Jazz Recording Studio in Mexico City
+ Remote Mixing and Mastering Services
Specialized in Jazz, World Music, Acoustic and Improvised Music
CREDITS / DISCOGRAPHY
[Press to listen]
- Jazz
- World Music
- Other Genres
ABOUT
Jan Böker (Founder + Producer)
Jan is a music producer and mixing engineer whom artists and producers turn to for the realization of Jazz, World Music, and other “organic” music projects.
His work is centered on supporting emerging musicians, taking on the role of a catalyst for creative opportunities. He dedicates most of his time to mixing, through which he brings his own aesthetic vision to each project. The result is a sound that musicians describe as natural, open, and immersive.
To achieve this, Jan combines technical expertise, experience, and a classically oriented sonic sensibility—characteristic of a producer born in the 1970s—with cutting-edge technology, including equipment and tools from Neumann, Beyerdynamic, SSL, UAD, and others.
He works from a remarkable Mix Room specifically designed for an ergonomic workflow, one he has been refining since 2023, the year he completed his Music Production studies at SAE Institute.
You can also book a session via SoundBetter (see link below)
TESTIMONIALS
ROSTER / PROJECTS
Alan Fajardo is one of the most exciting voices in Mexico’s contemporary jazz scene—a trumpeter, composer, and bandleader known for blending modern jazz, improvisation, and rich cross-cultural influences into a deeply personal musical language. Through projects such as Alan Fajardo y Los Viajeros, he has built a reputation for creating adventurous, emotionally resonant music that invites listeners on a journey beyond traditional genre boundaries. [pesticidef…ndcamp.com], [pesticidef…ndcamp.com]
At Pesticide Free Music, Alan has been an important artistic collaborator, releasing original works and participating in live recording projects that reflect the label’s commitment to honest, organic, and uncompromising music-making. His releases on the label include the acclaimed “Blanco”, a contemporary jazz composition featuring an international ensemble and produced by Jan Boker at Pesticide Free Music Records. [pesticidef…ndcamp.com], [shazam.com]
He has also collaborated on the release “Transikå” and the live album “Alan Fajardo y Lxs Viajerxs – Live Session July 2023,” both of which showcase his distinctive compositional voice and the spontaneous energy of his ensemble. These projects embody the spirit of Pesticide Free Music: artistic freedom, collaboration, and a dedication to music that is authentic and deeply human. [pesticidef…ndcamp.com], [pesticidef…ndcamp.com]
Explore Alan Fajardo:
- Pesticide Free Music Artist Releases: https://pesticidefreemusic.bandcamp.com/music [pesticidef…ndcamp.com]
- Blanco (Alan Fajardo): https://pesticidefreemusic.bandcamp.com/track/blanco-alan-fajardo [pesticidef…ndcamp.com]
- Transikå (Alan Fajardo): https://pesticidefreemusic.bandcamp.com/album/transik-alan-fajardo [pesticidef…ndcamp.com]
- Alan Fajardo y Lxs Viajerxs – Live Session July 2023: https://pesticidefreemusic.bandcamp.com/album/alan-fajardo-y-lxs-viajerxs-live-session-july-2023 [pesticidef…ndcamp.com]
Whether performing as a fearless improviser or crafting carefully structured compositions, Alan Fajardo continues to expand the possibilities of contemporary jazz while helping define the creative community that surrounds Pesticide Free Music.
Los Pablos is one of Mexico’s most celebrated modern jazz trios, bringing together Pablo Loaiza (drums), Pablo Castro (piano), and Pablo Flores (bass) in a project that has helped redefine the sound of contemporary Mexican jazz. Formed in Mexico City in 2018, the trio emerged from the vibrant jam-session scene and quickly gained recognition for its sophisticated blend of improvisation, original compositions, and modern jazz influences inspired by artists such as Brad Mehldau, Robert Glasper, and Jacky Terrason. [pablofloal…ixsite.com], [museotamayo.org]
What makes Los Pablos special is their ability to combine technical mastery with a distinctive group identity. Rather than simply interpreting jazz standards, they have developed a rich catalog of original music, showcased in their acclaimed Vol. 1 (2022) and Vol. 2 (2023), establishing them as one of the most exciting creative forces in Mexico’s jazz community. [pablofloal…ixsite.com], [museotamayo.org]
At Pesticide Free Music, Los Pablos have become key collaborators in the label’s mission to document and promote Mexico’s independent jazz movement. Their 2025 full EP release “Bestias Catalogadas,” reflects the collective, artist-centered philosophy that defines the Pesticide Free Music community. The project highlights the trio’s openness to collaboration and their commitment to creating music free from commercial constraints.
Recognized on important stages such as the Museo Tamayo’s Jazz Nights series, Los Pablos continue to captivate audiences with performances that are both intellectually engaging and emotionally powerful. Their music stands as a testament to the vitality of Mexico’s contemporary jazz scene and to the enduring creative spirit nurtured by Pesticide Free Music. [museotamayo.org], [pesticidef…ndcamp.com]
Explore Los Pablos:
- Official website: https://pablofloal.wixsite.com/lospablos/la-banda [pablofloal…ixsite.com]
- Almas Libres (Pesticide Free Music collaboration): https://pesticidefreemusic.bandcamp.com/track/almas-libres [pesticidef…ndcamp.com]
- Pesticide Free Music catalog: https://pesticidefreemusic.bandcamp.com/music [pesticidef…ndcamp.com]
- Museo Tamayo feature: https://www.museotamayo.org/agenda/noche-de-jazz-presenta-los-pablos-jazz-trio [museotamayo.org]
With their fearless improvisation, original compositions, and unmistakably modern voice, Los Pablos are helping shape the future of jazz in Mexico—one performance at a time.
Jahaziel Arrocha
is a distinguished saxophonist whose expressive tone, deep musical sensitivity, and commitment to the jazz tradition have earned him recognition among audiences and fellow musicians alike. Equally comfortable interpreting classic repertoire and engaging in spontaneous improvisation, Arrocha brings a warm, lyrical voice to every performance. [shazam.com], [youtube.com]
His collaboration with Pesticide Free Music resulted in a memorable recording of the beloved jazz standard “Softly”, a piece that beautifully showcases his elegant phrasing and melodic imagination. Produced by Jan Boker, the recording features Jahaziel on saxophone alongside Saul Ojeda (bass) and Fernando Herrera (drums), capturing the organic, intimate sound that has become a hallmark of the Pesticide Free Music catalog. [shazam.com], [youtube.com]
Released in 2024, “Softly (Jahaziel Arrocha)” has become one of the standout jazz recordings associated with Pesticide Free Music, demonstrating how a timeless standard can be revitalized through honest musicianship, refined interaction, and inspired interpretation. The recording reflects the label’s philosophy of preserving authentic performances while giving artists the freedom to express their individual voice. [qobuz.com], [shazam.com]
Beyond the studio, Jahaziel continues to inspire listeners through performances and collaborations that celebrate the enduring power of jazz. His work with Pesticide Free Music stands as a testament to the beauty of simplicity, musical conversation, and the lasting appeal of the great jazz standards. [youtube.com], [shazam.com]
Explore Jahaziel Arrocha:
- Softly (Jahaziel Arrocha): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TNLCTjaInbM [youtube.com]
- Softly (Jahaziel Arrocha) – Shazam: https://www.shazam.com/song/1730998459/softly-jahaziel-arrocha [shazam.com]
- Pesticide Free Music Session with Máster Jahaziel Arrocha: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pUDalaIjrrM [youtube.com]
With his soulful saxophone sound and heartfelt interpretation of “Softly,” Jahaziel Arrocha reminds us why the jazz tradition remains alive: every great standard becomes new again in the hands of a true artist.
