Fernando Perdomo has all but completed his twelve-album prog-instrumental ‘Waves’ album series. The multitalented Perdomo has given listeners 120 songs over the last 12 months and is about to drop his ‘Best Of Waves’ series in a few days. Before he does, here are my thoughts on the best of each of the ‘Waves’ albums. 

You can preorder the ‘Best of Waves’ at https://fernandoperdomo.bandcamp.com/album/the-best-of-waves-pre-order as well as the box set and/or each individual album. 

Waves 12- “Denny’s Magic Number” – The song featured in the final installment marks the only writing collaboration. Denny Seiwell, the founding drummer of Wings, has worked with Perdomo on his Covers project featuring the band Open Sounds. Here, the two compose a meditative, churning song which is delightfully subtle. Perdomo covers many guitar textures while building suspense with his back beat and swirling synths. There are many delicate layers to this one. 

Waves 11 – “Gringo Island” – Touches of Southern California seem present in “Gringo Island.” The conga-and-shaker-driven track features prominent acoustic picking by Perdomo, with touches that sound like a 6-string bass. The song swings with wild abandon while recalling CSN’s “Fair Game”. It’s good fun. 

Waves 10 -“Posiden”, the opening track on ‘Waves 10 is one frontrunner from the album for inclusion. Perdomo, still employing his one-man band, utilizes an intriguing soundcape of electric guitars, keyboards, and synthesizers as the bedrock of the songs.  Multitracked electric guitar leads and slightly behind-the-beat drumming flesh out the sprawling song before Perdomo’s electric guitar makes a big statement as the song crashes onto shore. 

Waves 9 -The aggressively funky “Possibility The First Progressive Rock Sing Inspired By The Village People”  is full of mystery. A clavinet-style keyboard sets the mood. The song reminds me initially of the Paul McCartney and Wings song “Arrow Through Me”, but when the staccato guitar and muscular drums enter, you know this isn’t McCartney. Perdomo weaves multiple guitar tracks to press the central theme, while the Hammond organ plays a supporting role. Perdomo’s solos are mean and aggressive. Which Village People song was this inspired by? 

Waves 8 – “Current” is a straightforward prog-rock song with theremin-like synth touches, which are in harmony with Perdomo’s lead guitar work. Indeed, the song’s driving percussion emulates a fast-running stream and a sense of urgency that dissipates in a flowing, satisfying way. 

Waves 7 – “Drums of Peace” shifts the mood with its descending lead guitar passages, further bolstered by metallic drumming, staccato bass, and expressive sitar solos. Somehow, Perdomo makes this, the final product, more than the sum of its parts.

Waves 6 – “Bob Dylan’s 115 Tweet” is a barn-burning shuffle that allows Perdomo, the producer, to layer a sea of tasty guitar tracks over a rollicking Jim Keltner-like backbeat. It conjures up the Dylan song, “Most Likely You Go Your Way, and I’ll Go Mine” from ‘Blonde On Blonde.” It has just as much energy and passion as the Dylan classic, allowing Perdomo to stretch. 

Waves 5 – The album starts with “Meditation For Jesse Gress,” an electric sitar-driven track that pays tribute to the late Todd Rundgren guitarist. Perdomo uses vintage-sounding keyboards to complement his sitar work, creating a swirling ocean vibe. It’s a bold and rewarding way to kick off Waves 5.

Waves 4-“The Most Beautiful Giant (tallgirlkatie)” shifts the mood. It’s relatively straightforward; drums and bass parts perfectly support Perdomo’s slide guitar-like leads. Perdomo throws in a melodic curveball, shifting moods and time signatures to keep the listener on the edge of his seat, sprinkling in Hammond B3 organ touches before the distorted lead guitar retakes flight.  

Waves 3- “The Mayan (For David Crosby) ” is a brilliant ode to the rock legend. The song, named after Crosby’s sailboat, which influenced many of the singer’s songs, employs many harmonic touches that Crosby employed. Perdomo’s finger-picked acoustic guitar is brilliant and clear, recalling both Crosby and guitarist Mike Hedges. Perdomo, consistently an empathetic producer, utilizes multi-tracking of his acoustics to create a truly inspiring piece.

Waves 2- “Sea to Sea, ” another of my favorite songs on the album,  starts with ethereal keyboards, delicate bass, and drums. The keys recall slower Tony Banks-type passages, while the song’s central theme is delicate and beautiful. 

Waves – “Puzzle Peace,” perhaps my favorite song, is a compact yet powerful beast. Its funky guitar intro is infectious and leads to a slide guitar theme as the bass and drums build. Perdomo then adds a chunky rhythm guitar that plays just under his distorted lead. The song’s title is apt, given how the guitarist weaves the touches into an outstanding track.