Review Summary: An album full of emotion by one of jazz's (relatively) unknown talents.
Conforming to little, Miguel Zenon is a tasteful addition to the jazz world. Bridging gaps between jazz improvisation and structure with rather latin instrumentation, his work lacks that smooth swing feel we all recall when some smart ass talks to us about the wonders of jazz. Awake is interesting, an album by an alto saxophonist who prefers to play like a pianist. His soloing style doesn't stray far from the melodic lines that create the foundation of each piece. With the help of a group of other unknown musicians who feel at home at his level of technical complexity, Miguel makes one hell of a record.
After the beautiful sax and string opening that fools you into doubting the jazziness of this record, Camarón opens immediately. A song textured with latin organ, it builds on itself even while repeating many of the same syncopated runs. It really begins to open towards the latter half of the song, unfortunately quickly returning to it's quiet state and ending soon after. Penta follows this song, a more upbeat and appealing tune to the non-jazz listener. This song takes you from the beginning and doesn't let you go. Filled with fast runs played in unison between Miguel and the keyboardist, your foot will undoubtedly begin to tap, even if you're Angela from The Office. This song is probably the most fun song on the first half, and maybe the album considering that there are a good deal that are dark and brooding (though just as awesome).
The centerpiece of the album is Santo, in which the band channels their inner Bitches Brew. The intro is more a soundscape for the rest of the song to follow, and relies on aux. percussion and a harrowing bass overtone (played with a bow - nifty!). Santo conjures a dream state that you progress deeper and deeper into as the seconds go by: two lovers meeting each other by mistake, and enjoy their time together as they marvel at the fact that their acquaintance was not planned, yet they gel so well…
Suddenly your dream shifts to a more unappealing setting, as Miguel and the band shift to a darker and faster jam led into by a ghostly piano. Your heart races and you enjoy the speed. Louder, louder, louder - but then, an unexpected transition puts you right back where you started, in the outro that mirrors the slow beginning. Epic.
These are not the only tracks worth listening to, and I would go on but you wouldn't want to hear me babble on about more dream states and *** like that. The album in it's entirety is quite an experience, one that requires your attention and patience. Hardcore jazzheads and casual explorers will both enjoy this, or at least appreciate the talent that went into creating such a sonically beautiful record. Miguel deserves more recognition than he gets, and that's something everyone can agree on. - Griffin
