Luis Perdomo (pianist)
Luis Perdomo (born February 19, 1971 in Caracas, Venezuela) is an American jazz pianist and composer. Career. His style is influenced by Bud Powell, Oscar Peterson, McCoy Tyner, Paul Bley and Herbie Hancock. From the age of 12, was playing on Venezuelan TV and radio stations. His first teacher was the Austrian-born jazz pianist Gerry Weil. "The biggest lesson I received from Gerry Weil in Venezuela was to keep my mind open to all types of music" he says. He eventually realized that he would have to travel to New York City to fulfill his musical  destiny. "Being in a more competitive and challenging environment was a big change that I welcomed". He obtained a Bachelor of Music Degree at the Manhattan School of Music, where he was a student of Harold Danko and classical pianist Martha Pestalozzi, and later on graduated with a Master Degree from Queens College in New York City, where he studied with the legendary pianist Sir Roland Hanna. Luis also cites Jaki Byard as one of his teachers. He has played with Ralph Irizarry and Timbalaye, Ray Barretto, David Sanchez, John Patitucci, Dave Douglas, Yosvany Terry, Brian Lynch, Tom Harrell, Henry  Threadgill, David Gilmore, Steve Turre, David Weiss and Robin Eubanks among others. He has been a long-standing member of Miguel Zenon's quartet and was a member of Ravi Coltrane's quartet for 10 years. In addition, he has appeared on over 120 recordings as a sideman, and has released nine CDs as leader: "Focus Point" in 2005, "Awareness" in 2006 (both on Coltrane's label RKM Music), "Pathways" in 2008 (Criss Cross Jazz), "Universal Mind" (and third for RKM Music) in 2012, "The Infancia Project" in 2012 (Criss Cross Jazz), "Links" in 2013 (Criss Cross Jazz) and "Twenty -Two" in 2015 (Hot Tone Music), This CD includes Perdomo's newest band: The "Controlling Ear Unit", with bassist Mimi Jones and drummer Rudy Royston, as well as "Montage" (Hot Tone Music) and "Spirits and Warriors" (Criss Cross Jazz) in 2016, which features an amazing band with Alex Sipiagin on trumpet, Mark Shim on saxophone, Ugonna Okegwo on bass and drummer Billy "Jabali" Hart. Discography as leader. Selected Discography as sideman. With Miguel Zenon With Ravi Coltrane With David Sanchez With Henry Threadgill With Ray Barretto With David Gilmore With Steve Turre With Jon Irabagon With Brian Lynch (musician) With  Ben Wolfe With Ralph Irizarry and Timbalaye With Gregg August External links. List of Venezuelan Americans