Bio

José Fernando Solares is a Mexican improviser, saxophonist, composer, sound artist, and . He explores improvisation beyond listening, delving into the perception of time-space and existing in multiple realities. Trained in Classical Saxophone Performance, José's musicality extends to genres like ska, salsa, timba, jazz, contemporary music, and free improvisation, as well as interdisciplinary projects.

José has performed with renowned ensembles such as SSAJ Big Band, Wadada Leo Smith’s Mbira Ensemble, Burnt Sugar Arkestra, Wilfrido Terrazas Sea Quintet, La Covacha Big Band, and Bucéfalo. His participation in esteemed events includes Monheim Triennale (2025) in Germany,  High Desert Soundings (2024), Winter Jazzfest 2024 in NYC, Heather Kravas and Victoria Haven: solid objects/VOIDS at The Walker Art Center (2022), Afrofuturism Festival 2022 at Carnegie Hall, and the Ensenada's New Music Festival (Neofonía FMNE) from 2019 to 2024, among others.

Jose collaborates with notable artists such as Selendis Sebastian Alexander Johnson, Wilfrido Terrazas, Jefferson Doyle, Kyle Motl,Ivan Trujillo, Ernesto Rosas, Mitch Stahlmann and Jordan Glenn. José's talent earned him the prestigious FONCA-CONACYT scholarship for graduate studies abroad in 2021,  and completed his MFA in Music Performance and Literature with a focus on Improvisation at Mills College in 2023. José is now Adjunct Faculty in the Arts Department at the Baja California Autonomous University.