Perillä by Joe Peri

"Perillä" is New York City based jazz drummer Joe Peri's debut album as a leader. The idea of forming the band came when Joe was on his way to the Helsinki airport and his cab driver said "Saadaan Peri perille!" ("Let's get Peri to the destination!") In Finnish "perillä" means "at the destination" but a play on words could have it translated literally as "at Peri".

The band features Joe's favorite Finnish musicians: Max Zenger, Joonatan Rautio, and Kaisa Mäensivu. The legendary pianist, Dave Kikoski, was able to join in on a few tunes while he was already in Finland for a trio tour with Joe and Kaisa. The album features five of Joe's original compositions, one original each by Kaisa and Joonatan, and the jazz standard "If I Were A Bell".

"I like that the lack of harmony naturally places more emphasis on the drums and its role," Joe says about the band's "chord-less quartet" line up. "And I like the combination and contrast of Max and Joonatan. They are both such great saxophonists but they have totally different sounds and styles. Together they have a sound that is focused and energetic, but at the same time soothing and hypnotic."

With his first album, it’s fascinating to hear what this drummer who can play it all decides to do when he finally has all the freedom to choose.

Joe Peri is a jazz drummer based in New York City. He plays regularly in some of the city's most well known clubs with world class artists. His approach to making music combines virtuosic drumming with deep listening and tasteful musicality.
Peri can come up with unique modern grooves as well as swing hard and in the pocket.

joeperidrums.com