Self-determinedly genre-jumbling drummer/percussionist Alex Acuña has released his first album as a leader in a decade, Gifts (Le Coq), and the 77-year-old Los Angelino states that its title relates to everything in his life. The talents, family, and second chances he’s been given. The faith he holds dear. The fact that he still practices piano, boxing, and karate daily. The music he makes. .
“I call this album because God gave me this music,” Acuña says enthusiastically. “When I wake from bed at four in the morning and tap out a melody on my piano, that’s God talking. I have made it my mission to make music a gift to the world. Even the songs on this album, each were tunes gifted to me from someone in my lifetime with love.”