Alejandro Campos Bonilla is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in Mexican jazz. A distinguished professor at the Escuela Superior de Música (ESM) in Mexico City, composer, saxophonist, bandleader, and mentor, he has dedicated decades to shaping new generations of jazz musicians while continuously expanding the artistic horizons of the genre in Mexico. He also leads the ESM Jazz Big Band, one of the country’s most important educational ensembles. [pesticidef…ndcamp.com]
Campos occupies a special place in the history of Mexican jazz as the co-founder of the legendary group Sacbé, alongside his brother Eugenio Toussaint. Founded in the 1980s, Sacbé became a landmark project that helped establish Mexican jazz on the international stage, combining virtuosity, originality, and a distinctly Latin American musical identity. Today, the band remains an essential reference for jazz enthusiasts throughout Mexico and beyond. [pesticidef…ndcamp.com]
His artistic legacy extends through numerous recordings, including the celebrated album Caminata Nocturna, considered an important milestone in Mexican jazz history. The recording featured musicians such as Hernán Hecht and Nicolás Santella early in their careers and is frequently cited as an iconic contribution to the country’s modern jazz catalog. [pesticidef…ndcamp.com]
At Pesticide Free Music, Alejandro Campos has become one of the label’s closest and most prolific collaborators. According to the label, he records regularly—often on a monthly basis—participating in a variety of jazz and experimental music projects, while also bringing former students into the creative process, helping bridge generations of musicians through collaboration and mentorship. [pesticidef…ndcamp.com]
His collaborations with Pesticide Free Music include:
- Campos on Stage 2024 (Alejandro Campos Quartet), showcasing his powerful soprano saxophone playing and leadership as a bandleader. [pesticidef…ndcamp.com]
- Tenor Advection with Jan Boker. [pesticidef…ndcamp.com]
- Interstellar Connection with Jan Boker. [pesticidef…ndcamp.com]
- Iranumange (5 Excerpts) with Trio.Org. [pesticidef…ndcamp.com]
- Three Card Molly with Trio.Org. [pesticidef…ndcamp.com]
- Rodrigo Castelán & Alejandro Campos Duets, an intergenerational collaboration reflecting his role as mentor and educator. [youtube.com], [pesticidef…ndcamp.com]
- Featured appearances on Pesticide Free Music recordings, including Duskrat, released through the label’s platform. [youtube.com]
Through these projects, Campos has helped define the artistic identity of Pesticide Free Music: adventurous, collaborative, intellectually curious, and rooted in the living tradition of jazz. His long-standing partnership with producer Jan Boker has resulted in recordings that capture both the spontaneity of improvisation and the depth of decades of musical experience. [pesticidef…ndcamp.com], [pesticidef…ndcamp.com]
Explore Alejandro Campos Bonilla:
- Campos on Stage 2024: https://pesticidefreemusic.bandcamp.com/track/campos-on-stage-2024 [pesticidef…ndcamp.com]
- Pesticide Free Music Catalog: https://pesticidefreemusic.bandcamp.com/music [pesticidef…ndcamp.com]
- Alejandro Campos Recordings at Pesticide Free Music: https://pesticidefreemusic.com/pfm-alejandro-campos-bonilla/ [pesticidef…emusic.com]
- Duskrat (feat. Alejandro Campos Bonilla): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N_UJzMHq2sQ [youtube.com]
From founding the groundbreaking jazz group Sacbé with Eugenio Toussaint to mentoring emerging artists at the Escuela Superior de Música and recording extensively with Pesticide Free Music, Alejandro Campos Bonilla remains one of the guiding forces of contemporary Mexican jazz—a musician whose influence extends far beyond the stage and into the future of the art form itself.
Adrián Terrazas-González is an internationally acclaimed Mexican musician, composer, and multi-instrumentalist whose career has crossed the boundaries of jazz, progressive rock, world music, and experimental improvisation. Best known globally for his work with The Mars Volta, Terrazas has developed a distinctive artistic voice characterized by adventurous compositions, virtuosic musicianship, and a fearless approach to musical exploration. [open.spotify.com]
Throughout his career, Adrián has collaborated with a wide range of artists and projects, earning a reputation as one of the most versatile and creative musicians to emerge from Mexico. Whether performing on saxophone, flute, bass clarinet, percussion, or other instruments, his playing is marked by a unique combination of technical mastery and emotional depth. [open.spotify.com]
At Pesticide Free Music, Adrián joined forces with trumpeter and composer Alan Fajardo for the acclaimed jazz-fusion release Satin Sausage, one of the label’s most ambitious and energetic projects. The four-track EP blends jazz, rock, fusion, and open improvisation into an exhilarating musical journey that perfectly reflects the creative freedom at the heart of Pesticide Free Music. [pesticidef…ndcamp.com], [pesticidef…ndcamp.com]
The album features three compositions by Alan Fajardo—«Thor,» «Vu,» and «PSD»—alongside «What’s Your Sign,» an original composition by Adrián Terrazas-González. Recorded at the Pesticide Free Music Studio in Mexico City, the project showcases an all-star ensemble and captures the spontaneous energy of musicians creating without commercial limitations. [pesticidef…ndcamp.com], [tidal.com]
Adrián’s contribution to Satin Sausage goes far beyond performance. His composition «What’s Your Sign» brings his unmistakable artistic personality into the project, combining sophisticated harmonic ideas, dynamic rhythms, and modern fusion aesthetics. The result is a recording that stands as one of the most exciting collaborations in the Pesticide Free Music catalog. [pesticidef…ndcamp.com], [tidal.com]
For Pesticide Free Music, working with a musician of Adrián Terrazas-González’s stature represents a perfect alignment of values: artistic independence, musical curiosity, and a commitment to authentic, adventurous sound. His participation helped elevate Satin Sausage into a landmark release that continues to attract jazz and fusion enthusiasts from around the world. [pesticidef…ndcamp.com], [pesticidef…ndcamp.com]
Explore Adrián Terrazas-González:
- Satin Sausage (Pesticide Free Music): https://pesticidefreemusic.bandcamp.com/album/satin-sausage [pesticidef…ndcamp.com]
- Pesticide Free Music Catalog: https://pesticidefreemusic.bandcamp.com/music [pesticidef…ndcamp.com]
- Adrián Terrazas-González on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7yH0qsIU0DLDfJvtOvtohL [open.spotify.com]
From international stages with The Mars Volta to intimate studio collaborations in Mexico City, Adrián Terrazas-González continues to push musical boundaries. His work with Pesticide Free Music on Satin Sausage captures exactly what great fusion should be: daring, spontaneous, and utterly unforgettable.
