Ron Perrillo was born in New York City on July 6th, 1962. He was inspired to study music by his parents who loved all forms of music and by his grandfather Angelo Perrillo who was a New York guitarist. His family moved to South Florida in 1973. There he attended Coconut Creek High School majoring in music, playing trumpet and baritone horn in their symphonic and jazz bands.

While still in high school he started playing piano for the BCC Neophonic Jazz Band under the direction of Bernie Switzer. After attending Broward Community College’s jazz program studying under J. B. Dyas, he began freelancing with Florida greats Jaco Pastorius, Randy Bernsen and Ira Sullivan as well as performing with visiting artists such as Dizzy Gillespie, Slide Hampton, Frank Wess and Michael Brecker. In 1990 Ron was selected from hundreds of entries as one of five finalists in The Great American Jazz Piano Competition, the most prestigious event of its kind.

Ron was introduced to Chicago jazz audiences while on tour with Ira Sullivan in 1988 when he performed at Joe Segal's Jazz Showcase. His experiences while on tour with Ira Sullivan inspired him to move to Chicago in 1990. Shortly after arriving in Chicago he formed his current trio with bassist Dennis Carroll and percussionist Dana Hall. He’s also played in groups with Chicago greats Von Freeman, Bobby Broom, Eric Alexander and Lin Halliday.

In 1997 Ron was nominated for a Grammy Award in the best jazz instrumental solo category for his work on saxophonist Mike Smith’s Sinatra Songbook CD (Delmark Records.) Ron has also recorded for Blue Note Records with guitarist Fareed Haque, for the Criss Cross Jazz label with guitarist Bobby Broom for SteepleChase Records with Ira Sullivan and Von Freeman and for Origin Records with Scott Burns.

 

 

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