Growing up in Minneapolis, Chico Perez heard the call of the drum at a very young age.
His mom was a red-headed, English-Dutch woman. His dad, a full-blooded Mexican. Together they nurtured their little boy’s fascination and gift for playing drums. Chico’s father, a musician, treated Chico to late-night jam sessions in their home, teaching him, at age 4, to play clavé with the adults.
“My parents would take me to parades, too, and they’d really have to keep an eye on me because when I saw a drum corps march by, I just followed them,” said Chico. “The Elks from North Minneapolis were so good. I loved the rhythms and the movements and the sound – all of it!”
At age 14 Perez got his first trap set, and the rest is a rich, personal musical history including several gigs with national acts (Crow, Gypsy, Colla) that led to recording contracts, television appearances and performances in every major U.S. city.
Today Perez is a percussionist and singer with The New Primitives, voted “Best Reggae Band” by the Minnesota Music Academy for the last four years. He performs alongside his friend and musical comrade of 44 years – drummer, vocalist and bandleader Stan Kipper.
Perez’s teaching experience began 14 years ago at the Cultural Center of Minnesota where he met Wallace E. Hill. “He was my teacher, my mentor, a godsend,” said Perez. Hill opened Perez’s eyes to incredible master musicians; to the world of African dance; to West African, Afro-Cuban, and Latin cultures, music and drums; to “many different, beautiful ethnic flavors.” Perez learned about the history of the drum and through his studies gained a real respect for the instrument, and for the rich cultures of the African diaspora.
And then one day, from a friend, this question: “What are you going to contribute to the world?” “That was a turning point,” Perez said. “I felt so blessed and knew I had to give back what I’d received. I had to be a teacher.”
His message to anyone who wants to learn to play drums, especially if you’re apprehensive or unsure about it: “Rid yourself of your fears and try it. Once you say yes to the drum and get through the door, oh man, it’s incredible. There’s a part for everyone on the drum!”
He added his passionate plea for people to “say yes” not only to drumming, but the arts in general. It’s his belief that the arts teach us about life’s truths, about others and about ourselves. Indeed, for Chico, the arts and “the call of the drum” led him to his calling. “Music showed me who I am and what I’m supposed to be doing in life.”
Chico Perez teaches clavé and clavé to drum classes at Camden Music School. For info on fall drum classes, visit www.camdenmusicschool.com. For info on his current band, the New Primitives, check out www.newprimitives.com.