User:EAponte/sandbox

Ivan Renta

Born in Ponce, Puerto Rico and raised in Coamo, Puerto Rico, Ivan Renta has become one of the premiere saxophonists in the Jazz, Latin Jazz and Latin Music Industry. His ability to adapt to any musical situation has landed him on stage at many of the world’s most prestigious venues and music festivals. His credentials include performances and recordings with artist such as Tito Puente, Wynton Marsalis, Eddie Palmieri, Willie Colon, Ron Carter, Marc Anthony, Jennifer Lopez, Jimmy Heath, Ray Baretto, The Vanguard Jazz Orchestra and Bebo Valdez, to name a few. Mr Renta has also performed with such diverse musical acts as Al Jarreau, Tom Odell, Stevie Van Sandt and Hall & Oates. Mr. Renta has collaborated on three Grammy Award winning recordings. Mr. Renta is also an active Music Educator and Clinician.

Ivan Renta began playing Alto Sax at the age of 13 in his hometown of Coamo, Puerto Rico studying under local band diresctor, Luis "Wito" Santiago. Soon after, Wanting to learn Jazz Improvisation he began private lessons with Jose "Cheguito" Encarnacion who introduced him to Jazz Harmony and Improvisation. "When I first heard Miles Davis with John Coltrane's "58 Sessions" at Cheguito's house, I knew that this was what I wanted to do." Renta recalls.

Soon after that, he moved to NYC to attend the "New School Jazz and Contemporary Music Program". While at the New School, Ivan studied with Jazz legends such as Reggie Workman, Gary Dial, George Garzone, Buster Williams to name a few. in 2000 Ivan got a call to participate on Tito Puente & Eddie Palmieri's recording "Masterpiece" winner of multiple Grammys and what turned out to be Puente's last album. After recording “Masterpiece”, Mr. Renta became a member of Eddie Palmieri’s Latin Jazz Ensemble and Salsa Band. Mr. Renta accepted an invitation made to him by Arturo O’Farrill to join the Jazz at the Lincoln Center’s Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra. After working with Mr. Palmieri for approximately six years, he proceeded to become the saxophonist for Salsa legend Willie Colon’s Orchestra. He has also collaborated extensively with trombonist Luis Bonilla and percussionist Chembo Corniel. In 2013, he released his first project as a leader with pianist Edsel Gomez, bassist Ruben Rodriguez, drummer Ernesto Simpson and percussionist Richie Flores with special guests Giovanni Hidalgo, Luis Bonilla and Nelson “Gazu” Jaime. It was released in September of 2013.

In February of 2014, Mr. Renta ‘s lifetime body of work was recognized by the Puerto Rico House of Representatives. Currently, Ivan continues to work with Arturo O’farril & ALJO and Willie Colon and is a member of the Ron Carter Big Band and the Jimmy Heath Big Band. He also performs with his own group.