Roberto Perera’s romance with the Paraguayan harp can be traced all the way back to 1964, when the 12-year-old aspiring musician enrolled at the Conservatory of Modern Music in his hometown of Montevideo, the capital city of Uruguay. This tiny republic is often referred to as the “Switzerland of South America” because of its prosperity, cosmopolitan flavor and well educated, European-influenced populace. His multicultural beginnings no doubt played a part in his decision to embrace the 36-string Paraguayan harp and transform the native Indoamerican instrument to incorporate the influences of Latin, Pop, Jazz, Brazilian and Afro-Cuban musics.

“The Paraguayan harp was considered an instrument merely to play folk music,” says Perera His complex technique includes precisely bending the strings to create sharps and flats while gliding across the harp in a seemingly effortless fashion, giving little indication of the tremendous skill and discipline that’s needed. His transformation of this humble, hand-crafted harp from its folk origins into one of contemporary instrumental music’s most commanding voices has been nothing short of magical. His professional career, however, did not begin until 1973. After completing his course of musical studies, Perera moved to the United States in search of a wider musical opportunities.

Perera’s point of entry was New York City where, he paid his dues before moving south to Florida. Miami had a burgeoning Latin music scene at the time, and Roberto quickly gained status as one of the hotter musicians around town. By the time his self-produced debut, Erotica, was released by Epic Records in 1990 (re-released by Heads Up in 1997), Perera had already earned a reputation as a pioneer of the electro-acoustic harp.

Perera began his association with Heads Up International in 1991 with the release of Passions, Illusions & Fantasies, an album which garnered overwhelming critical acclaim throughout the Americas and Europe. The following year Perera captured Billboard’s first ever “Contemporary Latin Jazz Album of the Year” award for Dreams & Desires. 1993 saw the release of Christmas Fantasies, which Hispanic Magazine called “easily one of the best Christmas themes in years.” On his three subsequent releases for Heads Up Seduction (1994), Harp & Soul (1996) and In the Mood (2000), Perera continued to explore the lush musical landscapes which earned him Jazziz honors as “Favorite Jazz Artist” in his category on numerous occasions.

“My goal has always been to approach the harp in an unorthodox manner to stylistically play ideas not normally associated with the instrument,” Perera says. In fact, his progressive approach to music was evident at an early age. “About the time I started playing harp, the Beatles were very popular. I listened to a lot of Brazilian music, pop from the U.S., tango and folk music. What I really liked was the folk music from Paraguay and soon started mixing, using the techniques of folk music to play Beatles tunes.”

Perera’s music consists largely of change: changing and combining musical types, rapidly shifting rhythms and creating a unique blend that is both exotic and irresistible. His latest recording, Sensual, is no exception. Among the album’s highlights are the flamenco-flavored “Un Beso,” an exquisite instrumental version of the Omar Alfanno (Son By Four) mega-hit, “A Puro Dolor,” featuring the smooth stylings of piano master Raul Di Blasio, and the classic “Gracias a La Vida,” a stunning duet with salsero icon Luis Enrique.

“This is it!” exclaimed Roberto when talking about the new recording. “We spent over four months in the studio and it was the first time I have ever spent so much time making an album, choosing all the best players, and perfecting the arrangements.” With the release of Sensual, Perera has elevated his art to a new level, where passion and power merge into his most seductive and enchanting album ever.