Sonorous Present might be Alex E. Chavez’s solo debut, but the Chicago-based educator, singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist has already had an acclaimed music career with the group Dos Santos.
Recorded in Chicago and Las Angelos, Sonorous Present is an immersive journey into Chavez’s life, with elements of tragedy, isolation, and discovery. Chavez handles the guitars, electric bass, keyboards and vocals, while engaging Quetzal Flores as producer. The setting is innovative and sympathetic to Chavez’s vivid storytelling, most of which is in Spanish.
“Complices de Luto” is a mournful and melodic masterpiece that explores the loss of Alex E. Chavez’s mother and associated guilt and anger. Chavez’ acoustic guitar work and wonderfully effective harmony singing with Laura Cambrón effectively reflect the emotion of loss and regret.
“Dando Los Dias” is another favorite. The syncopated timing, agile guitar work and yearning vocals only enhance the impact of the song. The percussion by Peter Vale and Daniel Villarreal helps build the song’s sense of building drama and release. Chavez effectively utilizes Roger Reeves on “Communique,” with a vivid burst of poetry that ties stories of grief, migration, and progression together. Percussion and soundscapes add to the mood.
There’s no mistaking the sorrow on display in “Catalina.” The song, inspired by the death of Chavez’s sister as a result of domestic violence, is appropriately introspective, yet has many identifiable elements. With its strummed acoustic guitar, Hammond organ and delicate harmonies, “Catalina” becomes not just a selection about loss, but also a prayer for the future.
“The Shadow” closes out the cycle of 13 songs with prominent acoustic percussion, vivid electric guitars, and a prominent lead vocal by Alex E. Chavez. Additionally, Reeves provides a powerful section of prose overtop of a backbeat created by a cajon. Also of note is the requinto jarocho played by Quetzal Flores.
Sonorous Present is not easy listening, but every track presents a cohesive theme and obvious craftsmanship. Guest appearances by Aloe Blacc, Martha Gonzalez, and Lucia Guitierrez Rebolloso, among others, further Chavez’s stunning vision.
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