranger, and world-class saxophonist. The results allow some exquisite finds.
Favorite Tracks:
01 - Sacred Land ► 02 - Rush ► 03 - Acts of Exclusion ► 05 - Displacement and Erasure