Lightkeeper
Zoho, 2025
8/10
On this first album at the age of 68, the pianist and law professor Juan Perea makes up for lost time with 9 timeless jazz tracks that recruit plenty of esteemed musicians.
“Oye Como Va (Radio Edit)” begins with Gary Haase’s lively bass alongside Perea’s rich keys and Eric Marienthal’s radiant sax, and “Lylestyle” follows with Steve Thornton’s frisky percussion and Tom Brechtlein’s agile drumming adding much to the colorful climate.
The middle tracks belong to “Tyner Tune” and “City Swing”. The former benefits much from Janek Gwizdala’s playful bass that suits Perea’s dreamy keys, while the latter enlists Jimmy Haslip on bass for the rhythmic and flowing album highlight.
Close to the end, the atmospheric “Oye Como Va (Full Version)” allows for Dean Brown’s meticulous guitar to complement the hazy sax, and “Lightkeeper II” exits with the emotive and intimate keys mesmerizing us with much beauty and softness.
Perea excels in both bare and busy climates, and the strong attention to detail makes every track here worth repeated listens.
Travels well with: Rodney Whitaker- Mosaic; Mark Scott III- Soft Light