LUIS HERNANDEZ

Tenor & Soprano Saxophones

  A Native of Miami, Luis began his musical career on the saxophone at the age of 14. In 1987, his young talent was recognized as he was admitted into the New World School of the Arts and had the opportunity to perform alongside jazz greats such as Ira Sullivan and Freddie Hubbard. While still in high school, Luis worked steadily in the south Florida area playing in a variety of musical settings.

   In 1991, Luis matriculated at the University of North Texas where he played in the internationally acclaimed "One O'clock Lab Band. During his three and a half years in this great ensemble, Luis had the opportunity to perform with world-renowned artists such as the Michael & Randy Brecker, Jon Hendricks, Louie Bellson, and Gerry Mulligan, as well as record six CD's.

   In 1996, Luis joined the U.S. Navy Band "Commodores" (no, not with Lionel Ritchie!) as tenor saxophonist and featured soloist. Luis has performed at seven International Saxophone Symposiums playing with James Moody, Dick Oatts, Nick Brignola, Lew Tabackin, Gary Smulyan, Arturo Sandoval and others. He has also worked with Keter Betts, Loston Harris, Leslie Ughams and is a member of the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra.

Other honors include being a semi-finalist in the 2002 Thelonius Monk International Jazz Saxophone Competition.