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Interviews
Luis Perdomo: Focus Point
AAJ: Quite a juxtaposition. How so?
LP: At my junior high-school there was a book called the Book of Life. Students who had disciplinary problems or poor grades were required to sign the Book of Life. Rumor had it that any student who signed the book three times would be expelled automatically. Not so, I signed the book (at least) three times and lived to tell about it {Laughter}!
AAJ: {Laughter} What about track 4 - "Procession"?
LP: Procession is a song that I originally wrote and recorded with bassist, John Benitez ( Descarga in New York - ZOHO Records). I composed the tune in the wee hours of the morning and recorded it the next day. This particular version is true to the original concept. On John's recording we performed the tune as a duo.
AAJ: Track 5 - "San Millan"?
LP: San Millan is inspired by an Afro-Venezuelan rhythm from the coast.
AAJ: You mentioned during your performance that track #6 - "The Stranger" was inspired by Albert Camus's (book) - The Stranger. Tracks 7 & 8 - "Spirit Song 1 and 2"?
LP: That is a tune that bassist Miriam Sullivan wrote especially for this recording.
AAJ: Track 9 - "Dreams"?
LP: A song that tenor saxophonist Max King wrote. I've always loved it.
AAJ: Track 10 - "Breakdown"?
LP: I wrote "Breakdown" for my senior recital at Queens College. I was studying with Sir Roland Hanna at the time.
AAJ: Last but not least, track 11 - "Impromptu" is an improvisational piece. What about the title of the album? Do the words, Focus Point (the title) hold any special significance for you?
LP: It represents the fact that various aspects of my life are coming into focus.
AAJ: Sir Roland Hanna had a tremendous impact on you both personally and professionally. Describe your relationship with Sir Roland Hanna.
LP: I loved Roland. He was the only teacher that kicked my ass. Meaning, he told me, "man, you cannot come here without practicing your lessons!" That really worked for me.
AAJ: While conducting my research I read that Sir Roland Hanna inspired you to reevaluate your technique...
LP: Yes. He would ask me to play a major scale and tell me to accent three notes {laughter}. He taught me how important it was to pay attention to what I was playing. He opened up my mind to classical music. After I started studying with Roland, I saw the piano differently. Playing the piano actually became more difficult...
AAJ: Was it like starting from scratch?
LP: Yes. Sir Roland Hanna was the person who is responsible for making me aware of the endless possibilities.
AAJ: On another note. When was the last time you visited Venezuela?
LP: Funny that you should mention that. I was there last week. In fact, I just returned two days ago.
AAJ: Did you perform while you were in Venezuela? If so, how is your music received there? Is there an audience for jazz in Venezuela?
LP: Prior to January, it had been ten years since I performed in Venezuela. Back then I used to play at the Juan Sebastian Bar, which is one of the most famous jazz clubs in Venezuela. It was there that I shared the stage with artists such as Chucho Valdes and Gonzalo Rubalcaba. To answer your question, yes, there is a large audience for jazz in Venezuela. I hope to be able to perform in Venezuela in the future.
AAJ: Many of the musicians you chose to accompany you on Focus Point are fellow "Gallerians" (up and coming musicians who performed often at the Jazz Gallery) such as saxophonist Miguel Zenon, saxophonist Ravi Coltrane and bassist, Hans Glawishnig
LP: Yes, Hans and I have been playing together for the last ten years. In fact, I went to school with Hans.
AAJ: And the drummer? He was awesome.
LP: Yes, that is Ralph Peterson Jr. I met him during my years at the Manhattan School of Music. I have always loved his playing (he used to hang out there).
AAJ: When is Focus Point set to be released?
LP: I am not really sure. Hopefully, some time this Fall.
AAJ: What kind of music and/or artists are you currently listening to?
LP: Elis Regina Live in Montreaux, a Miles Davis recording from 1969 called Live from Juan de Pins with Jack DeJohnette, Alfred Cortot, a French classical pianist. Arturo Benedetti an Italian classical pianist from Italy. Lots of salsa (laughter). I grew up listening to all kinds of music. When it comes to music I do not discriminate. Even if I don't like something right away, I give it some time. Believe it or not, when I was young I didn't like jazz. I used to listen to a lot of salsa growing up.
AAJ: Is it true that you began playing the piano at the age of six?
LP: I started playing with my father when I was six. Technically, My father was not a professional musician. He played by ear. Officially, I started playing the piano at the age of ten.
AAJ: How's the future looking for bandleader, Luis Perdomo?
LP: I recently recorded new projects with Yosvany Terry and Dafnis Prieto. I just completed a new recording with Ravi Coltrane that will be released this February. Also, I will be recording Jibaro with Miguel Zenon this December (2004).
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