José Lugo

Biography

José Lugo is a Venezuelan-Spanish virtuoso saxophonist, born on November 24, 1987, whose musical career transcends borders. He began his musical journey at the age of four under the guidance of his father, renowned trumpeter José Lugo, and by the age of 14 years, he earned a scholarship to the Simón Bolívar Music Conservatory in Caracas. Since then, he has built an international career filled with tours, recordings, and major festivals, standing out as the lead saxophonist for both the Simón Bolívar Symphonic Band and the Venezuela Saxophone Quartet. He studied at the National Experimental University of the Arts (UNEARTE) with master saxophonist Pablo Gil, developing a versatile profile that spans classical music, jazz, and a wide variety of Latin genres including salsa, merengue, reggae, ska, bolero, balada, pop, and cumbia. José has received two Latin Grammy nominations (2016 and 2017) and was awarded the International Leader Award in the United States in 2023. His impressive career includes tours and collaborations with international artists such as Rawayana, Chino y Nacho, and Grupo Manía, as well as solo appearances with top orchestras like the Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra, Venezuela’s National Philharmonic, and many others. He has also performed with top jazz ensembles including the Simón Bolívar Big Band Jazz, Venezuela Big Band Jazz, and the Americas Big Band. Nicknamed “The King of Swing,” his unique style is defined by a dynamic fusion of traditional and contemporary rhythms. He was based in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, where he served as corporate music director for several world-renowned hotel chains including NH Hotels, Hard Rock Hotel, and Nickelodeon Resort. Now based in Spain, he continues to tour and record with a wide array of orchestras and acclaimed artists. His artistry has also reached the silver screen, appearing as a featured saxophonist in several films. His most recent role is in the upcoming European movie KARMELE. Today, José Lugo is proudly part of the elite roster of artists endorsed by the American-Taiwanese saxophone brand Mansdone, playing their flagship model, the MC-90 — the brand’s highest-grade instrument.