RAFAEL ENCISO

Rafael Enciso is a dynamic bassist and composer based in New York City. He has performed with leading artists such as Dayna Stephens, Taylor Eigsti, Ben Wendel, Miguel Zenón, Ingrid Jensen, and a host of the city’s most exciting emerging talents. As a sideman, Rafael has contributed to ensembles including Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Future of Jazz Orchestra, Sam Towse’s electric band [human music], the Marta Sanchez trio, and Nicola Caminiti’s quartet, bringing a fresh, inventive voice to every stage.

He has appeared at Carnegie Hall, the Detroit Jazz Festival, Jazz at Lincoln Center, Dizzy’s Club, the Jazz Gallery, and other premier venues, and has toured extensively with the Dayna Stephens Quartet. In 2023, Rafael was awarded a Downbeat for his work with Miguel Zenon. Rafael’s recordings include Christian McGhee’s A Winged Resilience (featured in the short film The Third Ear), his debut album Crossfade, and the collaborative project TKO – Volume 1.

As a composer and bandleader, Rafael has received recognition from Jason Moran and participated in the Kennedy Center’s Betty Carter Jazz Ahead program, working alongside Benny Green, Linda Oh, Carmen Lundy, Jimmy Greene, Alvester Garnett, and Ingrid Jensen. In 2026, he was awarded the Herb Alpert Young Composer Award (for his song Photogenic Memory), cementing his reputation as one of the most inventive young voices in jazz. More releases and collaborations are planned and will be announced soon, continuing to showcase Rafael’s evolving artistry and vision.

You can find Rafael playing as a sideman around New York, or with his own quintet, featuring Charles Altura, Nicola Caminiti, Gabriel Chakarji, and Koleby Royston.