Rodrigo “Grillo” Gasca (Grillasca) is a Mexican composer, pianist, and multidisciplinary artist based in Mexico City. Trained as a composer and pianist, he holds a degree from the Universidad de las Américas, where he developed a broad artistic perspective that bridges contemporary composition, improvisation, electroacoustic music, and interdisciplinary collaboration. [youtube.com]
As a composer, Grillo has cultivated a distinctive voice that explores the intersection of acoustic performance, electronic media, film, and experimental sound practices. His work reflects a deep interest in contemporary musical languages while remaining accessible through expressive musical storytelling and innovative sonic textures. [livemusicproject.org], [campaignlp…ontact.com]
Grillo is also the founder and artistic force behind Casa Patricio, an independent cultural space in Mexico City dedicated to contemporary music, experimental art, interdisciplinary collaboration, and creative exchange. Through Casa Patricio, he has helped establish a platform where composers, improvisers, visual artists, filmmakers, and performers can develop and present new work outside traditional institutional frameworks. [mx.linkedin.com], [livemusicproject.org]
His growing international profile has led to participation in projects involving prominent contemporary music organizations and artists. His compositions have appeared in programs presented by Composers Concordance, one of New York’s leading contemporary music organizations, alongside works by internationally recognized composers from the United States, Costa Rica, and Mexico. These programs have been presented across multiple countries, including performances at Casa Patricio and the Centro Mexicano para la Música y las Artes Sonoras (CMMAS). [livemusicproject.org], [campaignlp…ontact.com]
As a pianist, Grillo combines technical fluency with a strong improvisational spirit, drawing inspiration from classical music, contemporary composition, jazz, and experimental practices. His performances often blur the boundaries between composition and spontaneity, creating immersive musical experiences that challenge conventional categories. [youtube.com], [livemusicproject.org]
At Pesticide Free Music, it has been a privilege to collaborate with Grillo Gasca on projects that reflect his creative vision and commitment to artistic innovation. His work represents a unique synthesis of composition, performance, experimentation, and cultural leadership, making him one of the most distinctive voices in Mexico City’s contemporary creative music community
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Jerónimo Zoé is one of Mexico’s most innovative world-music artists: a tabla player, composer, multi-instrumentalist, educator, and producer whose work bridges Indian classical music, Mexican folk traditions, contemporary composition, improvisation, and interdisciplinary arts. Trained in composition and ethnomusicology, he has devoted decades to exploring musical traditions from around the world and transforming them into a highly personal artistic language. [jeronimozoe.com]
A specialist in the tabla, the iconic percussion instrument of North Indian classical music, Jerónimo has studied with renowned international masters and developed a reputation for combining technical excellence with deep cultural understanding. Beyond performance, he has composed music for theater, dance, multimedia productions, and international festivals, while also directing educational and artistic initiatives that promote intercultural dialogue through music. [jeronimozoe.com]
At Pesticide Free Music, Jerónimo Zoé is best known for his participation in the acclaimed Colectivo Novo Zambo project, an adventurous ensemble that brings together influences from Latin American folk music, improvisation, world music, and contemporary sound experimentation. As a member of the collective, Jerónimo contributed tabla and calabaza percussion, helping create the rich rhythmic landscapes that define the group’s distinctive sound. [pesticidef…ndcamp.com], [pesticidef…ndcamp.com]
His work can be heard throughout the Colectivo Novo Zambo EP, released through Pesticide Free Music in 2023. Tracks such as «Volando Va» and «Suelta Caudal» showcase the ensemble’s unique fusion of traditional and modern influences, with Jerónimo’s percussion providing both grounding and momentum. The project reflects the label’s commitment to artistic collaboration, cultural diversity, and organic music-making beyond commercial boundaries. [pesticidef…ndcamp.com], [pesticidef…ndcamp.com]
Jerónimo has also participated in live sessions and creative collaborations at Pesticide Free Music, including performances with guitarist Jonathan Lewis, further demonstrating his openness to musical exchange and improvisation. [youtube.com]
What makes Jerónimo Zoé especially fascinating is his ability to move effortlessly between worlds—Indian rhythm traditions, Mexican folklore, experimental music, theater, and jazz-inspired improvisation—while maintaining a coherent artistic voice. His work embodies the spirit of exploration that lies at the heart of Pesticide Free Music. [jeronimozoe.com], [pesticidef…emusic.com]
Explore Jerónimo Zoé:
- Official Website: https://jeronimozoe.com/ [jeronimozoe.com]
- Colectivo Novo Zambo – Volando Va: https://pesticidefreemusic.bandcamp.com/track/volando-va-2 [pesticidef…ndcamp.com]
- Colectivo Novo Zambo – Suelta Caudal: https://pesticidefreemusic.bandcamp.com/track/suelta-caudal [pesticidef…ndcamp.com]
- Pesticide Free Music Session with Jerónimo Zoé & Jonathan Lewis: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RTBurVpbBag [youtube.com]
Whether performing intricate tabla rhythms, composing for multidisciplinary productions, or collaborating with fellow explorers at Pesticide Free Music, Jerónimo Zoé continually reminds us that music is a meeting place for cultures, traditions, and imagination. His artistry transforms rhythm into a universal language that speaks across borders and generations.
Dante Pimentel is a Mexican singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and cultural explorer whose music draws inspiration from folk traditions, protest songs, world music, and community-based artistic expression. Known for his warm stage presence and collaborative spirit, Dante creates music that feels both timeless and deeply connected to contemporary social and cultural realities. [pesticidef…ndcamp.com], [tidal.com]
At the heart of his work is a commitment to music as a shared human experience. Whether performing with acoustic instruments, leading ensembles, or reinterpreting traditional songs, Dante brings together influences from different cultures and musical traditions to create performances that invite audiences to sing, reflect, and participate. [pesticidef…ndcamp.com], [tidal.com]
Dante’s most important collaboration with Pesticide Free Music is through Viva La Quinta, the ensemble behind the 2025 EP La Fonda. Released on the Pesticide Free Music label, the recording presents four songs that blend folk roots, collective musicianship, and a spirit of artistic freedom. On the project, Dante performs banjo and vocals, serving as one of the driving creative forces behind the group. [pesticidef…ndcamp.com], [pesticidef…ndcamp.com]
Pesticide Free Music collaborated directly with the band on the production of tracks such as «Bella Ciao» and «El Pescador,» helping shape a recording that celebrates cultural memory, resistance, and community. The label described the project as a «beautiful temporary refuge» and thanked Dante for the trust placed in the collaboration—an indication of the close artistic relationship that developed during the production process. [pesticidef…ndcamp.com]
Beyond the studio, Dante has also performed live at Pesticide Free Music Sessions, bringing the energy of Viva La Quinta into the intimate and organic environment that defines the Mexico City-based label. These performances reflect the shared values of both artist and label: authenticity, collaboration, and music created for expression rather than commercial pressure. [youtube.com], [pesticidef…emusic.com]
Through Viva La Quinta and his broader musical activities, Dante Pimentel continues to demonstrate how traditional music can remain vibrant, relevant, and transformative in the modern world. His work with Pesticide Free Music stands as a celebration of artistic independence and the enduring power of songs that bring people together. [pesticidef…ndcamp.com], [pesticidef…emusic.com]
Explore Dante Pimentel:
- La Fonda (Viva La Quinta): https://pesticidefreemusic.bandcamp.com/album/la-fonda-viva-la-quinta [pesticidef…ndcamp.com]
- Pesticide Free Music Session with Dante Pimentel & Viva La Quinta: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TqkbZT4HzQ4 [youtube.com]
- Pesticide Free Music: https://pesticidefreemusic.com/ [pesticidef…emusic.com]
With a banjo in hand and a passion for music rooted in community, Dante Pimentel reminds us that great songs are more than entertainment—they are places where people meet, stories are shared, and traditions continue to live and grow
Colectivo Mexicano de Jazz (COME JAZZ) is a vibrant collective of Mexican jazz musicians united by a shared passion for improvisation, collaboration, and the continued evolution of jazz in Mexico. Rather than revolving around a single bandleader, COME JAZZ embodies the spirit of a community—bringing together talented performers, composers, and improvisers to create music that reflects the diversity and vitality of Mexico’s contemporary jazz scene. [pesticidef…emusic.com], [pesticidef…emusic.com]
The collective has become a platform for artistic exchange, where experienced musicians and emerging talents meet on equal footing to explore new musical ideas. Rooted in the traditions of jazz but open to experimentation, COME JAZZ represents the collaborative energy that has made Mexico City one of Latin America’s most exciting centers for creative music. [pesticidef…emusic.com], [pesticidef…emusic.com]
COME JAZZ has maintained a close relationship with Pesticide Free Music, becoming one of the early projects documented by the label and studio. The collective’s inclusion in the Pesticide Free Music catalog reflects the label’s mission of supporting independent musicians and preserving authentic, organically produced performances free from commercial pressures. [pesticidef…emusic.com], [pesticidef…emusic.com]
One of the most notable results of this collaboration is COME JAZZ (Live at PFM), a live recording captured at Pesticide Free Music. The release showcases the collective’s improvisational strength, ensemble interplay, and dynamic performance style. Tracks such as “Blues à la Crème (Live)” highlight the energy and spontaneity that can only emerge when outstanding musicians share the same room and create in the moment. [youtube.com], [youtube.com]
For Pesticide Free Music, COME JAZZ represents something essential: the belief that jazz flourishes through community. Their collaboration helped establish the studio as a gathering place for Mexico’s creative musicians, reinforcing a culture of artistic trust, experimentation, and mutual support. [pesticidef…emusic.com], [pesticidef…emusic.com]
Today, COME JAZZ stands as a testament to the strength of Mexico’s jazz ecosystem—a collective driven not by commercial trends, but by curiosity, musicianship, and a commitment to keeping improvisational music alive and growing. Their work with Pesticide Free Music captures this spirit beautifully, preserving performances that are as spontaneous as they are enduring. [pesticidef…emusic.com], [youtube.com]
Explore COME JAZZ:
- COME JAZZ (Live at PFM) – Blues à la Crème (Live): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YI8KNmqQt2M [youtube.com]
- Pesticide Free Music Studio: https://pesticidefreemusic.com/ [pesticidef…emusic.com]
- Pesticide Free Music Catalog: https://pesticidefreemusic.bandcamp.com/music [pesticidef…ndcamp.com]
More than a group, COME JAZZ is a movement—a gathering of musicians dedicated to creativity, improvisation, and the collective spirit that has always been at the heart of great jazz. Their collaboration with Pesticide Free Music preserves this energy for future generations of listeners and musicians alike.
