Internationally acclaimed saxophonist and composer Miguel Zenón has received a 2025 Latin Grammy nomination in the category of Best Latin Jazz Album for his groundbreaking project Golden City. The winners will be announced at the 26th Annual Latin Grammy Awards on Thursday, November 13 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
A sweeping extended composition, Golden City traces the demographic and political evolution of San Francisco—from its Native roots to the Gold Rush, waves of migration, and the tech-driven era of today. Commissioned by SFJAZZ and the Hewlett Foundation, the work premiered at the SFJAZZ Center in 2022, performed by an inventive nonet centered on trombones.
Zenón immersed himself in California’s layered history, engaging in conversations with more than 50 individuals. “I wanted to go all the way back,” he explained, “to when it was Mexico, to the Native communities, to the Gold Rush, and the waves of Asian migration. Each story added depth to the music.”
The result is a richly textured album that has resonated with critics and audiences alike. Golden City was named the #1 Latin Jazz Album of the Year in the Francis Davis Jazz Critics Poll and highlighted as one of the best releases of 2024 by The Guardian, Jazzwise, Jazziz, and others.
Critics have hailed the album as:
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“A triumph… Miguel Zenón at his creative peak.” — All About Jazz ★★★★½
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“Musically stunning, complex and adventurous.” — Goldmine
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“Startlingly imaginative… a standout jazz album for 2024.” — Jazzwise ★★★★½
With its daring blend of history, narrative, and sonic exploration, Golden City exemplifies Zenón’s ability to balance innovation with tradition, a hallmark of his career.
A Grammy® winner, Doris Duke Artist, Guggenheim and MacArthur Fellow, Zenón is one of the most influential saxophonists and composers of his generation. Born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, he has released 17 albums as a leader and collaborated with legends such as Charlie Haden, Fred Hersch, Ray Barreto, Bobby Hutcherson, and the SFJAZZ Collective. Beyond performance, Zenón is deeply committed to education, serving as Associate Professor of Music & Theater Arts at MIT.
With Golden City, Zenón continues to expand the horizons of Latin jazz—connecting past and present, history and sound, community and art.
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