Bio

José Fernando Solares is a Mexican improviser, saxophonist, composer, and sound artist based in NYC. He delves into improvisational perspectives that transcend mere listening, emphasizing perception, awareness of the time-space continuum, the coexistence of multiple realities, and unpredictability. Surrendering to the unconscious, he explores improvisation through various genres, including ska, salsa, timba, jazz, contemporary music, and free improvisation, as well as interdisciplinary projects. 

With a background in Classical Saxophone Performance, José has showcased his musical talents in renowned orchestras and 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. He has also actively participated in prestigious festivals and initiatives such as Monheim Triennale (2025) in Germany,  High Desert Soundings (2024), Winter Jazz Fest 2024 in NYC, Heather Kravas and Victoria Haven: solid objects/VOIDS at The Walker Art Center in Minneapolis, MN (2022); Afrofuturism Festival 2022 at Carnegie Hall in NYC; Ensenada's New Music Festival in Mexico (Neofonia FMNE) from 2019 to 2024; Festival Of New Trumpet Music West 2020 in San Diego, CA (FONT West); International Improv's Week in Ensenada, Mexico (SIDIMPRO) from 2013 to 2019; La Covacha's International Jazz Week in Ensenada, Mexico (SIJAZZ) from 2014 to 2019; and Vértice. Experimentación y Vanguardia 2018 in Mexico City. 

Among José’s long-standing collaborations are remarkable artists such as Selendis Sebastian Alexander Johnson, Wilfrido Terrazas, Jefferson Doyle, Kyle Motl, Rocio Díaz de Cossio, Ivan Trujillo, Ernesto Rosas, Mitch Stahlmann, and Jordan Glenn. In recognition of his talent, he was awarded the FONCA-CONACYT scholarship for graduate studies abroad in 2021. In 2023, José completed his MFA in Music Performance and Literature, with a focus on Improvisation, at Mills College in Oakland, CA. Additionally, he is now an Adjunct Faculty member in the Arts Department at the Baja California Autonomous University and curates the Neofonía New Music Festival in Ensenada, Mexico.