Jonathan Suazo is a Puerto Rican Saxophonist and 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 and 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.
His new afro-caribbean project RICANO is currently on tour as it leads to the official album release with Ropeadope Records in August 2023. All attending audience at this year's Springfield Jazz and Roots Fest will get a full dose of the RICANO experience with early physical copies and merchandise for sale throughout the day.