Remi Álvarez is a towering figure in Mexican creative music—a saxophonist, composer, improviser, educator, and visionary whose career has helped define the landscape of avant-garde jazz and free improvisation in Mexico for more than three decades. Known for his fearless artistic spirit and uncompromising commitment to exploration, Álvarez has inspired generations of musicians through his performances, recordings, and groundbreaking projects. [pesticidef…ndcamp.com], [youtube.com]
Throughout his career, Remi has been celebrated as one of the leading voices in Latin American improvised music. Whether performing in intimate experimental settings or international collaborations, his music is characterized by deep listening, expressive freedom, and an unwavering pursuit of new sonic possibilities. [pesticidef…ndcamp.com], [youtube.com]
At Pesticide Free Music, Remi Álvarez has become one of the label’s most distinguished collaborators. His 2025 release Tezcat Lingam, recorded with percussionist Yonki Salazar, demonstrated the label’s commitment to adventurous, boundary-defying music that draws from spirituality, improvisation, and intercultural dialogue. The project expanded the artistic reach of the Pesticide Free Music catalog and reinforced Remi’s reputation as a musician constantly searching for unexplored musical territories. [Botones –…ree Music]], [pesticidef…emusic.com]
Yet perhaps the most significant collaboration between Remi Álvarez and Pesticide Free Music is Black Emperor, a landmark 2026 recording that brought together the Remi Álvarez Trio and internationally acclaimed Chicago saxophonist Isaiah Collier. Recorded, mixed, and mastered at Pesticide Free Music under the direction of Jan Boker, the album features Remi Álvarez (tenor and soprano saxophones), Isaiah Collier (tenor saxophone), Arturo Báez (double bass), and Gustavo “Tavo” Nandayapa (drums and percussion). [pesticidef…ndcamp.com], [pesticidef…ndcamp.com]
Black Emperor is more than an album—it is a historic meeting of two generations of visionary improvisers from Mexico and the United States. The recording pushes the boundaries of contemporary free jazz, creating a powerful dialogue between Álvarez’s decades of experience and Collier’s explosive modern voice. The project has been praised for its intensity, creativity, and deeply collaborative spirit, opening new territories for improvised music while showcasing the artistic ambitions of Pesticide Free Music. [pesticidef…ndcamp.com], [elotrorock…xicano.com]
The collaboration between Remi and Isaiah Collier has roots that stretch back several years, growing out of artistic exchanges between musicians in Mexico City and Chicago. Their eventual studio meeting at Pesticide Free Music resulted in a recording that captures both musicians at the height of their creative powers, supported by one of Mexico’s finest rhythm sections. [elotrorock…xicano.com], [pesticidef…ndcamp.com]
For Pesticide Free Music, working with Remi Álvarez represents a profound artistic milestone. As Jan Boker himself noted, producing Black Emperor was not simply a recording project but a deeply meaningful musical dialogue with one of Mexico’s most respected creative artists. [pesticidef…ndcamp.com]
Explore Remi Álvarez
- Black Emperor (Remi Álvarez Trio + Isaiah Collier): https://pesticidefreemusic.bandcamp.com/album/black-emperor-2 [pesticidef…ndcamp.com]
- Black Emperor (title track): https://pesticidefreemusic.bandcamp.com/track/black-emperor [pesticidef…ndcamp.com]
- Black Emperor on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XXxjuJOyDcs [youtube.com]
- Review of Black Emperor: https://www.elotrorockmexicano.com/post/remi-%C3%A1lvarez-tr%C3%ADo-isaiah-collier-black-emperor-pesticide-free-music-2026 [elotrorock…xicano.com]
- Pesticide Free Music: https://pesticidefreemusic.com/ [pesticidef…emusic.com]
From his pioneering contributions to Mexico’s experimental jazz movement to the transcendent collaboration with Isaiah Collier on Black Emperor, Remi Álvarez continues to prove that great improvisation is not merely about technique—it is about courage, dialogue, and the relentless pursuit of artistic truth. His work with Pesticide Free Music stands among the most compelling chapters of that ongoing journey.
SugiPaPa is one of the freshest voices in Mexico City’s contemporary jazz scene: a dynamic trio led by guitarist and composer David Pang, bringing together the remarkable talents of Pablo Castro on organ and Reona Sugimoto on drums. The group blends modern jazz, blues, groove, and lyrical original compositions into a sound that is sophisticated, intimate, and unmistakably their own. [happyinsan…ndcamp.com], [youtube.com]
Founded around the creative vision of David Pang—a respected guitarist, composer, and educator from Mexico City—SugiPaPa represents a meeting of three highly expressive musicians whose chemistry is built on deep listening and collective improvisation. Their music moves effortlessly between swinging grooves, reflective melodies, and adventurous harmonic landscapes, creating a sound that appeals to both dedicated jazz enthusiasts and new listeners alike. [happyinsan…ndcamp.com], [youtube.com]
The trio’s debut recording, SugiPaPa Vol. 1, was recorded at Pesticide Free Music Records in Mexico City and released in 2026. The album features seven original compositions, including Pablues, Camaradic, Dear G, Blues for Pang, Pavana del Michi Fallecido, Oyasumi Pumi, and Valse Coquette. Together, these pieces reveal the trio’s wide musical range, from soulful blues influences to refined contemporary jazz composition. [happyinsan…ndcamp.com]
Their collaboration with Pesticide Free Music reflects the label’s mission of supporting artist-driven, organically produced music. Recorded, mixed, and mastered by Jan Boker, SugiPaPa Vol. 1 captures the trio’s natural interplay with clarity, warmth, and intimacy, preserving the spontaneity that defines their live performances. [happyinsan…ndcamp.com], [Pesticide…ree Music]]
What makes SugiPaPa particularly exciting is the unique combination of personalities within the ensemble. David Pang’s expressive guitar work, Pablo Castro’s rich organ textures, and Reona Sugimoto’s sensitive yet powerful drumming create a musical conversation that feels both modern and timeless. Their music demonstrates that contemporary jazz can be intellectually engaging while remaining deeply emotional and accessible. [happyinsan…ndcamp.com], [youtube.com]
As part of the growing community surrounding Pesticide Free Music, SugiPaPa represents the next generation of Mexican jazz: creative, collaborative, and unafraid to develop an authentic voice outside commercial expectations. [Pesticide…ree Music]], [pesticidef…emusic.com]
Explore SugiPaPa:
- SugiPaPa Vol. 1: https://happyinsanebicho.bandcamp.com/album/sugipapa-vol-1 [happyinsan…ndcamp.com]
- Pavana del Michi Fallecido (Live): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bOJlphyJFE4 [youtube.com]
- Blues for Pang (Live): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aBh7–98sUg [youtube.com]
- Pesticide Free Music Studio: https://pesticidefreemusic.com/ [pesticidef…emusic.com]
With David Pang at the helm and a trio chemistry that feels effortless, SugiPaPa is helping write a new chapter in Mexican jazz—one that values originality, artistry, and the joy of playing great music together.
