Miguel Zenon: Vanguardia Subterranea

MIEL MUSIC (RELEASED AUGUST 29, 2025)

If you need further proof that saxophonist Miguel Zenón is an energetic and exciting player, listen to Vanguardia Subterránea. The energy comes from Zenón’s compositions which blend his Puerto Rican heritage with contemporary jazz, his note-after-note assaults and the explosive playing of pianist Luis Perdomo, bassist Hans Glawischnig and drummer Henry Cole. The excitement comes from recording live at the pantheon of New York City jazz clubs — The Village Vanguard. Sadly, the energy and excitement quickly overwhelms the beauty of this set of Zenón originals as well as tunes written by salsa innovators Willie Colon/Hector Lavie and Jorge Luis Piloto. The session kicks off with the aggressive Latin beat of “Abre Cuto Güiri Mambo.” Zenón’s ferocious solo sets the tone for an equally intense solo from Perdomo. Glawischnig lays down a bass line for Zenón’s lyrical introduction to Colon and Lavie’s “El Dia de Mi Suerte” which evolves into another intense series of solos powered by the bustling rhythms of Cole. The mood slows down for Zenón’s tender read of “Vita,” a tune he wrote for his grandmother. The complex rhythms of Zenón’s “Dale la Vuelta” are perfectly suited for the quartet’s energetic playing as well as a fiery and fluent solo from the leader. This spirited mood continues through “Coordenadas” and the title track, “Vanguardia Subterránea.” The band seems to take a breather on “Bendición,” a tribute to Zenon’s mother. The simple melody of Jorge Luis Piloto’s “Perdóname” is embraced by Zenon and Perdomo as they lead the band through this tune made famous by superstar Gilberto Santa Rosa. Throughout the recording, Zenón, Perdomo, Glawischnig and Cole impress you with their technical skills, fleet and expressive solos and the respect they have for Zenón’s unique musical culture. Next time, I hope they balance their enthusiasm and energy with some reserve and reverence.

BOTTOM LINE: If Vanguardia Subterránea was a movie, it would be titled The Fast and the Furious. The quartet of saxophonist Miguel Zenón, pianist Luis Perdomo, bassist Hans Glawischnig and drummer Henry Cole power through nine compositions with intensity, ferocity and bustling rhythms. Fans of energetic Latin American music will enjoy the ride. I’ll wait for the next trip!