Afro-Peruvian jazz man touches down

‘ ‘ ‘ A unique style of jazz arrives in Pittsburgh this Tuesday with the seasoned playing of… ‘ ‘ ‘ A unique style of jazz arrives in Pittsburgh this Tuesday with the seasoned playing of Gabriel Alegria’s Afro-Peruvian Sextet as its local tour guide. ‘ ‘ ‘ Excluding Pitt students enrolled in the jazz studies program, the question ‘Just what is Afro-Peruvian jazz music?’ might have crossed your mind. ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘Nothing is set in stone,’ said Alegria. ‘Afro-Peruvian jazz is a vehicle for improvisation.’ ‘ ‘ ‘ In geographic terms, Afro-Peruvian jazz is a style differentiated from American and Latin jazz in its specific celebration of the musical traditions created by African slaves on the coast of Peru.’ ‘ ‘ ‘ Musically, this form of jazz hesitates in using the standard rhythmic patterns illustrated by its popular Afro-Cuban predecessor.’ ‘ ‘ ‘ The clave, a rhythmic device used to frame song structure in most forms of Latin jazz, is not present in the group’s preferred playing style, which separates it from something like a salsa. ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘There are different levels of rhythm in Afro-Peruvian jazz,’ said Alegria.’ ‘Afro-Peruvian doesn’t use patterns, which makes the music sound more African.’ ‘ ‘ ‘ Still a little confused? ‘ ‘ ‘ Essentially, Afro-Peruvian is a style of jazz centered on playful expression while respecting and honoring the history of jazz in both the American and Latin genres. ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘It is a form of musical storytelling about different places,’ said Alegria. ‘We want the audience to have an appreciation and joy for what we do.’ ‘ ‘ ‘ The sextet consists of prominent jazz musicians Freddy ‘Huevito’ Lobaton on percussion, Hugo Alcazar on drums, Yuri Juarez on guitar, Laura Andrea Leguia on saxophone and Ramon de Bruyn on bass guitar and vocals with Alegria featured on trumpet. ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘ Born in Lima, Alegria is one of Peru’s most celebrated performers. ‘Famous’ runs in the family as Alegria’s grandfather Ciro was Peru’s most famous novelist and his father Alonso is Peru’s most acclaimed playwright. ‘ ‘ ‘ Alegria received his formal training in the United States, receiving a doctorate in jazz studies from USC, a master’s from City University of New York and a bachelor’s from Kenyon College. He is currently the associate director of jazz studies at NYU. ‘ ‘ ‘ On his latest recording, Nuevo Mundo, Alegria collaborates with musicians Tierney Sutton, Bobby Shew and Russell Ferrante. ‘ ‘ ‘ In the past, he has performed with musical legends Maria Schneider, Placido Domingo and Ingrid Jensen. ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘The material Gabriel and his associates are producing is nothing short of historic,’ said Shew. ‘ ‘ ‘ Alegria chose the trumpet to be his weapon of choice because ‘it is a powerful instrument that dictates what is going on in the music.’ ‘ ‘ ‘ Influenced by the music of jazz legends Miles Davis and Herbie Hancock, Alegria returned to his Peruvian roots after receiving his collegiate education about five years ago. The Afro-Peruvian Sextet followed a year later. ‘ ‘ ‘ Alegria and company offers to take fans of the genre straight to the Peruvian coast for some firsthand experience with the recently established ‘Tour Peru’ concept. ‘ ‘ ‘ In 2008, an audience of about 40, including four college students, left with the band on a 10-day musical tour of Alegria’s native country. Three college interns under the tutelage of Alegria also made the trip. ‘ Traveling with the sextet by bus across the Peruvian countryside, tour-goers were treated to spectacular cuisine, scenery and music. ‘ ‘ ‘ Continuing the successful endeavor in 2009, Alegria’s ‘Tour Peru’ with all the fixings will cost a patron less than $2500 plus personal airfare. Alegria’s Pittsburgh performance will cost considerably less at only $25.50 per ticket. ‘ ‘ ‘ Gabriel Alegria’s Afro-Peruvian Sextet will play The Cabaret at Theatre Square for one night only, returning to Pittsburgh after a two-year hiatus. ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘There is an energy we want people to experience,’ said Alegria. ‘Come away having fun.”