Peter Trias has been building an increasingly stellar reputation
for himself ever since he moved from his native New York City to
Florida. He has been performing his original music with various
groups on the Florida music scene for many years. As an eclectic jazz
guitarist, Peter has also had the privilege of performing and recording
with many renowned jazz artists such as Wayne Shorter, John Patitucci,
Dave Weckl, Jaco Pastorius, Blues legend Bo Diddley, "Toots"
Thielemans, Anythony Jackson, Tom Breckline and vocalist Ben Vareen, just
to name a few.
Peter knew from his early childhood that music was his calling. He was
first drawn to the early Motown recordings and to the progressive rock
of the 60's. The young Trias devoured the music of his youth and then -
like millions of other American teens of the 60's - he saw the
Beatles on the Ed Sullivan show, thus adding to his growing list of
influences.
For a young up-and-coming musician, the 60's was a unique time period
for gaining insight and inspiration from a plethora of amazing
artists.
"As a young guitarist, hearing and seeing the likes of Jimi Hendrix and Cream perform on stage was a real high point for me."
As a youth, while growing up in a South Florida orphanage, Peter was
primarily self-taught. "At the time, I didn't have the privilege of
taking private music lessons. I simply learned the basics by listening
and closely observing others play."
Peter's entire musical perspective dramatically changed when a school
counselor took him to see and hear Andre Segovia perform in concert.
"Imagine seeing the maestro Segovia for the first time? It was a life-changing event for me."
Peter was taken backstage to meet the master classical guitarist,
whereupon Segovia shook his hand and asked, "so you like playing the
guitar? Well then... you must always practice, work hard, and follow
your dreams." Hearing those encouraging words directly from Segovia
always resonated in Peter's persona. For a brief time after that
encounter, Peter continued to explore other classical artists such as
Christopher Parkening, Flamenco guitarist Carlos Montoya and composer
Igor Stravinsky, all of whom he saw perform live.
During his sophomore year in high school, Peter was invited to his
first jazz concert featuring the Dave Brubeck Quartet. It was at this
concert that Peter came face to face with the art of jazz
improvisation.
"I was mesmerized by the ability of the players to communicate to each
other with such proficiency and ease, not to mention how they took a
tune and stretched it to no end."
Still in the early stages of his musical development, Peter began to
explore the vast array of jazz giants. Some of his most notable
influences were jazz artists Wes Montgomery, Pat Martino, Jim Hall, John Coltrane,
Bill Evans, Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, Charlie Parker and Joe
Diorio.
After a long season of self-discipline in guitar technique and music
theory, Peter decided it was time to enhance his knowlege of jazz
harmony. He was introduced to South Florida's guitar legend Bob
Whitlock by close friend Randy Bernsen. "I was very fortunate and
privileged to have studied with Bob, a master of tunes and jazz
standards."
After a couple of years under the wings of his first teacher, Peter signed up for private lessons with Vincent Bredice, author of the
renowned "Guitar Improv" book. It was through the counsel of Mr. Bredice,
that Peter enrolled at Miami Dade College as a Jazz Performance Major.
He also minored in Cello, which broadened his musical palette all the
more.
Peter acquired a real passion for classical composers and their music
after several years of performing as a cellist in the college orchestra
and the Broward Community Symphony. He continued his guitar studies
while pursuing his music education and graduated in 1978.
As a passionate leader, player, composer and respected educator, Peter
now stands as one of the elite players in traditional and contemporary
jazz. He has absorbed a lifetime of real-deal experiences during his
musical career. Peter Trias is now based out of New England, where he is exploring new avenues for spreading his musical
signature.