For a limited time you can download free songs from Cuban artist Alain Pérez
About Alain
Alain Pérez Rodríguez was born in Trinidad in 1977, in the province of Santi Spiritus, Cuba. As a child he recalls being raised in a family that acquainted him with the major customs and traditions of his land. His father, Gradelio Perez, discovered his musical talent dancing in carnivals and playing on the guitar tonadas and guarachas, two traditional styles of Cuban music. He would also accompany poets and vocal improvisers at gatherings at sugar plantations.
In 1988, he began studies at the Manuel Saumell Conservatory of Music of Cienfuegos taking classes for classical guitar and piano. Five years later, he transferred to Havana, where he continued his studies at the prestigious Escuela Nacional de Arte, Cuba’s esteemed National Arts School. Soon he was noted by salsa singer Isaac Delgado who encouraged him to begin playing bass. At the age of 17, he was asked to join the major Latin jazz group of the country, Irakere, led by pianist and composer/arranger, Jesus “Chucho” Valdes.
As a bassist, Alain was initially influenced by Cuban musicians like Carlos del Puerto, Israel “Cachao” López, and Feliciano Arango. But he was also influenced by international musicians like Jaco Pastorius, John Patitucci, Victor Wooten and Ron Carter.
His contributions as a sideman for flamenco guitar legend Paco de Lucia, Latin jazz icon Jerry González and, as a producer of albums by Celia Cruz and Habana Abierta, he has become the spotlight of modern Cuban music.
Projects
• European Tour with Team Cuba, 1988
• Plays at the Festival de Salsa de Cali, Colombia with Chucho Valdés and Irakere, 1995
• Releases album, Belebele en la Habana, (Blue Note), with Chucho Valdés, Grammy Nominee, 1998
• Releases album with Isaac Delgado, La primera Noche, 1999
• Records his own album, El Desafío, (Bat Discos) 2000
• First prize winner of the III Edición de Premios SGAE de Jazz Latino, 2002
• Records with Paco De Lucia the album, Cositas Buenas, Grammy Latino award winner, 2004
• Collaborates with Enrique Morente in the África-Cuba-Cai, Music Project, 2002
• Releases his own second album, “En el Aire” (AYVA MUSICA), 2006
• Releases his own third album, “Apetecible” (GLOBOMEDIA MUSICA), 2010
