Degrees: MM, 2000, Manhattan Schl Music; BS, 1998, Hofstra Univ

Bio:

Alejandro Danilo Aviles is a first generation Cuban American, born and raised in New York. While living in Manhattan, Alejandro had the opportunity to study with some of the finest jazz musicians, include saxophonists Dick Oatts, Rich Perry, Bob Mover, Billy Drewes, and arrangers Mike Abene and Manny Albam.

While living in Puerto Rico, Mr. Aviles had the opportunity to perform with some of the giants in Latin jazz today, including 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 sideman, performing in many different genres ranging from Big Bands to small groups.