Both Ernest Ranglin and Monty Alexander have recently proclaimed Hidalgo “the new torchbearer of Jamaican Jazz”.
-Kean University, 2026

   Guitarist Marel Hidalgo has taken the east coast jazz scene by storm. Influenced by the great Pat Martino and Joe Pass, Hidalgo has led his ensembles through a dazzling array of straight-ahead, bop and Caribbean-influenced arrangements. 
-Krannert Center, 2025

   In his solo set, Hidalgo travels from burning jazz jam staples like “Cherokee” and “How High the Moon” to more intimate fare like the oft-covered ballads “Lullaby of the Leaves,” “Tenderly” and Thelonious Monk’s “‘Round Midnight.” With his quartet the music can range from uptempo swingers to lowdown blues and songs from the Jamaican Songbook inspired by Jamaican guitar great Ernest Ranglin" 
-Exit Zero Jazz Festival, 2024


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