My issue with Fernando Perdomo is that his music discography defies easy categorization. His epic discography finds him wearing many hats, from producer to progressive rock side man, singer-songwriter, ambient music artist, and southern California singer-songwriter, classic rocker, just to name a few. One area Perdomo has been consistent with over his many projects is being a compelling musician. His collaboration with the drummer Andy Kravitz furthers the Perdomo canon while starting a new one with the skilled drummer.

‘Goodbye Sun’ kicks off with the Perdomo-Krazitz co-written, “Free From The Me”. This acoustic guitar-driven rocker recalls George Harrison and Todd Rundgren. Andy Kravitz’s sympathetic drumming navigates clever time signature changes while Perdomo’s lead work and acoustic playing show off his Southern California chops. Perdomo handles all the vocals, providing a layered, harmonious feel to the sunny lyrics.

The title track, “Goodbye Sun,” is a collaboration credited to Perdomo and Karen Freedman and is a short, sweet, acoustic-guitar-based song. With strings by Kaitlin Wolfberg and sonic textures by Kravitz, the song effectively conveys a feeling of change, remorse, and regret. It’s a lovely piece of work.

“My Own Devices” is credited solely to Perdomo. It’s another song that features the string work of Kaitlin Wolfberg and sonic textures from Kravitz. Perdomo’s production is spot-on, incorporating strings, keys by him, and Kravitz, as well as Kravitz’s haunting tom-tom work to enhance the lyrics. Isolation, sorrow, and regret all seem to pour out of the lyrics, while musically, a sense of forboding is reinforced. “My Own Devices” may be my favorite song on the album. I’m not sure what that says about my mental state.

“Canyon Trilogy” is the album’s centerpiece. The track, divided into the sections: “Meet Me Down On Love Street”, “Harmonics”, “True Love, and I’m Free,” builds in intensity lyrically and musically with acoustic guitar and electric sitar taking equal footing with Perdomo’s restrained vocals and Kravitz’s potent drumming. The song recalls David Crosby’s sophisticated arrangements and song craft. By the time the listener reached the “I’m Free” section of the song, you’ll want to start from the beginning to hear all the lyrical and musical nuances this gem contains.

“Travel Day, another Perdomo-Kravits writing collaboration, is a mid-tempo rocker full of guitar gems, purposeful drumming, and purposeful vocals. The song is on a mission, and its journey appears to be a worthy one. Slide guitar touches and tambourine add color to the solid foundation that Kravitz’s drums and Perdomo’s bass provide. Just as Perdomo’s guitar takes flight, the song ends.

“Darkness Descends,” written by Perdomo and Melick, is the album closer, leading to the brief coda “Travel Day Redux”. The song feels as if it could have been included on Perdomo’s ‘Clouds” album series. It’s light and breezy and a perfect denaument for this wonderful collaboration.. Perdomo is never standing still, but I hope he returns for more projects with Andy Kravitz.