The Danilo Perez Trio

Additional Photos

Danilo brought the youth out tonight. Sitting near the front row were a number of jazz students, chaperoned by jazz educator extraordinaire Gary Pratt, who were anxious and excited to hear Danilo perform. Jazz music that extends and reaches a generation where Pop and Hip Hop rule the order of the day is quite a tumultuous feat to pull off.  The gift of jazz music is a precious one, especially when it is given to our heroes of tomorrow that will carry that tradition on into the future.

Reaching back and bringing forth the music is one of the major key dynamics in keeping jazz in the forefront. We all must do our part and Danilo and his trio are certainly doing theirs.

Danilo played music from his latest disc and some that has not even been composed yet. Danilo started out with a slow emotional solo and the band of young lions, Ben Street on Bass, Adam Cruz on Drums, picked up the tempo. Before each piece there is a pause. One note cannot be played until the absolute perfect time. It is like Danilo is in touch with a universal spirit that only he can communicate with and they agree on the tune and time. After that the beauty creates itself.

There is nothing like wonderful Stevie being thrown in the mix. Overjoyed is only one of the many emotions that you fell when you hear beautiful jazz music. Playful, creative, lyrical and sweet rhythms are what you get when you experience this trio. The great happiness that they play with and feel is their precious gift to us, leaving us all smiling and engulfed in the heart of the music. The notes tell the story, the music is played, and the love is felt.

There were some outstanding duo performances within the trio. Danilo created some intense energy with Adam on drums and a very lovely space with Ben on bass. The Danilo Perez Trio will be playing at the Jazz Bakery through Sunday at the World famous Jazz Bakery. Get on out and experience some of the best in jazz music. It is your honor and your duty!

LeRoy Downs