Trio.Org is a dynamic Mexican jazz organ trio that brings together the classic energy of the organ-jazz tradition with a contemporary voice rooted in Mexico City’s thriving creative music scene. Featuring Brandon Hernández (organ), Rafael Vigo (electric guitar), and Uriel Rodríguez (drums), the group has earned recognition for its strong grooves, improvisational depth, and modern interpretation of hard-bop and soul-jazz influences. [pesticidef…ndcamp.com], [music.apple.com]
Drawing inspiration from the great organ trios of jazz history while developing a language of their own, Trio.Org creates music that is both immediately accessible and musically sophisticated. Their performances balance infectious rhythms, rich harmonic textures, and adventurous solos, making them a favorite among listeners who appreciate jazz that swings while still pushing creative boundaries. [pesticidef…ndcamp.com]
Trio.Org has been one of the earliest and most important collaborators of Pesticide Free Music. Their partnership with the label resulted in several notable releases that helped establish the studio’s reputation as a home for organically produced jazz recordings in Mexico City. [[Pesticide…illkommen!], [pesticidef…ndcamp.com]
Among these collaborations is the acclaimed Three Card Molly (2023), released through Pesticide Free Music. The recording showcases the trio’s chemistry, combining driving grooves, sophisticated improvisation, and the warm sound that characterizes the label’s productions. [music.youtube.com], [music.apple.com]
Trio.Org also partnered with legendary saxophonist Alejandro Campos Bonilla on the recording Iranumange (5 Excerpts), a collection of energetic hard-bop-inspired performances. The album features Alejandro Campos on tenor saxophone alongside the trio’s core members and was produced by Jan Boker at Pesticide Free Music. The result is a vibrant recording that captures the excitement of musicians interacting in real time, with each performer contributing a distinct voice to the collective sound. [pesticidef…ndcamp.com], [youtube.com]
The collaboration with Alejandro Campos is particularly significant because it brought together one of Mexico’s jazz masters with a younger generation of musicians, creating a bridge between tradition and innovation. Tracks from Iranumange highlight the expressive tenor saxophone of Campos, the soulful organ work of Brandon Hernández, the inventive guitar playing of Rafael Vigo, and the powerful drumming of Uriel Rodríguez. [pesticidef…ndcamp.com]
At Pesticide Free Music, Trio.Org embodies the label’s mission: creating honest, open, and deeply musical recordings free from commercial pressures. Their work helped establish a foundation for many of the jazz projects that would follow and remains an important part of the label’s artistic history. [[Pesticide…illkommen!], [pesticidef…ndcamp.com]
Explore Trio.Org
- Iranumange (5 Excerpts): https://pesticidefreemusic.bandcamp.com/album/iranumange-5-excepts [pesticidef…ndcamp.com]
- Iranumange (Alejandro Campos): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BCGyXFJi-Zo [youtube.com]
- Three Card Molly: https://music.apple.com/us/album/three-card-molly-single/1700410369 [music.apple.com]
- Three Card Molly (YouTube Music): https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=hQqHsrB_6I0&list=PLi37YAHwhosc5VR1jnGHSdVinNdEMFFS9&index=0 [music.youtube.com]
With their powerful organ-trio sound, fearless improvisation, and enduring collaboration with Alejandro Campos and Pesticide Free Music, Trio.Org stands as a shining example of the creativity and vitality of contemporary Mexican jazz.
Alonso Umaña is a distinguished jazz drummer and composer whose work has earned recognition within Mexico’s contemporary jazz scene. Pesticide Free Music and Alonso share a common vision regarding the development and promotion of jazz in Mexico, creating a strong foundation for ongoing collaboration.
Through this partnership, Pesticide Free Music has worked with Alonso on live recording projects and has helped bring his compositions to a wider audience. Their shared commitment to artistic excellence, creative independence, and the growth of original jazz has made the collaboration both productive and meaningful, contributing to the visibility of Alonso’s music and to the broader jazz community in Mexico and the US.
The ensemble’s members—Adrián Terrazas-González (woodwinds), Oso Avalle (bass), Santiago Corona (keyboards), and Lu Rodríguez (drums)—recorded a new album at Pesticide Free Music titled Amigosos, featuring original compositions by each member of the band.
Bringing together musicians with diverse backgrounds and a shared passion for creative exploration, the quartet crafted a recording that highlights the unique voice of each composer while maintaining a cohesive ensemble sound. The album showcases a rich blend of contemporary jazz, improvisation, and genre-crossing influences, reflecting the collective artistry of the group.
Amigosos was released in late February 2025, marking an important milestone for both the ensemble and its ongoing collaboration with Pesticide Free Music.
Jorge Lanz is a Mexican pianist, composer, educator, and recording artist whose music is defined by intimacy, reflection, and emotional honesty. Blending elements of contemporary classical music, lyric piano composition, and personal storytelling, Lanz has developed a distinctive voice that speaks directly to listeners through melody rather than virtuoso display. His work invites audiences into spaces of contemplation, memory, and everyday beauty. [deezer.com], [deezer.com]
Over the years, Jorge has built a catalog of original music that includes piano works, études, preludes, and thematic compositions such as Otro Día, Gotas, Atardecer, and Imperfecto. His compositions often draw inspiration from personal experiences and observations, creating a musical language that is accessible, heartfelt, and deeply human. [deezer.com], [vbmedia.com.mx]
A significant chapter of Jorge Lanz’s artistic journey is his collaboration with Pesticide Free Music, which released his EP Sesiones de Vida in 2023. The recording presented four original pieces—Sesiones de Vida, Soledad Nocturna, Recuerdos, and Otro Día—showcasing his gift for transforming simple musical ideas into evocative emotional experiences. [deezer.com], [deezer.com]
The release of Sesiones de Vida perfectly aligned with the philosophy of Pesticide Free Music: creating honest, organic recordings that prioritize artistic expression over commercial trends. Through this collaboration, Jorge’s music reached a broader audience while preserving the intimacy and authenticity that define his work. [deezer.com], [[Pesticide…illkommen!]
More recently, Jorge continued to develop his artistic vision through projects such as Imperfecto, a collection of works that further demonstrates his sensitivity as a composer and performer. His music reminds us that beauty often lies not in perfection, but in sincerity, vulnerability, and emotional connection. [hypeddit.com], [deezer.com]
For listeners of Pesticide Free Music, Jorge Lanz represents another facet of the label’s diverse musical universe. While many PFM releases explore jazz, improvisation, and world music, Jorge’s recordings bring a quieter and more introspective dimension—one centered on melody, atmosphere, and the expressive possibilities of the piano. [[Pesticide…illkommen!], [deezer.com]
Explore Jorge Lanz
- Sesiones de Vida (Pesticide Free Music): https://www.deezer.com/en/artist/50403712 [deezer.com]
- Jorge Lanz YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@jorgelanzmusic [youtube.com]
- Imperfecto: https://hypeddit.com/jorgelanz/imperfecto [hypeddit.com]
- Pesticide Free Music: https://pesticidefreemusic.com/ [[Pesticide…illkommen!]
With a piano, a melody, and a profound sense of humanity, Jorge Lanz creates music that invites listeners to slow down and reconnect with what truly matters. His collaboration with Pesticide Free Music through Sesiones de Vida stands as a beautiful example of how simple, heartfelt music can leave a lasting impression.
