Saul Gonzales’s first steps in jazz were at Marshall Middle School, where he was inspired by the legendary band director, Buddy Smith. Among his Marshall bandmates were HSPVA’s Everette Harp and Michael Rojas.
At HSPVA (1977-1980), Saul’s talent developed to exceptional levels, highlights:
- Membership in the Texas All-State Jazz Ensemble, 1980 (one of only three trombonists from the entire state
- Chosen as “Best High School Jazz Soloist in the U. S.” in DownBeat magazine’s Student
Recording Awards competition, 1981 - Selected for cover, Accent, Nov./Dec. 1980 (journal designed for young musicians, with international distribution)
After HSPVA, Saul attended San Jacinto College and McNeese State University before settling into a vibrant professional career in Houston and beyond, with memberships in Avizo, The Latin Express, Super Highway, Groove City, 13th Hour, and others. It was his ten-year membership in Avizo that brought him to international attention, the group being nominated for a Grammy in 2005 and Latin Grammies in 2009 and 2012. In 2014, Saul Gonzales was inducted into the Tejano Roots Hall of Fame.
Saul’s passion for music was exceeded only by his devotion to his wife, Jackie (26 years), daughter, Victoria (“Tor”), and son, Matthew. HSPVA and DocFest are pleased to have this opportunity to assure that Saul Gonzales’s talent, warm personality, and love for family and friends are enshrined in perpetuity.
DocFest Houston 