From Varied Cultural Traditions, Perez Creates Aural Mosaics

Add Danilo Perez to the list of talented pianists emerging from south of the U.S. border. On Tuesday, opening a six-night run at the Jazz Bakery in Culver City, the way the Panamanian enriched the dialogue of jazz with material reflecting his cultural background was only one reason his performance was so consistently compelling.

Certainly, there’s no question that the surging rhythmic undercurrent created by Perez and his two associates--bassist John Benitez and drummer Antonio Sanchez--added, in very subtle fashion, an attractive Latin subtext.

It immediately became apparent that Perez’s approach to the piano jazz trio is more expansive than most. He seemed to consider each piece a complete, interrelated composition, devising mosaics of sounds and silences, connecting bits of solo passages with counter-melodies and counter-rhythms, contrasting written passages with improvised episodes.

His new album, “Central Avenue,” also offers attractive views of his music, but Perez should be heard live--especially now, when his creative powers are expanding dramatically and he has the opportunity to express them in such an empathetic musical environment.

* The Danilo Perez Trio plays through Sunday at the Jazz Bakery, 3233 Helms Ave., Culver City. 8 and 9:30 p.m. tonight-Saturday, 7 and 8:30 p.m. Sunday. $18-$20. (310) 271-9039.