Bohuslän Big Band and Danilo Pérez Collaborate on Lumen: A New and Unique Album
Danilo Pérez and Swedish jazz orchestra, Bohuslän Big Band collaborate on the new album Lumen, where Pan-American rhythms meet the Nordic big band sound. The album is characterized by improvisation and playfulness, is evidence of music's power to unite cultures.
Lumen is the result of a collaborative effort marked by openness, a spirit of experimentation, and mutual respect. The music, of which the majority is composed by Danilo Pérez, has its roots in Pan-American rhythms and grooves and is as majestic as it is playful with its elements of both improvisation and free-flowing melodies. With song titles like "Galactic Panama" and "Lumen", Danilo's roots are never far away and permeates in the feeling of the music.
"The album is a milestone in my career," says Pérez. "It symbolizes the power of music to bring cultures together and create shared experiences of beauty and harmony. The project is also special because it was carried out during the COVID-19 pandemic. Its release stands as a testament to the commitment and effort of everyone involved in bringing this Global Jazz vision to life.”
Lumen brims with joyful spirit. The freely flowing improvisation between Danilo Pérez's piano and Joakim Rolandsson's soprano saxophone on "Lumen" or the beautiful flugelhorn solo by Staffan Svensson on "Across the Crystal Sea" and especially the last two minutes of "Sunburn & Mosquito" are all examples of a musical encounter beyond the ordinary.
Together with Bohuslän Big Band, Danilo carries on the rich tradition of Panamanian jazz music, from pioneering musicians like Luis Russell and Sonny White to Eric Dolphy and Billy Cobham, blending it with the Nordic touch that characterizes Bohuslän Big Band.
"It has been an honor for us to be emersed in Danilo's boundless energy, musical integrity, and creative vision," says Eric Brandström Arellano, orchestra manager for Bohuslän Big Band. "He has truly created an inclusive and exploratory atmosphere in this project. This has opened the door for the musicians to delve deep into the intricacies for the music and embrace his artistic vision."
In 2020, Panamanian-born world pianist Danilo Pérez initiated a collaboration with Bohuslän Big Band in his role as Artist in Residence at Vara Concert Hall. In addition to touring, workshops, and work with the youth big band Next Generation Big Band, they also recorded Pérez's music in new big band arrangements, now released.
The album Lumen released on October 25th, with two single releases in August and September respectively.
About Danilo Pérez
Danilo Pérez is a multi-Grammy Award-winning pianist, composer, and educator celebrated for his profound influence on contemporary Jazz and his visionary approach to music. He organically blends his Panamanian roots with a diverse array of influences, including Latin American folk music, West African, Middle Eastern sounds, jazz and classical music. This innovative sound, Global Jazz, is a testament to his belief in music as a universal language that can bridge cultures, promote unity, and serve as a tool for the betterment of humanity. Born in Panama in 1965, Pérez's musical journey began early, influenced by his father's teachings on interconnected education. His talent was evident when he attended Berklee College of Music in 1985, and by 1989, he had become the youngest member of Dizzy Gillespie's United Nations Orchestra, a testament to his prodigious talent and rapid rise in the music industry. In 2001, Pérez joined Wayne Shorter's quartet with John Patitucci and Brian Blade to form one of the most innovative and influential bands of the 21st century. Pérez has been recording and touring as a bandleader since 1993, receiving critical acclaim, awards, and loyal fans worldwide. He is a recipient of the 2021 Doris Duke Artist Award, the 2018 USA Fellowship, and the 2009 Smithsonian Legacy Award. As a composer, Pérez has been commissioned by renowned institutions such as Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, the Banff Centre, and the Chicago and Detroit Jazz Festival, further solidifying his influence and recognition in the music world. He served as UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and is presently a UNESCO Artist for Peace and Panama’s Cultural Ambassador, receiving many awards for his Latin America social work, including his outreach as Founder and Artistic Director of the Panama Jazz Festival. Working as a music educator for more than 25 years, Pérez is the Founder and Artistic Director of the Berklee College of Music Global Jazz Institute.
About Bohuslän Big Band
Bohuslän Big Band is a Swedish jazz orchestra that upholds and challenges the big band genre. Fearless and exploratory, they engage in collaborations with breadth and great variation. Over the years, they have performed with international jazz giants such as Gregory Porter, Joe Lovano, John Beasley, Vince Mendoza, Maria Schneider, and Nils Landgren. Since 2004, Bohuslän Big Band has been part of Vara Concert Hall.