Label: Tidebloom Records, 2023
Personnel - Adam Cordero: alto and soprano saxophone, bassoon, clarinet; Odin Scherer: archtop and acoustic guitars.
Sonora is the second collaborative effort from saxophonist Adam Cordero and guitarist Odin Scherer. The duo, both alumni of the New School, presents 11 pieces for woodwind and guitar that have been developed over three years. Drawing inspiration from various genres and influences, the album explores abstract musical landscapes, balancing robustness and fragility to evoke significant emotional responses.
The opening track, "Soliloquy for Cotten”, reveals a sparking folk flavor and a great sense of melody, serving as a tribute to the late folk and blues musician Elizabeth Cotten. “Before Dawn” exudes not only lyricism all around but also rhythmic vision, aspects that are transported to “Prairie” in conjunction with an odd tempo and plaintive, braided lines.
“Sonora”, the title track, exhibits a more energetic temperament as the duo's notes dance and wiggle with a changing pace throughout the piece. The album explores various moods and textures, and on “Fireworm”, chromaticism and pedal points take center stage in an unobvious harmonic context.
Probing interesting moods with each song, Cordero and Scherer demonstrate chamber brilliance in their ability to blend occasional dissonance without becoming aggressive. In “Kaaterskill”, for example, they move from a light waltz with fingerpicked guitar to a heavier folk-rock demeanor with deep chordal work. On “Opal”, where Cordero plays bassoon, avant-garde touches are infused into immediately digestible music. Conversely, “Zooxanthellae” takes a more contemplative turn, with quizzical moodiness and a rhythmic complexity reminiscent of saxophonists Henry Threadgill, with whom Cordero collaborated on the acclaimed The Other One (Pi, 2023), and Tim Berne (especially his work with guitarist Gregg Belisle-Chi).
Sonora reflects the duo's timbral taste and willingness to explore sonic functions within a clear-headed gravity. This engaging musical journey showcases their collaborative creativity.
Favorite Tracks:
01 - Soliloquy for Cotten ► 08 - Kaaterskill ► 11 - Zooxanthellae