Vico Díaz is one of the most original string players to emerge from Mexico’s contemporary music scene. A virtuoso of the Leona, the deep-voiced bass instrument of the son jarocho tradition, Díaz has built a unique artistic voice that moves effortlessly between Mexican folk music, jazz, experimentation, and contemporary chamber music. His work is dedicated to expanding the possibilities of traditional instruments while remaining deeply connected to their cultural roots. [pesticidef…ndcamp.com]
His collaboration with Pesticide Free Music has resulted in one of the label’s most innovative and historically significant projects: a bold reimagining of the music of Johann Sebastian Bach through the sound of the Mexican Leona. The project challenges conventional ideas about both classical performance and traditional Mexican music, creating a bridge between eighteenth-century Europe and contemporary Mexico. [pesticidef…ndcamp.com]
The first release from this project, Air on the G String (BWV 1068), marks an extraordinary musical milestone. According to Pesticide Free Music, it is the first time in history that the Leona has been placed at the center of a string quartet performing Bach, transforming one of classical music’s most beloved works into something entirely new while preserving its emotional and architectural beauty. [pesticidef…ndcamp.com]
What makes this recording remarkable is not only the arrangement itself, but also its production philosophy. Working with Pesticide Free Music, traditional classical recording conventions were intentionally reconsidered. Microphone placement, spatial design, mix priorities, and ensemble balance were redesigned to highlight the unique interaction between the Leona and the bowed strings. The result is an intimate, immersive listening experience that allows Bach’s music to resonate through an instrument rooted in Mexican cultural history. [pesticidef…ndcamp.com]
At the center of this vision is Vico Díaz’s belief that traditional instruments are not museum pieces but living voices capable of participating in the world’s greatest musical traditions. His interpretation of Bach places the Leona not as an exotic addition, but as a full artistic equal, capable of carrying harmony, rhythm, and profound emotional expression. [pesticidef…ndcamp.com]
For Pesticide Free Music, the Bach project represents exactly the kind of artistic adventure the label seeks to support: authentic, thoughtful, culturally meaningful, and sonically adventurous. Through this collaboration, Vico Díaz has created a recording that both honors Bach and expands the possibilities of Mexican traditional music for future generations. [pesticidef…ndcamp.com]
Explore Vico Díaz
- Air on the G String (BWV 1068): https://pesticidefreemusic.bandcamp.com/track/air-on-the-g-string-bwv-1068 [pesticidef…ndcamp.com]
- Pesticide Free Music Studio: https://pesticidefreemusic.com/ [youtube.com]
With his groundbreaking interpretation of Bach, Vico Díaz has achieved something rare: creating music that feels simultaneously ancient and new. By bringing the Leona into the world of Johann Sebastian Bach, he has opened an entirely new chapter in the dialogue between Mexican tradition and classical music—a chapter proudly documented and produced by Pesticide Free Music.
Kushmik is a multicultural musical project formed in August 2024 by musicians with backgrounds spanning a wide range of genres, including salsa, merengue, jazz, timba, ska, and other contemporary Latin styles. Bringing together artists from Mexico, Cuba, Venezuela, and Colombia, the band represents a vibrant fusion of musical traditions and cultural perspectives.
Their music speaks to every kind of listener and every kind of emotion: love, heartbreak, protest, freedom, friendship, courage, and the celebration of life itself. For every feeling, there is a song. Through infectious rhythms, thoughtful lyrics, and dynamic performances, Kushmik seeks to connect deeply with audiences while celebrating the diversity of the human experience.
Founded by Erick Sono Dread, the group embraces a spirit of unity, creativity, and cultural exchange, crafting music that is both entertaining and meaningful. Their unique blend of influences reflects the rich musical heritage of Latin America while pointing toward new artistic horizons.
Rebeca “Becks” Bustamante is a singer and violist whose musical training was developed primarily at the LaFaro Jazz Institute and the Escuela Superior de Música of the National Institute of Fine Arts (INBAL). She has performed on numerous stages and at cultural festivals throughout Mexico alongside renowned musicians from the country’s jazz scene.
Most recently, she was awarded First Prize in the “Premio Joven de Jazz” (Young Jazz Award) presented by the Orquesta Nacional de Jazz de México, a recognition that highlights her exceptional talent and growing impact as an emerging artist.
Below is a generous testimonial from Maestro Agustín Bernal, renowned double bassist:
Daniel Paz is a Mexican composer, clarinetist, and improviser whose work bridges contemporary jazz, free improvisation, reggae-infused textures, and experimental music. Based in Mexico City, he has performed at festivals and venues across Mexico, Costa Rica, Belize, the United States, and Colombia, collaborating with projects such as Tres Tristes Tangos, Ficus Trío, Polka Madre, Realidub, and Ojos de Gato, as well as theater and clown productions. [danielpaz….ndcamp.com], [danielpaz….ndcamp.com]
Paz has developed a distinctive artistic voice centered on original composition and spontaneous creation. His ensemble, Todos Queremos Paz (“We All Want Peace”), explores a broad musical spectrum ranging from contemporary jazz and reggae to avant-garde improvisation through original works that emphasize emotional expression and collective interaction. [jazzmx.com], [danielpaz….ndcamp.com]
At Pesticide Free Music, Daniel Paz recorded two albums of original compositions with Todos Queremos Paz. The studio handled the production, recording, mixing, and mastering of both releases. The first, Todos Queremos Paz: Vol. Verde (2025), consists of six compositions inspired by reggae and jazz, with improvisation playing a central role throughout the project. The second, Todos Queremos Paz: Vol. Negro (2025), continues the concept by exploring more complex emotional landscapes, including loss, heartbreak, chaos, war, and the challenges of the human condition. [danielpaz….ndcamp.com] [danielpaz….ndcamp.com], [prostudiomasters.com]
Featuring collaborators such as Santiago Von Sternenfels (alto saxophone), Silvestre Villarruel (piano), Rodo Ocampo (drums), and Alejandro Martínez (double bass), these recordings showcase Paz’s commitment to innovative composition, improvisation, and ensemble interplay.
Kunt Vargas is an acclaimed trombonist, composer, improviser, archaeologist, and visual artist originally from the Mixe community of Santa María Tlahuitoltepec, Oaxaca, Mexico. A native speaker of Ayuujk (Mixe), he has dedicated himself to music since childhood and has developed a distinctive artistic voice that bridges indigenous traditions, jazz improvisation, experimental music, and contemporary art. [casawabi.org], [nolapoetry.com]
Recognized for his innovative approach to the trombone, Vargas explores the instrument beyond conventional techniques, incorporating unconventional materials and extended-performance methods in search of new sonic possibilities. His work is deeply informed by the landscapes, rituals, myths, and cultural heritage of the Sierra Mixe region, resulting in a highly personal musical language that combines free improvisation, jazz, and experimental sound art. [nolapoetry.com], [stringedcr…vatory.org]
Throughout his career, he has collaborated with a wide range of artists and projects, including Africa Express alongside Damon Albarn, Ensemble Kafka, Cinema Domingo Orchestra with Steven Brown, the Oaxaca Jazz Big Band, and improvisational collaborations with notable Mexican experimental musicians such as Germán Bringas, Roberto Morales, and Antonio Russek. [nolapoetry.com], [stringedcr…vatory.org], [casawabi.org]
His current musical projects include the Kunt Vargas Trio, an improvisational jazz ensemble; Los Pream, a genre-defying group that blends Mixe traditions with jazz, punk, and world music influences; and a variety of solo experimental performances. [casawabi.org], [invencible.net], [youtube.com]
At Pesticide Free Music, Kunt Vargas is developing and recording original compositions that showcase his unique artistic vision and mastery of improvisation. His music represents a powerful meeting point between ancestral traditions and contemporary creativity, making him one of the most distinctive voices to emerge from Oaxaca’s vibrant cultural landscape.
