Carlos Henriquez

Carlos Henriquez (born 1979) is an American jazz double bassist and composer of Puerto Rican descent. Since 1998, he has been a member of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra.

Early life Henriquez was born in The Bronx, New York, in 1979, the son of New York Puerto Ricans Jorge and Nilda Henriquez. His father worked at a V.A. hospital (a Vietnam War veteran, himself) Growing up in South Bronx, he began studying music at a young age, first playing the piano, then clarinet, and next, classical guitar through junior high school. He received his first bass from church while working with his mentor, Victor Vargas. his father encouraged his music, giving him cassette tapes of Bill Evans and bassists Eddie Gómez and Paul Chambers.

Career

Henriquez's professional career began at age 14, when he played in jazz clubs with his brother, Jose. He first performed out-of-state with Puerto Rican percussionist Johnny Ray.

In 2010, with Chucho Valdés, he served as music director of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra's cultural exchange with the Cuban Institute of Music.

Discography

As leader

The Bronx Pyramid (Blue Engine, 2015) Dizzy Con Clave (RodBros, 2018) The South Bronx Story (RodBros, 2022) A Nuyorican Tale (Blue Engine, 2023) Monk Con Clave (2026; pending release)