In the last few years a number of Latino jazz musicians have been crafting sophisticated work that quietly explores new realms. Listening to Awake, Puerto Rican alto saxophonist and composer Miguel Zenón’s fourth release, one is immediately struck by the artist’s inventive melodicism. This stellar album opens with “Awakening - Prelude,” a lovely piece of contemporary chamber jazz for alto saxophone and string quartet. The way the track flows into “Camaron” is the first hint that the album can be viewed as one long piece made up of movements or sections. “Camaron,” a tribute to the legendary Spanish flamenco singer, features the band that is heard on most of Awake: Zenón, keyboardist Luis Perdomo, bassist Hans Glawischnig, and drummer Henry Cole. Zenón has taken great care with balancing the textures that make up this particular sonic world. Perdomo enriches the palette by switching between acoustic and electric pianos; additional horn players appear on the Albert Ayleresque “Awakening – Interlude;” and the strings return for “Lamamilla.” The group’s playing is finely rendered throughout, and Zenón’s sculpted yet emotive solos shine.