From the nature island of the Caribbean, Ras Perez
became involved in music at a very early age. Influenced mainly by
what was being played over the radio at that time, it soon became
clear that music was a universal language that he had to also learn.
He started out by playing melodica together with his elder sister
singing, and younger brother beating away at anything to have as "drums".
They soon were able to play almost everything that was heard over
the radio, which was at the time coming all the way from Trinidad.
Throughout his teens, "Perri" caught the eyes of the local
bandsmen and was invited to join the "Ebonites" band from
Grand Bay.
It was ranked as one of the top outfits coming out of Dominica
at that time. They had a reputation for discipline, and were known
to be able to read and write music, and not just "play by ear".
Starting out on bass, he then moved to learn keyboards to replace
an outgoing member. From then on it was a smooth transition to guitar
and other instruments.
The name " Perez" was given because of his love for Latin
music especially that of the maestro Perez Prado. Years later, together
with his brother and friends, the group "Black Machine"
was founded and recorded albums in Guadeloupe and Martinique respectively.
After years touring and recording in Dominica, Guadeloupe and Martinique
("Black Machine", "Midnight Groovers") they disbanded
thereafter, but the drive to continue was always present, so after
much thought, Ras decided to take a trip outside the Caribbean, and
went to visit his friend in Salt Lake City ( f.e. "Irie Heights").
Not really a fun place, but some seeds of reggae were sown in that
region, resulting in the formation of RAW (Reggae Ambassadors Worldwide)
by Papa Pilgrim who came from that area.
After a year and a half of the U.S. it was time to move, and some
time was spent with some friends gigging in and around Boston and
New York ("New Generation Band") before making the trip
back to the Caribbean and then to Europe. Ras Perez arrived in Paris
in '89 and began looking for the vibes. He found Paris to be in full
early development as far as reggae was concerned. Five years was spent
in the city of light recording and touring with the top DJs and local
roots ensembles ("Ragga Dub Force", "Sai Sai",
"Ton Ton David").
In '93 Ras Perez took a trip to visit some friends in Berlin and
has been there ever since. From there he formed "The Reggae Ambassadubs"
and released his first solo CD, "Over The Hills" in 1996.
Since then Ras Perez has compiled a few solo projects for release.
In the meantime the band keeps on doing active musical work.