Another month brings another powerful release from Fernando Perdomo’s Wave series of albums. Waves 5 demonstrates how deep the musical well is for this producer, songwriter and guitarist.
The opening track, “Meditation For Jesse Gress,” is an electric sitar-fuelled track written as a tribute to the late Todd Rundgren guitarist. Perdomo reaches into his bag of vintage-sounding keyboards to complement his sitar work, conjuring images of a swirling ocean. The song is a bold yet rewarding way to start Waves 5.
“A Mystery” turns up the flame with a distorted sliding lead guitar over a Nick Mason-like drum pattern. Perdomo, the sole musician on the album, is comfortable in various styles and settings. “A Mystery” builds on its distorted lead guitar, but repeated listening uncovers several layers of guitar textures, supporting the main theme while producing images of seagulls in flight.
“Stomper XL” is another favorite from the album. The lead guitar is restrained as it floats over a straightforward bass and drum rhythm. There appear to be touches of electric sitar and a clear rhythm guitar before the main melodic lines shift. The song is a model of subtlety. “You Do Not Look Like a Fernando” is a slow-burning track. The lead guitar is expressive with tinges of David Gilmour-like tone. The slow marching drum pattern and the synth strings add to a foreboding danger that is not fully realized at the song’s conclusion.
“Sunray” is a significant contrast to the preceding song. Indeed, the protagonist has survived the storm and is moving forward at flank speed. Touches of electric 12-string guitar and melodic bass help build the pace while Perdomo lays down some of the album’s cleanest yet most aggressive lead guitar work. The lead bass work towards the song’s end also gives the listener additional elements to ponder.
“Deep Sea Diver,” the album closer, brings Waves 5 full circle with the return of the sitar in combination with subtle drumming and harmonized electric guitar parts. The song builds on the themes established by the sitar, adding a dynamic that aligns with the thrill of diving. By the time the electric guitar enters to tie all the elements together, I can’t help but wonder if Waves 6 will continue some of these captivating musical threads.
- Fernando Perdomo – ‘Waves 5’ (2025) - May 13, 2025
- Jaime Ospina – ‘The Vessel/La Vasija’ (2025) - May 11, 2025
- Chicago Jazz Orchestra with Bobby Broom – ‘More Amor: A Tribute to Wes Montgomery’ (2025) - April 19, 2025
