ALEJANDRO AVILES
Saxophone

Freelance Artist of Latin, Jazz and Afro-Cuban Music

Alejandro Danilo Aviles is a first generation Cuban American, born and raised in New York. He received his Bachelor's of Science degree in Music Education from Hofstra University where he studied classical guitar and jazz saxophone. He later graduated from the Manhattan School of Music with a Master's Degree in Jazz and Commercial Performance.

While in Manhattan, Alejandro had the opportunity to study with some of the finest jazz musicians. These include saxophonists Dick Oatts, Rich Perry, Bob Mover, Billy Drewes, and arrangers Mike Abene and Manny Albam.

In the summer of 1999, Mr. Aviles was selected to participate in the "Henry Mancini Institute" in Los Angeles where he received instruction from some of the best studio musicians on the scene. Besides playing lead alto in the Henry Mancini big band led by Justin Decciocio, Alejandro performed in the studio orchestra along side guest artists Randy Brecker, Jim McNeely, Ernie Watts, Gerald Wilson, and Christian McBride.

Recently, Mr. Aviles was selected to represent "HMI" as a faculty member in the "International Jazz Workshop" located in Xalapa, Mexico where he conducted workshops and performed on faculty concerts.

In 2002, Alejandro was invited to the annual jazz workshop located at the "Banff Centre for the Arts" in Canada. The experience included performing and learning from reknown artists Kenny Werner, Dave Douglas, Chris Potter, and Django Bates.

While living in Puerto Rico, Mr. Aviles had the opportunity to perform with some of the giants in Latin jazz today. These include performances with Giovanni Hidalgo, Charlie Sepulveda, William Cepeda, Hilton Ruiz, Jerry Gonzalez, Miguel Zenon, Dave Valentine, and a couple of memorable performances with masters such as Danilo Perez and David Sanchez.

At the annual "Heineken Jazz Festival" held in Puerto Rico, Alejandro performed as a sideman with the "Ramon Vasquez Quartet" and the "Tribute to Chick Corea Big Band" featuring Chick Corea, Paquito D' Rivera, Airto Morales, and Gary Burton.

Most recently, the "Alejandro Aviles Latin Jazz Quartet" was selected by the "Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts" and "Jazz at Lincoln Center" to represent the United States as "Jazz Ambassadors". The group toured through Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, Central America, and Venezuela conducting master classes and performing at concert halls.

Now living in the Bronx, Alejandro Aviles continues to work as a leader, teacher, and free lancer, performing in many different genres ranging from "Straight Ahead" jazz to "Afro-Cuban" music.