Danilo Pérez
Saturday 18 October, 2:30PM
Melbourne Recital Centre
“Danilo Pérez is a man with some serious jazz cred. The Panamanian pianist got his start playing with Dizzy Gillespie, and continued with Wayne Shorter. As a composer and bandleader himself, he’s practically peerless.” – NPR
For nearly four decades, Panamanian pianist and composer Danilo Pérez has led the charge as one of the most imaginative and influential musicians in contemporary jazz.
The GRAMMY-winning maestro and UNESCO Artist For Peace has collaborated with some of the most revered figures in jazz, including Dizzy Gillespie, Wayne Shorter and Wynton Marsalis, as well as receiving high praise from the legendary Herbie Hancock.
In 2000, Pérez joined the Wayne Shorter Quartet alongside John Patitucci and Brian Blade. Boasting four seminal album recordings and historic live performances across the globe, this star-studded quartet is widely regarded as a unique and predominant force in improvisational music.
At the heart of Pérez’s sound is his Panamanian heritage, as well as West African rhythms and European impressionism — anchored by a deep commitment to human connection and building bridges between all people.
In this rare solo performance at the Melbourne International Jazz Festival, Pérez’s deeply expressive improvisation and virtuosic technique combine to reveal a master at the peak of his creative powers.
