Juan Perea, Lightkeeper Review

by Jeff Becker

Juan Perea’s Lightkeeper represents a project built from perseverance, passion, and the unyielding spark of musical devotion. At 68, Perea steps into the recording world with confidence, presenting a body of work that reflects his skills as a composer and pianist. Released on the ZOHO label, Lightkeeper is a sophisticated fusion of jazz, Latin, and contemporary influences, enriched by an all-star ensemble that ensures each composition resonates with musical depth and authenticity.

From the outset, Lightkeeper announces its ambitions with a creative reinterpretation of Tito Puente’s classic “Oye Como Va.” The arrangement blends cha-cha-cha rhythms with funk-fusion textures, allowing for a deep pocket and expansive improvisations. Perea’s harmonic sensibilities shine, providing a lush bed for Eric Marienthal’s expressive alto saxophone lines and Dean Brown’s dynamic guitar work. The solo section pulses with energy, moving between tightly locked grooves and the exhilarating interplay between Marienthal and Brown. Perea, ever the architect of texture, moves to keyboard, crafting an exploratory solo that speaks to his deep sense of time and melody.

“Lylestyle,” a heartfelt tribute to Lyle Mays, captures the expansive, atmospheric quality reminiscent of the Pat Metheny Group. Perea’s dual role on acoustic piano and synth pays homage to Mays’ sonic palette, delivering a composition that is inviting and deeply emotive. Hadrien Feraud’s bass work provides a funk-infused counterpoint to the Brazilian-tinged groove, adding a contemporary edge to the track. The composition is lyrical yet rhythmically intricate, sophisticated yet approachable.

“El Sueño” takes listeners on a journey through a contemporary Latin landscape, opening with a delicate descending melodic figure before settling into a relaxed salsa groove. Perea’s keyboard textures build an orchestral richness, creating an evolving backdrop for Brown’s Santana-esque guitar solo. The piece reaches a dramatic climax with layered string-like synths, capturing a cinematic grandeur before resolving back to its enchanting main theme.

“Tyner Tune” is a showcase of rhythmic dexterity and harmonic movement, paying homage to the great McCoy Tyner. The composition shifts between a high-energy drum ’n’ bass feel and a classic swing section, reflecting the modal fire Tyner developed with John Coltrane and his earlier bebop roots. Marienthal’s alto saxophone solo is a highlight, weaving bebop vocabulary into the contemporary setting. Brown’s guitar, Janek Gwizdala’s bass, and Perea’s commanding piano statements all contribute to a thrilling musical conversation, culminating in a powerful drum solo from Tom Brechtlein that underscores the track’s relentless drive.

A shift to groove-heavy fusion, “City Swing” rides on Jimmy Haslip’s signature bass pocket, locking in with Brechtlein’s solid backbeat. Brown’s electric guitar solo is a showstopper, bridging jazz and rock with fiery intensity. Perea’s lead synth takes center stage, demonstrating his ability to craft soaring, expressive lines that cut through the rhythmic momentum. This track highlights the ensemble’s effortless cohesion, delivering a high-energy performance that is toe-tapping and free-flowing.

The deeply personal “Remembering You” strips back the ensemble to its essential elements, allowing Perea’s emotional depth to take the foreground. Accompanied by Haase on bass and Brechtlein on drums, the piece unfolds with cinematic beauty. Perea’s orchestral keyboard sonorities blend classical and jazz sensibilities, crafting a textured atmosphere that will keep your attention. His piano solo, full of longing and tenderness, encapsulates the emotions behind the composition’s origins—a piece written during a moment of personal loss.

The album’s title track, presented in two versions, encapsulates Perea’s artistic philosophy. The solo piano rendition evokes Bill Evans’ meditative phrasing, capturing a quiet, contemplative beauty. The second version expands on this idea, layering synth textures around the melody to create an ethereal atmosphere. Between these two versions lies the extended take of “Oye Como Va,” where the ensemble stretches out, exploring the rhythmic and harmonic potential of the piece with fluid interplay and dynamic improvisation.

In Lightkeeper, Perea shows he is an artist with a distinct voice. His compositions exude creativity, his arrangements brim with thoughtful detail, and his performances reveal a musician who has not only studied the masters but has internalized their wisdom into something wholly his own. The contributions of his world-class collaborators add layers of vibrancy, ensuring that each track is a compelling experience. As Perea himself puts it, this album is about keeping the flame alive—and with Lightkeeper, that flame burns bright.