Peruvian American tenor saxophonist Lucia Sarmiento’s debut album Escape marks the arrival of a distinctive voice in contemporary jazz, one that blends daring improvisation with rich cultural influences and deep personal expression. With her powerful, commanding sound and vibrant personality, Sarmiento brings an intensity to her music that resonates deeply with listeners, making her a rising star in the jazz world.
Sarmiento, now based in Chicago after spending ten years in Minneapolis, has crafted a record that’s both a tribute to her musical influences and a reflection of her journey as an artist. Escape is an exhilarating mix of smooth jazz, jazz fusion, Afro-Peruvian rhythms, funky beats, and synthesizer colors, all wrapped in the rich tones of her saxophone and flute. But it’s also an album that highlights Sarmiento’s fearless approach to music—a trait she says she’s always carried with her. "When I play the saxophone, I love that feeling of danger," she shares. "I'm drawn to music filled with intensity and risk that captures every fiber of your being in the moment; that’s why I love jazz."
A Journey from Peru to the Jazz World
Sarmiento’s musical roots trace back to her early years in Lima, Peru, where she was first introduced to jazz through the sounds of legends like Charlie Parker, Sonny Rollins, and John Coltrane. But her journey didn’t stop there. By the time she attended the McNally Smith College of Music in Saint Paul, Minnesota, on a scholarship, she discovered more modern jazz giants, including Michael Brecker, Bob Mintzer, and Chris Potter. "Minneapolis raised me musically," she reflects. "It’s a smaller city, but the music scene is vibrant, steeped in the legacy of Prince. I began performing with Prince’s long-time collaborators and Weather Report’s legendary drummer Eric Gravatt right out of college."
Her time in Minneapolis was formative, not only in terms of honing her skills but also in cultivating a musical identity that could transcend genres. "I explored every genre from Minneapolis funk to brass band, from Motown to free jazz," she says. "What was really important was that I came to develop my own sound." The influence of players like Brecker, Mintzer, and Potter remains strong in her approach—combining strength with urgency in every note.
Escape – An Amalgam of Styles and Cultures
Sarmiento's debut album, Escape, is an exciting tapestry that blends genres, styles, and cultures, weaving together the intricacies of jazz with the boldness of rock and Latin grooves. "I’ve always felt different as a Latina in jazz," Sarmiento admits. "For years, I had been a side woman, but I always dreamed of leading my own band and telling my story through music. Music has always been the lodestar illuminating my path, and it has taken me all over the world."
The album’s title track, which was initially released as an experimental single, captures the essence of Sarmiento’s creative journey—a song in three movements that blends various styles, textures, and emotions, from sensuality to happiness and uncertainty. It’s a perfect representation of her dynamic approach to jazz.
“Look Up,” the third track, is one of the album’s standouts, drawing heavily on Afro-Peruvian influences. The beautiful melody dances over intricate rhythms, demonstrating Sarmiento’s ability to merge beauty and complexity in a way that feels effortless. “I remember sitting in my studio during a long cold Minneapolis winter, looking out the window at the gray sky. I remembered the stunning sunsets in my hometown of Lima, and ‘Look Up’ was born,” she recalls. The song, which Sarmiento originally titled "Peruvian Skies," evokes the innocence and wonder of looking up to the sky for inspiration.
Another notable track, "Porcelain," is a reimagining of the Red Hot Chili Peppers' hit from 1999. The song starts with a beautiful vocal choir before transitioning into Sarmiento’s signature saxophone improvisation, creating a dreamy and ethereal atmosphere. "I wanted to sing it myself," she explains. "I recorded the melody and layered nearly twenty tracks of vocal harmonies for a dreamy, ethereal quality."
Musical Collaborations and Special Guests
One of the highlights of Escape is the impressive lineup of guest musicians that Sarmiento brings together. Snarky Puppy guitarist Mark Lettieri features on the track “Dreamland,” which blends dreamy textures and an infectious melody with a groovy 7/8 rhythm. Lettieri’s gritty guitar solo, paired with Sarmiento’s expressive saxophone, adds a layer of complexity and depth to the track.
Another standout collaboration is with trumpeter Adam Meckler, who adds his magic to "The Prof." Meckler, a college professor turned collaborator, is given free rein to craft a dynamic horn arrangement, and his trumpet solo adds fire to the track’s pulsating energy. "Adam is amazing," Sarmiento notes. "I told him to do his thing over the end of the song, and he did, creating a fantastic horn arrangement and a face-melting trumpet solo."
From Pop to Jazz: A World of Experiences
Before her debut album, Sarmiento had already experienced a wide range of musical worlds. In 2021, after a decade-long hiatus from playing guitar, she was invited to join Pitbull's world tour. "Even though I hadn’t played guitar in ten years, I said yes," she remembers. "Ten days later, I was on a plane to Miami to rehearse with Pitbull for a year-long stadium tour." As the only woman in Pitbull's 60-person crew, she thrived as both the saxophonist and guitarist, performing for 70,000 people a night. Her experience with Pitbull and later with Colombian reggaeton star Karol G on her 2023 US tour exposed Sarmiento to the world of pop and live performance, offering a stark contrast to the improvisational nature of jazz. "In jazz, the music is paramount," she says. "In pop, the visuals and the show often take precedence. Sometimes, I felt like I was more of an actress than anything else, and I loved it."
Escape – A Personal Refuge
When asked about the album title, Sarmiento reflects on its significance. "Escape is perfect," she says. "The song was written during a turbulent time in my life. At the time, the process was so healing to be with myself and my music in the studio. And that’s what music has always been to me. A place where my mind can escape to and tune out all the unnecessary noise or problems. My place of refuge and solace. With ‘Escape,’ I can leave all the noise behind.”
With her debut album, Lucia Sarmiento has not only found her voice but is now offering it to the world—bold, expressive, and filled with an infectious sense of adventure. Escape is an album that captures the essence of who she is as both a musician and a person—one who is not afraid to take risks, explore new territories, and embrace the full range of human emotion. For listeners seeking a fresh, dynamic voice in jazz, Escape is the perfect entry point to Lucia Sarmiento’s extraordinary musical journey.
Track Highlights:
- “Signal Flow” – Electro-jazz fusion with a funky bebop bass and dreamy saxophone.
- “Morning Delight” – A smooth, sexy saxophone melody leading into an energetic jazz fusion piece.
- “Look Up” – Afro-Peruvian rhythms with a lively 12/8 time signature.
- “Porcelain” – A reimagined Red Hot Chili Peppers classic with lush vocal harmonies and ethereal sax.
- “Dreamland” – Featuring Mark Lettieri’s gritty guitar and a robust 7/8 groove.
- “The Prof” – A collaboration with trumpeter Adam Meckler, featuring a face-melting trumpet solo.
