Courtesy Karen Fritsche
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
” data-original-title title>Peter Smith on piano,
” data-original-title title>Mike Gurrola on bass, and
” data-original-title title>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