Carolina Mercado is a Mexican tenor saxophonist, composer, and improviser from Guadalajara, Jalisco, recognized as one of the most exciting voices of a new generation of Latin American jazz artists. Her music combines contemporary jazz with Latin American influences, creating a sound that is both deeply personal and stylistically adventurous. [selmer.fr], [museotamayo.org]
Mercado began her jazz studies at JazzUV and later continued her training at the LaFaro Jazz Institute under the guidance of renowned bassist Agustín Bernal. She further distinguished herself through participation in prestigious programs and workshops, including the Tónica International Jazz Seminar, the Xalapa International Jazz Encounter, and the Keep an Eye program at the Amsterdam Conservatory. [selmer.fr], [terceraraiz.pro]
In 2017, she was awarded a highly competitive scholarship from the Latin Grammy Cultural Foundation, allowing her to pursue studies at The New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music in New York, where she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Jazz Performance. Throughout her artistic development, she has studied and worked with internationally acclaimed musicians including Anat Cohen, Miguel Zenón, Aaron Goldberg, Matt Penman, Chris Cheek, John Ellis, Reggie Workman, and Steve Cardenas, among others. [selmer.fr], [museotamayo.org]
A recipient of numerous awards, Mercado won the Pan-American Jazz Saxophone Competition of UNAM (becoming the first woman to win the jazz category), earned First Prize at the Young Jazz Award organized by the National Jazz Orchestra of Mexico (ONJMX), and was recognized as a winner of Yamaha’s She’s Got the Groove competition. [selmer.fr], [museotamayo.org]
She has performed extensively throughout Mexico as well as internationally in New York, Paris, Amsterdam, Bern, Tel Aviv, Spain, Peru, Colombia, and the United States, appearing at major festivals, jazz clubs, and cultural events. She has also been a member of prominent ensembles including the National Jazz Orchestra of Mexico, Guacamole, and Four Paths, while continuing to develop original projects under her own name. [selmer.fr], [museotamayo.org]
At Pesticide Free Music, Carolina Mercado has collaborated on the recording of original music that highlights her expressive tone, sophisticated compositions, and modern approach to improvisation. Her work reflects a rare combination of technical mastery, creativity, and artistic vision, positioning her among the leading figures of contemporary Mexican jazz.
Eray Farrera is a Mexican saxophonist, composer, and bandleader whose original music reflects a deep commitment to contemporary jazz, improvisation, and creative exploration. Originally from Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Chiapas, Farrera has emerged as one of the most promising young voices in the Mexican jazz scene, earning recognition for both his expressive playing and his compelling original compositions. [soundcloud.com], [jazzmx.com]
Over the years, he has led a variety of ensembles, including the Eray Farrera Quartet and Quintet, presenting original works influenced by modern jazz innovators such as Immanuel Wilkins, Braxton Cook, Marquis Hill, and Kenny Garrett. His performances showcase a balance of strong melodic writing, rhythmic sophistication, and adventurous improvisation. [youtube.com], [youtube.com]
Farrera has been featured at important jazz venues and concert series in Mexico City, where he has performed alongside distinguished musicians including Pablo Castro (piano), Israel Cupich (double bass), and Fernando Herrera (drums). JazzMX has described him as one of the most talented and outstanding young musicians currently active in the country’s jazz community. [jazzmx.com], [fundacions…astian.org]
His work as a composer is characterized by a modern sensibility that combines lyrical melodies, open improvisation, and contemporary harmonic language. In addition to his live performances, he maintains an active presence through independent recordings and audiovisual releases that document the evolution of his artistic voice. [youtube.com], [soundcloud.com]
At Pesticide Free Music, Eray Farrera has collaborated on the recording of original compositions that highlight his distinctive sound as both a saxophonist and composer. His music reflects the energy and creativity of a new generation of Mexican jazz artists while remaining firmly rooted in the improvisational tradition that defines the genre.
Christian Balderas is a distinguished Mexican pianist, composer, producer, and educator from Mexico City, widely recognized for his innovative approach to jazz and contemporary music. A graduate of the Escuela Superior de Música (ESM), he furthered his studies through the School for Improvisational Music (SIM) program at the Brooklyn Conservatory in New York. In 2011, he was awarded the prestigious FONCA Jóvenes Creadores Fellowship, recognizing him as one of Mexico’s most promising young artists. [christianb…lderas.com], [christianb…lderas.com]
Over the course of his career, Balderas has collaborated with numerous leading musicians from Mexico and abroad, performing at major festivals and venues including the Riviera Maya Jazz Festival, Querétaro Jazz Festival, Córdoba Jazz Festival, SXSW in Austin, Texas, Baja Jazz Festival, MJazz, and Les Escales Festival in Saint-Nazaire, France. His music has earned him a reputation as one of the most creative and forward-thinking pianists of his generation. [christianb…lderas.com], [christianb…lderas.com]
As a bandleader and composer, Balderas has released several acclaimed projects, including T’orus, Donut Shaped Universe, Jvne, Legado, and Organ Latin Soul. His music blends modern jazz, contemporary improvisation, electronic textures, Afro-Latin influences, and experimental elements, creating a highly personal and distinctive voice. [christianb…lderas.com], [christianb…ndcamp.com], [milenio.com]
One of his most celebrated recent works, Legado, is an intimate and deeply personal album inspired by themes of loss, family, memory, and renewal. The project reflects pivotal moments in his life and demonstrates his ability to transform profound personal experiences into compelling musical narratives. [zona-acustica.com], [youtube.com]
Balderas is also an accomplished Hammond B3 organist. His project Organ Latin Soul pays tribute to the organ-driven sounds of jazz, soul, mambo, and Afro-Latin music, reinterpreting these traditions through a contemporary Mexican lens. The project has been praised for its rich analog aesthetic and vibrant fusion of jazz and Latin rhythms. [milenio.com]
In addition to his performing career, Christian Balderas serves as an educator at SAE Mexico, where he shares his knowledge and experience with the next generation of musicians. [christianb…lderas.com], [christianb…ndcamp.com]
At Pesticide Free Music, Christian Balderas has collaborated on the recording of original music that showcases his distinctive compositional voice, virtuoso pianism, and commitment to sonic excellence. His work continues to expand the possibilities of contemporary Mexican jazz while maintaining a deep connection to its rich musical traditions.
Israel Cupich is one of Mexico’s most respected jazz double bassists, composers, producers, and cultural promoters. A graduate of the Escuela Superior de Música (INBA), he has been leading original musical projects since 2005 and has become a central figure in the development and promotion of the Mexican jazz scene. [jazzmx.com], [israelcupi…ogspot.com]
A highly accomplished performer and bandleader, Cupich has released four albums under his own name, including Hecho en Casa, La Danza, and recordings with the acclaimed Blanch::Cupich::Nandayapa Trio. His work blends modern jazz, original composition, and adventurous improvisation, reflecting a deep commitment to artistic creativity and ensemble interaction. [jazzmx.com], [mx.linkedin.com]
Throughout his career, he has performed at many of Mexico’s most important festivals, including the Festival Internacional Cervantino, JazzUV, Eurojazz, the Riviera Maya Jazz Festival, the Querétaro Jazz Festival, and the Mazunte Jazz Festival. Internationally, he has appeared at the North Sea Jazz Festival in Rotterdam, the FIMU Festival in France, and the Lille Piano Festival, among many others. [jazzmx.com]
Cupich has shared the stage with a remarkable list of internationally renowned artists, including Gilad Hekselman, Greg Osby, David Virelles, Joe Farnsworth, Gerald Cleaver, Joan Chamorro, Davy Mooney, Stephane Tsapis, Barry Green, and many of the leading figures of the Mexican jazz community such as Magos Herrera, Alex Mercado, Iraida Noriega, Horacio Franco, Francisco Lelo de Larrea, and Alejandro Campos. [jazzmx.com], [israelcupi…ogspot.com]
Beyond his achievements as a musician, Cupich is widely recognized as the founder and director of JazzMx, a collective established in 2014 with the mission of strengthening, promoting, and dignifying the Mexican jazz community. Through JazzMx, he has organized concerts, festivals, educational activities, and collaborations with international artists, creating one of the most influential platforms for jazz in Mexico. [jazzmx.com], [zona-acustica.com], [maremotom.com]
His contributions have earned him important recognitions, including grants from FONCA and the Mexico City Ministry of Culture, supporting both his artistic and cultural initiatives. [jazzmx.com]
At Pesticide Free Music, Israel Cupich has collaborated on the recording of original music that showcases his signature sound, sophisticated compositional approach, and exceptional musicianship. As both an artist and cultural leader, he continues to play a vital role in shaping the future of jazz in Mexico while fostering new opportunities for emerging generations of musicians
Toto Merino is a Mexican bassist, composer, improviser, arranger, producer, and educator originally from Erongarícuaro, Michoacán, and currently based in Mexico City. Largely self-taught, he has developed a distinctive artistic voice through independent study, extensive collaboration, and a lifelong commitment to musical exploration. [totomerino…ndcamp.com], [soundcloud.com]
Known for his adventurous approach to music, Merino moves fluidly between contemporary jazz, free improvisation, experimental music, and multidisciplinary artistic projects. His work is driven by a fascination with spontaneity, collective creativity, and the search for new musical languages. An advocate for artistic freedom and genre-crossing collaboration, he continually explores innovative approaches to both the electric bass and the broader possibilities of sound. [soundcloud.com], [elotrorock…xicano.com]
Throughout his career, he has participated in numerous projects spanning a wide range of styles, including Los Brasstards, Turbochango, Mekanik Komandoh, Orixá Sound, Chool Quartet, Kali Yuga, Hala Ken Orquesta, and collaborations with artists from Mexico’s experimental and jazz scenes. He is also active as a session musician, composer for stage productions, and educator. [soundcloud.com], [elotrorock…xicano.com]
His flagship project, the Toto Merino Trio, was formed in 2023 and features Pablo Castro on piano and Rodo Ocampo on drums. The trio blends original compositions, jazz standards, free improvisation, avant-garde concepts, and influences from diverse musical traditions into a highly interactive and spontaneous performance language. [elotrorock…xicano.com], [youtube.com]
In 2025, the trio recorded Visitantes, its first album of entirely original compositions, at Pesticide Free Music. Recorded, mixed, and mastered by Jan Boker, the album showcases Merino’s compositional vision and the group’s commitment to collective improvisation. The release features original works such as El Blues del Visitante, Quasar, Paciencia, and Chimborazo, drawing inspiration from themes of impermanence, human experience, and the beauty of spontaneous creation. [totomerino…ndcamp.com], [elotrorock…xicano.com]
Merino has also studied with influential musicians including Remi Álvarez, Rosino Serrano, Aarón Cruz, and Jeff Berlin, further enriching his artistic perspective while maintaining a strongly independent and personal musical approach. [elotrorock…xicano.com]
At Pesticide Free Music, Toto Merino’s work stands as a remarkable example of contemporary creative jazz—combining sophisticated composition, fearless improvisation, and a deep commitment to artistic authenticity. His music continues to push boundaries while remaining rooted in communication, imagination, and collective expression.
