Panamanian pianist Danilo Perez returns to the Bay Area for the San Francisco Jazz Festival to present his unique take on the world of Latin jazz. Drawing from ethnic rhythms around the world, Danilo's provocative approach offers rich harmonies and flowing improvisations as he builds a musical bridge linking the sounds and cultures of Africa, Brazil, Latin America, and the U.S. with those of his native Panama that at times is beautiful, challenging and infectious.

Though the pianist may be best known as a member of saxophone legend Wayne Shorter's incendiary quartet with John Patitucci and Brian Blade -- a quartet touted by some as the greatest working band in jazz -- Perez also tours regularly with his own formidable trio featuring bassist Ben Street and drummer Adam Cruz.

First documented in 2005 on Live at the Jazz Showcase, the interplay between Pérez and Cruz is nearly telepathic, as each of them is equally versed in various Latin American and jazz idioms. Cruz's multifaceted rhythmic fluency has led to recordings with masters including Chick Corea, Tom Harrell, Paquito D’Rivera and Eddie Palmieri, while Street has toured and recorded with luminaries such as Lee Konitz, James Moody, Dave Douglas and Kurt Rosenwinkel. The group plays songs from Perez's latest effort Providencia at this Sunday concert at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music.

SF Jazz Festival: Danilo Perez Trio
Sunday, Oct. 14, 7 p.m. $25-$40
San Francisco Conservatory of Music