Tito Charneco

Tito Charneco is a tenor saxophonist, composer, bandleader, and educator. His playing joins the straight-ahead jazz tradition with the rhythms and lyricism of his Puerto Rican heritage. He was born in Brooklyn to Puerto Rican parents and moved to Puerto Rico at age four. He grew up wanting to play the saxophone like his father did, began formal training at 12 in Guayanilla, and was soon performing professionally across the island. By 17 he was writing for bands and traveling throughout the Caribbean.

A job in a cruise ship big band led him to the University of North Texas, home of one of the best-known jazz programs in the country. There he earned his Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies, his Master of Music, and his Doctor of Musical Arts. As an undergraduate he sold his alto saxophone to commit fully to the tenor. He has taught jazz at universities across the United States and served as Teaching Fellow in Jazz Saxophone at UNT. In Texas he co-led the group Diaspora with saxophonist Brad Leali and drummer José Aponte.

Charneco has recorded several albums as a leader and sideman. He has lived and worked in Germany and now freelances in New York City. For several years he has been a member of Arturo O’Farrill’s band. He is featured on O’Farrill’s The Original Influencers: Dizzy, Chano & Chico, recorded live at New York’s Town Hall and nominated for Best Latin Jazz Album at the 68th Grammy Awards.

He has just finished recording two albums of original compositions, both due out in 2027. The first is inspired by the poetry of the Puerto Rican poet Julia de Burgos and builds on his doctoral research. The second is a collection of songs drawn from his life and experiences in New York City and around the world. He leads his own groups around New York and performs his music in the West Village.