Marel Hidalgo has been playing guitar since he was four years old. He played the South Orange International Blues Festival at age six. He has played Bryant Park, jazz clubs in Paris, the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame, Exit Zero Jazz Festival, and many other venues. He recently guested with heavy hitters such as Monty Alexander at the Blue Note and James Hunter at a pop-up gig in Asbury Park. On May 21, Hidalgo’s Jamaican jazz band will play a tribute to guitar legend Ernest Ranglin at the Jazz Foundation of America’s gala at Jazz at Lincoln Center (Norah Jones is the headliner). In March, he flew to Jamaica to spend time with Ranglin, play for him, and fly back with the Ranglin family to Miami. Marel also helms a straight-ahead jazz quartet. He has arranged the music for an entire orchestra, with whom he will play this month in Costa Rica. His playing is fluid, tasty, and diverse. He is still only 17 years old.
After spending a day or so with Hidalgo, one can understand his success. He’s curious, gentlemanly, intelligent, funny, humble, and wise beyond his years. His family has given him manners and direction, but they also give him artistic freedom and the ability to fly around the world by himself. He learned work ethic by spending time at the family business, Luna Verde, a vegan Mexican restaurant in Bradley Beach. He is home schooled so that he can spend more time writing, playing, and touring. He has given his time and talent to play at many benefits, including for environmental causes. You get the feeling that the sky’s the limit. Hidalgo’s debut album, a solo jazz guitar effort, has been recorded and will be released by Avila Street Records in the coming months. Find the complete interview with Hidalgo at WBGO's YouTube channel.
