Danilo Pérez is a musician, philanthropist, and educator. A Grammy award winner Danilo Pérez is among the most influential and dynamic musicians of our time. He is also the UNESCO Artist for Peace and the director and founder of the Panama Jazz Festival.

His latest release "Panama 500" is Pérez’ most ambitious project to date, the furthest evolution yet of what the pianist/composer calls “three-dimensional music.” His blend of influences makes him the ideal musical chronicler of his country’s history: already a land bridge between the Americas with a vibrant indigenous culture, Panama also began to absorb European culture into its own following Balboa’s arrival. Pérez similarly weaves together jazz and Pan-American folkloric traditions with influences from European classical music.

02. Panama 500

04. Abia Yala (America)

5. Gratitude

8. The Canal Suite: Melting Pot (Chocolito)

9. The Expedition

10. Narration of Reflections on the South Sea

11. Panama Viejo

12. Celebration of Our Land

Danilo Pérez is a man with some serious jazz cred. The Panamanian pianist got his start playing with Dizzy Gillespie, and continued with Wayne Shorter. As a composer and bandleader himself, he's practically peerless.

Pérez has just released an ambitious new album called Panama 500. His inspiration? Just 500 years of history, that's all.

Danilo Perez Music

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