JUAN PEREA

LIGHTKEEPER

Zoho Records

Juan Perea, piano/keyboards/composer; Dean Brown, electric & acoustic guitar; Hadrien Feraud, Janek Gwizdala, Gary Haase & Jimmy Haslip, bass; Tom Brechtlein, drums; Steve Thornton, percussion; Eric Marienthal, alto saxophone.

Although Juan Perea is an esteemed law professor, he is also a life-long music lover and an accomplished pianist.  For many years, becoming a recording artist was a dream deferred.  Today, he may be one of the coolest Law faculty members at Loyola University in Chicago, since the release of his “Lightkeeper” album.  It showcases not only his piano mastery but also his awesome composer skills.  Although they cover two Tito Puente tunes, Perea has proudly composed all seven other songs.

Tito’s “Oye Como Va” tune has always been a melody that is simply infectious.  You just want to sing along with it.  It’s a standard Latin jazz composition covered by a multitude of artists, and made quite famous when Santana released it on a 1970 album.  Juan Perea’s ensemble does the familiar song justice. It features Eric Marienthal on alto saxophone and Perea soloing on keyboard.

Track #2, titled “Lylestyle” is a smooth jazz original composition by Perea, with Hadrien Feraud’s bass line playing a prominent part in the ensemble’s contemporary jazz arrangement.

The album is co-produced by keyboardist, composer and arranger George Whitty.  I enjoy the mood changes and tempo surprises during the arrangement of “El Sueno.”  It features the exciting percussion work of Steve Thornton.  The mood turns bluesy on “Tyner Tune,” a tribute composition saluting pianist, composer McCoy Tyner.  Perea steps into the spotlight to solo atop the swinging production that his bandmates create.  This time Janek Gwizdala is on electric bass and Dean Brown mans the guitar, showing off inspired solo parts. Towards the fade of the tune, Tom Brechtlein mesmerizes with his power-packed drum solo.  However, it’s Eric Marienthal’s alto sax solo that inspires and sets the tone during this arrangement.

“I tried to capture a little bit of both aspects of his playing … the power and vocabulary that he developed with Trane and later in his career, as well as the more traditional bebop or swing element that was part of his playing early on,” Perea explained how he had composed this song with Tyner in mind.

On “City Swing” Perea’s tune is arranged in a very funky way.  Jimmy Haslip adds his bass brilliance to the production. Dean Brown is back with a stunning guitar groove and solo.  This is another one of my favorite tunes on Perea’s album.  His solo piano on the title tune is lovely.

“As for the album title, Part of it is the late-bloomer thing, and that I’ve kept the flame going for most of my life.  Part of it is that I am, hopefully, shining a light through my music that will affect others in a positive way. Maybe just bring a little bit of joy to the people who listen to it,” Juan Perea shares his musical purpose.

Reviewed by Dee Dee McNeil

Buy Now

Buy Us a Cup of Coffee!

Join the movement in supporting Making a Scene, the premier independent resource for both emerging musicians and the dedicated fans who champion them.

We showcase this vibrant community that celebrates the raw talent and creative spirit driving the music industry forward. From insightful articles and in-depth interviews to exclusive content and insider tips, Making a Scene empowers artists to thrive and fans to discover their next favorite sound.

Together, let’s amplify the voices of independent musicians and forge unforgettable connections through the power of music

You can donate directly through Paypal!

Subscribe to Our Newsletter