I Feel You

I recently was lucky enough to be invited to see Danilo Perez's latest show at the Jazz Standard. My friend is a publicist and agent, and likes to sit right in front, and so we did.

The group featured Perez, David Sanchez, a trumpeter and alto saxist new to me, plus Adam Cruz and Ben Street. The show was called 21st Century Dizzy, which mixed original compositions with VERY modern arrangements (so much so that they might as well have been originals) of songs written by or associated with Dizzy Gillespie. Even though it was clear to me that, despite this being the last of four nights, some arrangements were a bit seat-of-the-pants or were less than assured, this was not distracting and the playing was top-notch.

The thing that most struck me was Perez's presence on the stage. He is extremely emotive, and although sometimes his shoulders lift and he seems to struggle getting out of his own way (a feeling I know well as a performer), he was arguably the most engaging member of the band.

I was going to say, "I guess that's why he's the leader," but any of those men probably could and do lead their own bands. But as I listened and observed Perez's stage presence, I started to realize how important that presence is for a performer. What makes a musician succeed in this way? I think it must be, besides the energy you give off on stage through music, how you engage the audience with your words and attitude. Perez seemed so genuine, so grateful for this attentive audience, and so inclusive in his attitude, you WANTED to hear more. His empathy created a room of willing listeners and friends.

My agent friend knew a few people, so I was introduced to some in the band, including Perez. I was most gratified when he shook my hand and thanked me for my attention, and when I told him I was a pianist he seemed to know already. His conversation with me simply confirmed what I had felt about him and his music.

The lesson for me was that, if you can give off honesty, empathy, and goodwill on stage, this will keep your listeners and fans coming back for more, even more perhaps than your talent for music.