Renowned jazz trumpeter Tom Peron, whose surname rhymes with "heron," captivates audiences with his rich, velvety tones and impeccable articulation. Inspired and mentored by his father, a trumpeter in the Sacramento California Symphony for a quarter-century, Peron's journey into the world of jazz began. In 1982, he joined forces with the exceptional pianist Jessica Williams, who became one of his greatest supporters. Through Williams, he met the dynamic San Francisco drummer, Bud Spangler, igniting a mutual admiration and musical synergy. "It was love at first note," reminisces Spangler.
Teaming up with John Wiitala on bass and Jessica Williams as a special guest on piano, Peron and Spangler crafted their inaugural album as leaders, "Interplay," released by Monarch Records in 1994. A delightful fusion of jazz standards from luminaries like Thelonious Monk, Sonny Rollins, and George Gershwin, alongside two original compositions by Tom Peron, "Interplay" swiftly ascended the charts, becoming one of Monarch's top sellers.
Drawing inspiration from the legendary collaborations of jazz icons such as Clifford Brown and Max Roach, the John Coltrane Quartet with Elvin Jones, and Miles Davis with a lineage of exceptional drummers, the Peron/Spangler ensemble epitomizes the essence of "straight ahead jazz for the 90s." Jazz critic Scott Yanow hails their music, asserting that there's ample vitality to be discovered in traditional jazz.
In a review for Jazziz, Alex Henderson praises the quartet's prowess, highlighting Peron's melodic sensibility reminiscent of the Miles Davis or Chet Baker school of emotive lyricism, infused with influences from dynamic trumpeters like Kenny Dorham and Clifford Brown.
For nearly two decades, Peron has graced stages across Northern California, sharing bills with luminaries like Stanley Clarke and George Duke in Sacramento, and collaborating with pianist Smith Dobson at venues like the Garden City in San Jose. He's been a featured artist at prestigious events such as the Cotati Jazz Festival and has performed at iconic San Francisco venues like the Great American Music Hall and Kimball's. From co-leading the Peron/Spangler Quartet at the Monterey Jazz Festival to captivating audiences at Yoshi's, Pearls, and the Museum of Modern Art in San Francisco, Peron's musical journey continues to enchant listeners throughout the San Francisco and Sacramento regions.
Tom Peron is a trumpeter featured on Joe Gilman's "Treasure Chest" (Timeless Records) and vocalist Kitty Margolis' "Evolution" (Madcat Records), both albums featuring Joe Henderson. He's also a special guest on guitarist Mimi Fox's "Turtle Logic" (Monarch Records). In June 1996, Monarch released Peron/Spanglers' second CD titled "Dedication," where each of the four standards and five originals is dedicated to members of his family and the late great trumpet virtuoso, Rafael Mendez, a close friend of Tom's family. Music critic Phil Elwood from the San Francisco Examiner highlighted a second meaning for the CD's title: "the dedication of all the performing instrumentalists is apparent throughout." He expressed, "As a trumpeter/composer, Peron invites one to simply 'listen,' and then be astonished at his playing, versatility, imagination, and technical facility. Master of his horn and possessing 'good ears,' as Lester Young would have said, Peron has forged his own style and sound from jazz roots. There are very few trumpeters out there who can match Peron, let alone surpass him." Tom Peron, a trumpeter, composer, and teacher, possesses rare talents. With his impassioned playing and impeccable technique, he is destined to join the ranks of legends.
