‘Sonorous Present’ may be Alex E. Chavez’s solo debut, but the Chicago-based educator, singer-songwriter/multi-instrumentalist has already had an acclaimed music career with the group Dos Santos. The album, recorded in Chicago and Las Angelos, is an immersive journey into Chavez’s life, with elements of tragedy, isolation, and discovery. Chavez, handling the guitars, electric bass, keyboards, and vocals, engaged Quetzal Flores as producer. The production 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 Chavez’s mother and guilt and anger. Chavez’ acoustic guitar work and wonderfully effective harmony singing with Laura Cambrón effectively reflect the emotion of loss and regret.

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“Dando los Dias’ is another favorite. The syncopated timing, agile guitar work and yearning vocals further enhance the impact o the song. The percussion by Peter Vale and Daniel Villarreal help 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 further enhance 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. Musically, with it’s strummed acoustic guitar, Hammond organ and delicate harmonies its not just a selection of loss, but also a prayer of the future. 

“The Shadow” closes out the cycle of 13 songs with prominent acoustic percussion, vivid electric guitars, and a prominent lead vocal by Chavez. Additionally, Roger 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 the thirteen tracks present a cohesive theme and obvious craftsmanship. Guest appearances by Aloe Blacc, Martha Gonzalez, and Lucia Guitierrez Rebolloso, among others, further Chavez’s stunning vision. 

“Sonorous Present’ is out on Artivist Entertainment on October 18.