Your new album, Perseverance, is deeply influenced by Venezuela’s political situation. Could you share what inspired you to take this approach for the album and how it shaped the compositions?
Yes, totally. Each tune represents a part of the story. This approach is because this was my upbringing and how it affected all aspects of my life, and millions of others.
So I wanted to reflect my story up until now, as I think artists should reflect the times they’re living in and innovate during this process.
Also, this was the way I was able to process all this information/struggles/
Your album features not just some incredible musicians, but ones that come from all across the musical spectrum. How did this come about and how did these collaborators influence the sound of the record?
I have played with each musician in many different contexts for many years, some even over a decade. So, I know them very well, and I had their sound in mind for when I composed this music. All of them are incredible jazz musicians, and we’ve done some shows together, so I knew it was the right combination for this album. Each one of them influenced and injected their personality into the music in an amazing way.
What is an early album discovery which set you on your course to become a jazz musician?
Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers. Night in Tunisia.
The track Ni un paso atrás has a powerful meaning behind the chant. Can you tell us about this, and how you incorporated the spirit of the protests into this album musically?
Ni un paso atrás which means, not even one step back, were the words that millions of Venezuelans chanted over years protesting the dictatorship. It was very present in my life growing up. Specially on April 11th, 2002 so I took the rhythmic motive , harmonized it dissonantly to create tension, wrote the horn lines to reflect the sirens of the police/ambulances/authorities that were running around the protests and then a melody on a new section in a different meter, that reflects the pursuit of freedom of the people, over a 7/4 groove vamp. And the interpretation reflects all that happened that day, and that still is happening to this day there in 2024.
You’ve mentioned the importance of perseverance in your life and career. What advice would you give to young musicians navigating challenges in today’s industry?
To believe in themselves, and keep pushing for their dreams. Don’t be afraid to be different, do the exact oposite. And always strive to innovate so the music keeps evolving…
For readers looking to dive deeper into the world of Venezuelan musicians in jazz, do you have any specific tips, either from the scene in New York, or back in Venezuela?
I would say to go and ask around who’s doing hip music in their community. There’s a whole new generation doing incredible things everywhere, keep your eyes/ ears and specially mind open.
Lastly: What’s next?!
Touring and bigger projects.
