The Panamanian pianist Danilo P rez has occupied the piano chair in tenor saxophonist Wayne Shorter's acclaimed quartet since 2001. 'Panama 500' finds him with two different groups of musicians who perform Perez's own compositions that celebrate the 500th anniversary of the historic crossing, in 1513, of the Panama isthmus by explorer Vasco Nunez de Balboa.

Perez finds musical interpretation and inspiration for his compositions in two groups of players - one featuring bassist John Patitucci and drummer Brian Blade, fellow musicians in Shorter's quartet, with contributions from percussionist Rogerio Boccato and cellist Sachi Patitucci. The other group features drummer Adam Cruz, bassist Ben Street, violinist Alex Hargreaves and percussionist Roman Diaz. Both groups are musical allies and stunning collaborators in Danilo's vision.

The music is a multi-cultural mix of jazz, Latin American folk, classical music and blues with Middle Eastern and Asian sounds in the mix. In addition three tracks include music and narration from the Guna indigenous people of Panama.

Personnel: Danilo Perez (piano, cowbell), John Patitucci (bass), Brian Blade (drums), Rogerio Boccato (percussion), Sachi Patitucci (cello), Adam Cruz (drums), Ben Street (bass), Alex Hargreaves (violin), Roman Diaz (percussion), Milagros Blades (repicador, caja, pujador), Ricaurte Villareal (caja, guiro) and others.