Juan Perea | Lightkeeper Review

by Illiam Sebitz

Juan Perea’s debut recording, Lightkeeper, is an exploration of jazz’s multifaceted feels and styles. At 68, Perea, the law professor renowned for his social justice advocacy and academic rigor, steps into the recording studio with the intensity of an impassioned musician, eager to share something meaningful with us through his music. His inspiration from icons such as Denny Zeitlin, Lyle Mays, McCoy Tyner, and even Bill Evans is evident throughout the album. The record’s title is a metaphor for sustaining one’s inner flame despite the passage of time—a theme that resonates with his personal journey and his broader artistic philosophy on this album.

Co-produced by the renowned George Whitty, whose résumé includes collaborations with Herbie Hancock and the Brecker Brothers, Lightkeeper has a beautiful production aesthetic that is polished and warmly organic. The album was recorded over a two-year span between January 2022 and June 2024, capturing sessions in both Lake Arrowhead, CA, and Chicago, IL. This geographical and temporal diversity is reflected in the dynamic sonic palette of the record, where classic Latin rhythms meet contemporary fusion elements and dynamic solo passages.

Perea’s dual role as the principal composer and a commanding keyboardist/pianist provides the album with a unifying framework and harmonic center. His ability to intertwine interesting musical movements with dynamic rhythmic structures is at the heart of each track.

“Oye Como Va (RADIO EDIT)” is the opening statement, with Perea reimagining Tito Puente’s iconic cha-cha-cha with an invigorating twist. Perea’s piano establishes the relaxed rhythmic, harmonic foundation, supported by Gary Haase’s bass and Tom Brechtlein’s drumming. The melody is first stated by Eric Marienthal’s alto sax and Dean Brown’s vibrant acoustic guitar. The arrangement has the ensemble transition seamlessly into a funky fusion feel to further explore the well-known composition. The arrangement’s evolution—from the traditional rhythmic groove to an explosive montuno section featuring distorted electric guitar accents—speaks to a well-considered balance between respect for the original form and inventive reinterpretation.

“Lylestyle” is a tribute to keyboard luminary Lyle Mays. Perea’s performance is steeped in the sonic qualities that defined Mays’ sound. Perea alternates between acoustic piano and layered keyboard textures, producing a soundscape that defined the Pat Metheny Group’s sound. The track’s infectious groove is provided by Hadrien Feraud’s funk-inflected electric bass and the captivating rhythmic force of Tom Brechtlein on drums and Steve Thornton on percussion. Perea captures the essence of Mays’ signature synthesis of jazz and electronic timbres while maintaining an inviting and expressive quality.

Opening with a catchy introductory statement, “El Sueño” introduces a relaxed, salsa-inflected ambiance that gradually evolves into a feel and texture journey. Perea’s mastery of tone and timbre is evident as he shifts from gentle keyboard moods to more animated piano montuno, and string-voiced passages. Dean Brown’s guitar, alternating between warm acoustic tones and brighter, distorted lines—propels the track into a spirited descarga. The interplay of acoustic instruments with lush synth layers builds an orchestral narrative arc of the piece.

A deliberate homage to McCoy Tyner, “Tyner Tune” focuses on the energy with which Tyner played the piano. Perea’s writing is imbued with that liveliness, which is further amplified through the expression of piano, percussion, drum, and bass setting before Marienthal and Brown join. Perea’s piano solo is rich with intervallic leaps and a carefully measured sense of timing that interweaves with expressiveness through the chord progression. Marienthal’s solo is fluid and balances emotional bluesy patterns with elegant jazz lines. Brown brings a mellow jazz guitar to his fiery lines. Janek Gwizdala’s bass solo is virtuosic. The composition is punctuated with a burst of feel changes and creative interludes that tie together the traditional and modern aspects of the flow.

Embracing contemporary fusion groove, “City Swing” finds the ensemble exploring the intersection of rock and jazz fusion. Jimmy Haslip’s electric bass lays down a robust foundation over which Perea and Brown articulate clear, soaring lines. Brown’s electric guitar solo, tinged with rock distortion, further energizes the track, creating a dynamic conversation between the instruments that is viscerally satisfying.

Presented in a trio setting with Haase and Brechtlein, “Remembering You” is a study in nuance and delicate phrasing. The two versions of the album’s title track offer two perspectives on Perea’s thematic vision. The first iteration is a solo piano exploration that reflects Perea’s use of hues to capture a mood. The acoustic piano is given subtle hues through the touch on the instrument, while the reprise envelops the piano’s reflective melody in ambient synth textures. This duality underscores the album’s conceptual framework, the idea of a guiding light maintained over decades—but also highlights Perea’s versatility as a soloist and a collaborator in ensemble settings.

Lightkeeper is a masterful blend of tradition and innovation. It is an album that speaks directly to musicians and industry professionals through its precise arrangements, exceptional solo performances, and the rich interplay among a cadre of celebrated collaborators. Perea’s compositions are thoughtful and expansive and demonstrate an extraordinary ability to fuse different influences into a cohesive whole. The record is as much a statement of personal triumph, a testament to the enduring passion for music, as it is an affirmation of jazz’s endless capacity for reinvention.

In Lightkeeper, Juan Perea pays homage to the legends who inspired him through his explorations in jazz and fusion, proving that creative expression knows no bond. Lightkeeper is a beacon of artistic expression, a recording that will undoubtedly inspire as much as it entertains.

Artist: Juan Perea
Album: Lightkeeper
Label: ZOHO Music

Release Date: February 7, 2025

About the author

Illiam Sebitz

Born and raised in a picturesque European village, my fondness for music began during my formative years, when the charismatic tones of the recorder first filled the halls of my primary school. This early fascination escalated into my lifelong pursuit of embracing the melodious charm of the flute; I have even spent time refining my skills at a music conservatoire. As a seasoned music connoisseur, I find myself captivated by the multifaceted world of music. I enjoy writing music reviews to better enable me to explore genres as diverse as world, rock, jazz, classical, folk, and film music, each offering a unique auditory journey that enriches my life and intellect.

In my spare moments, you'll likely find me meticulously crafting my latest woodworking project, sharpening my skills with flute etudes, or inventing tales of fantasy through the art of creative writing. My eclectic interests and expertise harmonize to create a symphony of passion and curiosity that resonates within every aspect of my life as a music enthusiast.