Customer Reviews

Central Avenue

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This guy is one of the great artists of our day, and this CD is off-the-meter. The song Panama Blue is one of the great cuts of music ever. The last song combines folkloric with jazz combo beautifully.

Young pianist Danilo Perez is a fresh Latin breeze in the world of jazz, making music that sounds new and exciting, yet warm and comfortable at the same time. On this outing, his fourth as a leader, he fronts various trios and slightly larger aggregations, supported by players such as Jeff "Tain" Watts or Jeff Ballard on drums, John Patittuci or John Benitz on bass, and several percussionists; and the final cut on the CD, "Panama Blues," features the world-weary voice of Panamanian singer Raul Vital.

What is so special about Perez is the way he is able to blend traditional jazz forms with his Latin sensibility to make music that is so well integrated. It's too Latin to be straight jazz, but it still sounds like good jazz, not Latin music. It is music that is expressive, but never overheated; moreover, it never sounds stereotypical--it remains original throughout, even when borrowing from traditional Latin elements or.from Thelonious Monk. Adding to the appeal of Central Avenue is the sound quality, which is excellent (recorded and mixed by veteran Al Schmitt, to whom we owe a nod of respect and appreciation).

Mr. Perez has done it again. His passion and intricate playing style in 5 (or should I say 10) is expressed and stamped all over the album. Percussion adds extra sizzles and sparkles. Must have; a perfect companion after work( with cappuccino ) or whatever the occasion may be.

Enjoy.......

I have never heard of this guy until yesterday, when i came across the IMPULSE label yelling out at me from the stack of CDs in my local store's dollar bin - I mean, heck, for a dollar YES!

So, enough background, on to the music.
I agree with most of the other reviews here in saying this is excellent and interesting. --- (except for the one 'reviewer' that says it is the same ole, same ole - dude, get some taste before you go slamming music you don't understand!)

I am throwing this review down from just two listens.

This music is fresh. Something I like is that it is obvious the man is a master, yet has nothing to prove, he just lays it out like someone completely comfortable in the music can do.

It is complex - the appeal is subtle, the kind of music that sidles up and hangs out with you. It does not jump up and down looking for attention. No, this stuff is chill throughout.
What I like a lot about the disc is Danilo's use of space.
The instrumentation is very carefully arraigned and no one is crowding anyone else here.
It flows so nicely, yet is mostly uptempo and bouncy.

Think about that: It has a real nice flow, bounces along nicely, comes together 'just so', and doesn't jostle or crowd itself...
Well, got a picture in your ears?

Okay, now plunk out the few bucks and GO FOR IT.
This is good!

He does it again another awesome cd even better then his 96 rel. & his then & now after this one he just keeps getting better & better. He,s right up there with some of the best pianoest of our time David Benoit. Bob James, Jim Brickman & others.So buy theses cds mentioned & his 96 rel. to. George

This album incorporates modern jazz sound with a wonderful latin beat. It is truly a well deserved grammy nominee for 1999.

This album is wonderful, this is his best album yet every jazz lover should get a copy.

This sounds like every other latin pianists coming out now. Nothing special. His close harmonies do nothing except annoy.