Manongo Mujica (drums, percussion), Jean Pierre Magnet (tenor saxophone), Julio “Chocolate” Algendones (percussion) and Enrique Luna (electric bass) founded Perujazz in 1984. All four already had embarked on diverse musical ventures when they formed the band. Mujica had played as a jazz drummer and also with the psychedelic rock group Los Mad’s and then as an experimental music percussionist. Jean Pierre had been a multi-instrumentalist in Traffic Sound and saxophonist in several jazz ensembles. “Chocolate” had been part of the Afro-Peruvian ensemble Perú Negro and was one of Chabuca Granda’s percussionists of choice. His meeting with Manongo Mujica in 1981 was the beginning of series of collaborations, blending African influences and avant-garde jazz percussion. Meanwhile, in Chile, Enrique Luna had been a member of several fusion ensembles and, together with Manongo, set up the improvisation band Solos at the end of the 70s. They were part of the new musical scene in Lima, strongly influenced by the cultural climate of the 70s, by Chabuca Granda and his innovations in criollismo, as well as by neofolk and nueva canción, all under the nationalist politics of the government of General Juan Velasco Alvarado. The 80s ushered in a period of democratic transition and during the early years of the decade a new generation of fusion artists thrived. Perujazz managed to hold its ground and soon led the way in the avant-garde jazz scene. Inspired by jazz fusion from the 70s, they mixed cajón drums and Afro-Peruvian, Andean and jungle sounds with jazz, rock and funk in a powerful blend full of groove and psychedelia. During an early tour in Europe, they recorded in Italy an LP entitled “Verde Machu Picchu”, it was released in 1987 though it wasn’t widely distributed. In those years, Perujazz would journey far and wide, becoming one of the most original Peruvian ensembles and also one of the most international in scope. Since then their line-up has gone through multiple changes and today the band members are Manongo Mujica, Jean Pierre Magnet, Andrés Prado, Pudy Ballumbrosio and Julio Zavala. They have released several studio and live albums. “En vivo 2023 Gira Europea” portraits the essence of their 2023 European tour, allowing the listeners to immerse themselves in its vibrations, its applause, its spirit. Music, sweat, and elation flowed as the band gave their all, transmitting their energy with every note. Those of us who can hear hints of huayno, tondero, or festejo in their playing are moved by these echoes. We recognize the way Perujazz launches these sounds forward - projecting them, reshaping them, not to dilute their essence, but perhaps to stir it gently, coaxing out their most hidden aromas.
