Both Hartford International Jazz Festival opening-night concerts succeeded in demonstrating what makes this annual event special: world-class jazz infused with intriguing multi-cultural elements.
Each performance was unique, but both shared a musical melting-pot mindset. Panamanian-born pianist Danilo Perez guided his trio through a tantalizing maze of Latin American and Afro Cuban sonorities. Pakistani tabla drummer Badal Roy orchestrated a series of Asian-influenced improvisations for a sextet that borrowed freely from rock 'n' folk forms.
Perez began his set at the Asylum Hill Congregational Church with a potent 10-minute solo exploration." The improvised piece drew its inspiration from singing by audience members, which the 41-year-old keyboardist requested before he took his seat. The high-ceiling sanctuary produced angelic acoustics.
Prayer," an understated original, paired Perez with bassist Ben Street. Drummer Adam Cruz joined in for Historia de un Amor," bringing piquant Panamanian rhythms to the forefront.
Each performance was unique, but both shared a musical melting-pot mindset. Panamanian-born pianist Danilo Perez guided his trio through a tantalizing maze of Latin American and Afro Cuban sonorities. Pakistani tabla drummer Badal Roy orchestrated a series of Asian-influenced improvisations for a sextet that borrowed freely from rock 'n' folk forms.
Perez began his set at the Asylum Hill Congregational Church with a potent 10-minute solo exploration." The improvised piece drew its inspiration from singing by audience members, which the 41-year-old keyboardist requested before he took his seat. The high-ceiling sanctuary produced angelic acoustics.
Prayer," an understated original, paired Perez with bassist Ben Street. Drummer Adam Cruz joined in for Historia de un Amor," bringing piquant Panamanian rhythms to the forefront.
For more information contact All About Jazz.