Ziran is a young and emerging jazz ensemble from Mexico City, formed by a close-knit group of musicians united by friendship, creativity, and a shared passion for contemporary jazz and improvisation. The group represents a new generation of Mexican artists exploring original sounds while remaining deeply connected to the spirit of collective musical expression. [youtube.com], [youtube.com]
The ensemble is composed of Uriel Duque (piano), Naima Bobadilla (voice and piano), Arihoa Calleja (guitar), Itzcoatl Vargas (bass), and Gael Alvarado (drums). The musicians met through Mexico City’s jazz community and are proudly associated with the Academia de Jazz, where they have developed their artistic identity through performance and collaboration. [youtube.com], [youtube.com]
Ziran’s music combines original compositions, modern jazz language, improvisation, and a youthful sense of exploration. Their performances are characterized by strong ensemble interaction, expressive melodies, and an openness to experimentation that allows each musician’s voice to contribute to the group’s evolving sound. [youtube.com], [youtube.com]
The group has presented original pieces such as “Ritual” and “Ballena,” showcasing a distinctive musical personality that blends lyricism, spontaneity, and contemporary influences. [youtube.com], [soundcloud.com]
At Pesticide Free Music, Ziran recorded live improvisations and original material, capturing the freshness and authenticity of a young ensemble at the beginning of a promising artistic journey. Their recordings reflect the band’s adventurous spirit, strong musical chemistry, and commitment to creating original music. [soundcloud.com], [soundcloud.com]
As one of the exciting new voices emerging from Mexico City’s vibrant jazz scene, Ziran represents the creativity, openness, and collaborative energy that continue to shape the future of Mexican jazz.
Isaiah Collier is an internationally acclaimed saxophonist, composer, multi-instrumentalist, educator, and bandleader from Chicago, Illinois, widely regarded as one of the most important voices of his generation in contemporary jazz. Deeply rooted in the traditions of spiritual jazz while boldly pushing the music into new territory, Collier has earned a reputation for his powerful sound, visionary compositions, and electrifying live performances. [harristhea…hicago.org], [cso.org]
Born and raised on Chicago’s South Side, Collier began playing the saxophone at the age of eleven and quickly emerged as a prodigious talent. He developed through Chicago’s rich jazz ecosystem, studying at the Jazz Institute of Chicago and the Chicago High School for the Arts, while receiving mentorship from respected figures such as Ari Brown, Willie Pickens, Ernest Dawkins, Antonio Hart, Bennie Maupin, and Bobby Watson. [harristhea…hicago.org], [cso.org]
Collier first gained international recognition through his ensemble Isaiah Collier & The Chosen Few, whose groundbreaking recordings and performances established him as a leading force in modern creative jazz. His acclaimed albums include Return of the Black Emperor (2018), Cosmic Transitions (2021), I AM BEYOND (2022), Parallel Universe (2023), The Almighty (2024), and The World Is On Fire (2024). [allaboutjazz.com], [chicagopre…hicago.edu], [en.wikipedia.org]
His album The Almighty was selected by The New York Times as one of the year’s best jazz recordings, while the Chicago Tribune named him Jazz Artist of the Year for 2024. He has also received numerous honors, including DownBeat Magazine’s Rising Star Awards for both tenor and soprano saxophone, recognition as one of DownBeat’s «25 for the Future», and selection as a Steve Jobs Fellow. [chicagopre…hicago.edu], [mmmusicagency.com], [cso.org]
Drawing inspiration from masters such as John Coltrane, Pharoah Sanders, Sun Ra, Gene Ammons, Roscoe Mitchell, and Chicago’s AACM tradition, Collier combines deep historical awareness with a fearless commitment to innovation. His music explores spirituality, Black history, improvisation, social consciousness, and collective expression while remaining rooted in the highest levels of musicianship. [harristhea…hicago.org], [cso.org]
Throughout his career, Collier has collaborated with a remarkable range of artists, including Ambrose Akinmusire, Craig Taborn, Billy Hart, Marshall Allen, Denardo Coleman, Nicole Mitchell, Randy Brecker, Billy Harper, Kahil El’Zabar, Makaya McCraven, and Marquis Hill. He is also a proud member of Chicago’s legendary Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians (AACM), one of the most influential organizations in the history of creative music. [cso.org]
At Pesticide Free Music, it has been an honor to welcome and collaborate with an artist of Isaiah Collier’s stature. His music embodies the highest ideals of creative jazz: technical mastery, spiritual depth, historical awareness, and fearless artistic exploration. As one of the leading saxophonists of the contemporary international jazz scene, Collier continues to inspire audiences around the world while expanding the possibilities of modern improvised music.
Juan Pablo Martínez is a Mexican organist, pianist, composer, and improviser whose work draws from jazz, Latin American music, and contemporary improvisational traditions. Recognized for his expressive touch and deep understanding of the organ’s rich sonic possibilities, Martínez has developed a distinctive musical voice that blends groove, harmonic sophistication, and creative spontaneity.
As both a performer and composer, he has participated in a variety of collaborative projects, bringing a unique perspective to ensemble playing through his mastery of keyboard instruments. His approach combines respect for the jazz tradition with an openness to experimentation, resulting in performances that are both dynamic and deeply engaging.
At Pesticide Free Music, Juan Pablo Martínez has collaborated on the recording of original music that highlights his versatility as an organist and improviser. His contributions bring warmth, depth, and unmistakable character to every recording, demonstrating why the organ remains one of the most powerful and expressive instruments in modern jazz.
Through his ongoing artistic development and commitment to creative music-making, Martínez continues to establish himself as an important voice within Mexico’s contemporary jazz community.
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