He is a member of Ricardo Lemvo's Makina Loca, a salsa band that combines Cuban and Angolan music styles.
Born in Havana, Jesús emigrated to the United States at a young age, living in New Orleans and Miami and earning the nickname of "El Niño" (The Kid) as he was usually the youngest member in every band he played.
During the 1980s, his work with Los Angeles–based Orquesta Versalles (featuring composer and pianist La Palabra), was popular with dancers and cemented Pérez's credentials as a bandleader.
Outside of Canada, Pérez is best known for his touring and recording with Ricardo Lemvo's Makina Loca, where he plays flute, sometimes piano, and sings some vocals.
Noted percussionist Edwin Bonilla (longtime member of Gloria Estefan's band) tapped Pérez for his traditional ("duro") sound, having him as a collaborator in his records released by the SAR label.