Panama

The Panamanian pianist Danilo Pérez 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.

Heavy tropical sounds from the Isthmus! Panama played host to many musicians from across the Caribbean to South America, laying down some of the best Latin, funk and calypso ever recorded – long forgotten and unrepresented until now! Soundway continues its mission to expose the best in funk, Latin and Afro music from Africa, the Caribbean and South America by introducing the likes of the The Exciters, Victor Boa and Lord Cobra once again, giving them the exposure and recognition they deserve. Panama occupies a unique place both geographically and culturally within Central America and the Caribbean.