I love that Allen’s work isn’t a reproduction of an actual photo of anyone but rather a true artist's rendering of a moment. He understands this music so he understands these moments.
—Charles Ruggiero
Accomplished jazz saxophonist Allen Mezquida recently brought his quartet to the Stained Glass Music Studio in Pasadena for a memorable event that fused live jazz performances with an exhibit of his jazz portraits. This unique showcase marked the first time Mezquida’s music and visual art were presented together in the same venue. Attendees were treated to a set of classic jazz standards performed by Mezquida and his ensemble, which included Peter Smith on piano, Mike Gurrola on bass, and Charles Ruggiero on drums. (See video below: Allen Mezquida Quartet playing “Souvenir.")
“It was definitely a novel experience playing ‘Monk’s Dream’ while my own large portrait of Monk hung on the wall behind me,” Mezquida said. “With Peter Smith, Mike Gurrola, and Charles Ruggiero, it was a dream band.” Ruggiero, left the gig with a Coltrane Quartet portrait under his arm. He commented, “I love that Allen’s work isn’t a reproduction of an actual photo of anyone but rather a true artist’s rendering of a moment. He understands this music, so he understands these moments.”
Several of Mezquida’s portraits, including those of jazz legends Sonny Rollins, Chet Baker, and Miles Davis, are currently on display at Stained Glass Music Studio and can be viewed during their monthly shows. Mezquida is also in talks with other venues about future events that will merge his passion for bebop with the art inspired by these extraordinary musicians.
Mezquida, a regular figure in the '90s New York City jazz scene, played alongside notable musicians such as Brad Mehldau, Bill Charlap, and Roy Hargrove, and also performed with jazz legend Gerry Mulligan. During the 2020 quarantine, unable to perform live, Mezquida channeled his creativity into visual art, producing a series of portraits of his favorite jazz musicians. “I’ve always been involved in making art while playing jazz, but during quarantine, I went at it like a madman. I’m still going strong even now,” he said.
To share his evolving collection of jazz artwork with a broader audience, Mezquida has launched a new website, TheJazzDive.com. The site features his latest pieces and will continue to grow with new works overtime.
For more information and to view Allen Mezquida’s collection of jazz portraits, please visit TheJazzDive.com. For announcements about future art openings and jazz gigs, follow @TheJazzDive on Instagram.
“It was definitely a novel experience playing ‘Monk’s Dream’ while my own large portrait of Monk hung on the wall behind me,” Mezquida said. “With Peter Smith, Mike Gurrola, and Charles Ruggiero, it was a dream band.” Ruggiero, left the gig with a Coltrane Quartet portrait under his arm. He commented, “I love that Allen’s work isn’t a reproduction of an actual photo of anyone but rather a true artist’s rendering of a moment. He understands this music, so he understands these moments.”
Several of Mezquida’s portraits, including those of jazz legends Sonny Rollins, Chet Baker, and Miles Davis, are currently on display at Stained Glass Music Studio and can be viewed during their monthly shows. Mezquida is also in talks with other venues about future events that will merge his passion for bebop with the art inspired by these extraordinary musicians.
Mezquida, a regular figure in the '90s New York City jazz scene, played alongside notable musicians such as Brad Mehldau, Bill Charlap, and Roy Hargrove, and also performed with jazz legend Gerry Mulligan. During the 2020 quarantine, unable to perform live, Mezquida channeled his creativity into visual art, producing a series of portraits of his favorite jazz musicians. “I’ve always been involved in making art while playing jazz, but during quarantine, I went at it like a madman. I’m still going strong even now,” he said.
To share his evolving collection of jazz artwork with a broader audience, Mezquida has launched a new website, TheJazzDive.com. The site features his latest pieces and will continue to grow with new works overtime.
For more information and to view Allen Mezquida’s collection of jazz portraits, please visit TheJazzDive.com. For announcements about future art openings and jazz gigs, follow @TheJazzDive on Instagram.
