Reports are flooding in that Brainfeeder affiliated jazz composer Austin Peralta has passed away at the age of 22.
Jazz has long produced mercurial, prodigal talents - from the explosive artistry of Freddie Hubbard to the impact of Wynton Marsalis the genre embraces youth, energy and above all new ideas. All attributes which Austin Peralta had in spaces.
Learning piano from age six, the musician was able to rub shoulders with jazz greats while still in his teens. Recording with legendary bass player Ron Carter, the composer's opening two albums were seismic examples of fusion done well.
Later falling under the spell of Brainfeeder, Austin Peralta was able to explore new areas. Taking on an electronic influence, the pianist worked with label boss Flying Lotus and recently kicked off sessions for a new studio album.
Reports are flooding in that Austin Peralta has died. The range of sources paying tribute is quite remarkable, with everyone from jazz greats to hip hop stables saluting the gifted young pianist.
Glasgow based collective Lucky Me posted: "So much love to Austin Peralta, his work, his art, his friends and his family unlimited." Night Works added "Just read Austin Peralta has died, aged 22, shocking" while Brainfeeder cohort Tokimonsta said: "I will miss u @AustinPeralta".
Austin Peralta, jazz pianist and Flying Lotus collaborator, dead at 22
By Randall Roberts Los Angeles Times Pop Music Critic November 22, 2012, 9:52 a.m.
Austin Peralta, the 22-year-old jazz piano prodigy, composer and son of professional skater Stacy Peralta, has died. Flying Lotus, the beat producer and labelhead who released Peralta's music, confirmed the news Thursday morning via Twitter, writing: "it kills me to type that we lost a member of our family, Austin Peralta. I don't really have the right words right now." Peralta's cause of death has not been announced.
Peralta's recent output has ranged from collaborations on Flying Lotus' Brainfeeder Records imprint, including the pianist's 2011 album "Endless Planets," and session work for artists including Erykah Badu and the Cinematic Orchestra. But Peralta first made his international mark at age 15 at the Tokyo Jazz Festival, where he and his trio performed a set that confirmed a pianist with prodigious talent.
You could see it in his hands, and those long pianist fingers that moved across the keys effortlessly. One night last year, Peralta gigged with his trio at the Del Monte Speakeasy in Venice, and I was lucky enough to spin records between his sets. In addition to being an incredibly curious listener -- after we met, he flipped through my records and asked about a few tracks I'd played -- when Peralta sat down at the keyboard his talent was immediately obvious. I'll always remember sitting a few feet away from him on the Speakeasy's tiny stage, watching from close range his hands control his keyboard.
In a review of Peralta's gig in 2011 at Lot 1 Cafe, The Times' Chris Barton was effusive: "Peralta was often a force of nature on his red electric keyboard. Hammering out squelched, funk-dappled notes that recalled 'Bitches Brew'-era Chick Corea at one instance or flickering, twilit atmospherics the next, Peralta sounded like every bit of the next big thing."
Musicians have been tweeting appreciations since the news started trickling out Wednesday night. Robert Glasper, who recently shared a bill with Peralta at UCLA, wrote: “RIP Austin Peralta..gifted young pianist gone to0 soon..glad I got to meet him last month..great dude..praying for his family…”
On his Tumblr page, Frank Ocean posted a clip of Peralta gigging at the Tokyo Jazz Festival. Flea, the bassist for Red Hot Chili Peppers, wrote: "Austin peralta was a transcendent musician, the kind of kid that made the future of music look bright. Thankful he existed. He broke through." And famed BBC DJ Gilles Peterson, whose taste for visionary jazz is well-established, wrote: "I really can't believe he's gone - such a tragic loss Austin Peralta RIP."
Flying Lotus initially announced he and Brainfeeder were cancelling a planned trip to perform in Japan in the coming days, but changed his mind Thursday morning, writing via Twitter: "scratch that.. JAPAN we're coming!"
Last edited by Ron Thorne; November-22nd-2012 at 03:44 PM.
I must confess to not being aware of this extraordinarily talented young man until yesterday. My loss.
I found this video which clearly shows not only his musical gift and prowess, but his sheer joy during the journey with his bandmates. Wonderful stuff!
I must confess to not being aware of this extraordinarily talented young man until yesterday. My loss.
I found this video which clearly shows not only his musical gift and prowess, but his sheer joy during the journey with his bandmates. Wonderful stuff!
R.I.P., Austin Peralta~
I never heard of him either until now. Thanks for posting the clip, Ron. Some impressive chops for anyone nevermind a 15 year old. Left way too young. RIP
Last edited by ormsbop; November-24th-2012 at 08:30 AM.
A family member was friends with him. She took the news hard.
Be well....
P.S. Simply calling his father a "professional skater" is like calling Charlie Parker a "professional musician". Also, for those that might not know....Steven Ellison aka Flying Lotus is Ravi Coltrane's cousin and Alice Coltrane's great-nephew.
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Originally Posted by Ron Thorne
