Pianist and keyboardist Juan Perea delivers soulful jazz originals in the realm of Joe Sample on this warm collection that features the likes of Eric Marienthal/as, Dean Brown/g, Hadrien Feraud-Jimmy Haslip-Janek Gwizdala-Gary Haase/b, Tom Brechtlein/dr and Steve Thronton/perc.
Perea pulls a fast one by slowing down Tito Puente’s classic ‘Oye Como Va” to a slinky slide, allowing Marienthal to milk out every note. The two also rock out on the hip “Tyne Tune” while Brown gets funky and Perea goes synthy on “City Swing”. Perea’s touch evokes Debussy on a gorgeous “Lightkeeper” while he mixes ivories and effects to a wondrous “Lightkeeper”. Soulful struts abound.