Danilo Perez

I don’t remember the first time I heard Danilo Perez. My memory is not serving me well. But if I had to take a good guess, it was when BET had a show called Jazz Central that was hosted by Angela Stribling. Wow…I can remember rare good programming on BET and hosts of those shows, but I can’t remember where I first heard Danilo Perez.

I bought a recording from him around 1998 titled PANAMONK, which featured two drummers that I admire greatly, Terri Lynne Carrington and THE infamous Jeff “Tain” Watts. It also featured bassist Avishai Cohen. Who wouldn’t buy a record with such an interesting title? But I was familiar with Perez’s prowess on the piano. I will say that Perez pulled off this Thelonious Monk tribute with veracity. I appreciated every moment of the record. From the ballads to the Latin flavored reworks of some of Monk’s tunes.

I’ve soaked up a lot of music since listening to that first record. I didn’t really seek out any other Perez offerings. Not that I wasn’t impressed, I just got mired in the work of my old favorites. And during that time, I was only seeking out the work of the artists who created and innovated jazz. But, some years later – a lot of years, I came across Perez again on Wayne Shorter’s ALEGRIA. On this recording, Shorter weaves his way through all of his styles – from classical jazz to the avant-garde. Perez fit Shorter’s musical vision with deftness. I imagine that his time touring with Shorter made that pretty simple. This was another recording that I was familiar with featuring Perez, Brian Blade on the drums and John Patitucci on Bass.

Fast forward to 2010…Every summer I look forward to my wife and me, and assorted friends who join us, attending the Summer Jazz Series in the Park at the Dallas Museum of Art. It’s just us, good food, good spirits and most importantly good music. This year’s headliner and series opener is none other than Danilo Perez. So me being me - I pulled out PANAMONK and ALEGRIA and sought out more recordings/appearances by Perez. I found MOTHERLAND among others – but found myself drawn to this one.

MOTHERLAND speaks of a young composer with seasoned abilities still wanting to provide playfulness inside sophistication in the music he creates. It certainly is a joy to listen too! Sometimes, Latin recordings can be intimidating because the rhythms can be complicated. This isn’t one of those records. This recording is classy, lively and fun. This is definitely one of those “Afro Latin Blue” moments in jazz. I found myself dancing - in my head - rumbas, salsas and starting conga lines. I even considered taking capoeira lessons. Okay maybe not. But I really do dig this record!

I don’t know how many Latin jazz recordings (speaking specifically about South American, African, Cuban influenced Jazz...I mean there was Flamenco Sketches) I’ve heard that have used violins but Perez found the use of one that didn’t take away from the integrity of the theme. But how could Regina Carter ever be out of place? Brian Blade is ever more rapidly moving up on my personal list of young lions who have become jazz heroes. His drumming on this recording is masterful. Much like the all the other music I’ve ever heard him play. The vocals and chants on this record are hauntingly beautiful. The rest of the accompaniment on this date handles Perez’s compositions and arrangements with extreme competence as well as love. In my opinion, Perez really shows his chops as a soloist on the song Rio to Panama.

I really love this record. It’s summertime in the park music. I began to find myself fantasizing about me and my wife on white sand beaches, watching sunsets, snacking on empanadas and sipping red wine.

I can’t wait to see Danilo on Thursday night. If you see us there...come say hello.

Dallas Museum of Art Summer Jazz Series

Motherland Personnel:
Danilo Perez - Piano
Claudia Acuna - Vocal
Greg Askew - Percussion, Background Vocals
Aquiles Baez - Acoustic Guitar
Brian Blade - Drums
Louis Bauzo - Percussion, Background Vocals
Richard Bona - Vocal, Electric Bass
Richard Byrd
Regina Carter - Violin
Carlos Henriquez - Acoustic Bass
Chris Potter - Alto Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone
Luisito Quintero - Percussion, Triangle, Chimes
Kurt Rosenwinkel - Electric Guitar
Antonio Sanchez - Drums
Luciana Souza - Vocal
Diego Urcola - Trumpet
Ricaurte Villarreal - Tamboura, Tambor Repicador