Bio
Carlos Henriquez's musical journey began in the vibrant borough of the Bronx, New York, where he first drew breath in 1979. His affinity for music became evident from an early age as he immersed himself in its world. As the chords of opportunity sounded, he embraced the guitar during his formative years, later embracing the resonant allure of the bass while honing his talents within The Juilliard School's Music Advancement Program.
His path led him to the illustrious halls of LaGuardia High School of Music & Arts and Performing Arts. Here, his passion converged with the LaGuardia Concert Jazz Ensemble, a musical endeavor that would ascend to grand heights. The ensemble's victory in Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Prestigious Essentially Ellington High School Jazz Band Competition and Festival of 1996 solidified their legacy.
Upon graduating in 1998, Carlos Henriquez embarked on an expedition that transcended borders and genres. An invitation to join the Wynton Marsalis Septet and the esteemed Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra transformed him into a global virtuoso. His resonant bass notes have graced over 25 albums, resonating harmoniously with the talents of luminaries like Chucho Valdes, Paco De Lucia, Tito Puente, and Eddie Palmieri.
Henriquez's melodic tapestry extends far and wide, weaving intricate threads with legends like Danilo Perez, Gonzalo Rubalcaba, and the Marsalis Family. His musical voyage encompasses transcendent collaborations with icons including Willie Nelson, Bob Dylan, and Stevie Wonder, as well as contemporary greats like Lenny Kravitz and Marc Anthony.
An educator as well as a performer, Carlos has wielded his expertise as a member of the faculty at Northwestern University School of Music since 2008. His role as music director during Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra’s momentous cultural exchange with the Cuban Institute of Music in 2010 further underscores his commitment to musical diplomacy and cultural unity.
In recent years, Carlos Henriquez has ascended to new pinnacles. His leadership and artistry have radiated in the spotlight, guiding Jazz at Lincoln Center concerts with a dual force of musicianship and vision. A landmark collaboration with Ruben Blades in November 2014 etched a fresh chapter in the orchestra's history, interweaving salsa, and jazz harmonies into an unforgettable crescendo.
The pulse of his creativity resonates through a quartet of groundbreaking projects. "The Bronx Pyramid" stands as a testament to his innovation, released under the Blue Engine label. "Dizzy Con Clave," released through RodBros, further demonstrates his compositional prowess. A significant milestone was marked with his first Grammy-nominated opus, "The South Bronx Story," a multifaceted opus that entwines the South Bronx's social history with his Puerto Rican heritage.
As the dawn of September 15th, 2023, approaches, a new masterpiece readies itself for the world's ears. "A Nuyorican Tale," meticulously crafted in collaboration with Symphonic Distributions, unveils an urban Latin-jazz odyssey. This musical tapestry tells tales of Puerto Rican and Nuyorican heritage, a melodic testament to the struggles and triumphs within New York City's vibrant tapestry. Voices rise to recount historical crossroads, from the struggles of San Juan Hill to the heart of The South Bronx, etching their narratives into the very landscape they've shaped.
Presently, Carlos Henriquez's resonance as a maestro echoes from the Bass chair of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, a testament to his artistry and enduring contribution to the world of music.
Photo by Leslie Farinacci