Fernando Perdomo is a musician with many layers. He’s a sought-after side-man, brilliant guitarist, and go-to producer.

Perdomo’s epic ‘Waves’ album series was a highlight of 2025, and his 2026, ’10 album ‘Clouds’ series is promising to be just as epic. How this talented musician can find time for other projects is beyond me, yet his album of covers, ‘Starmen,” A Tribute to David Bowie, adds another chapter to the Perdomo legend as well as a dose of mystery.

The album, a collaboration with Fasby Barnes, is as interesting as you would expect from Perdomo.

The opening chords of “Ashes To Ashes” confirm you are in for a treat. Perdomo, handling all the instruments except the piano on “Life On Mars” and the violin on “Oh You Pretty Things,” utilizes his arsenal of vintage instruments to dial the clock back sonically. The result is “Ashes To Ashes” has a sonic 70’s sheen with bubbling keyboards, trebly bass, and punchy drums. Fasby Barnes’ vocals are spot on, while not a facsimile of Bowie’s, they conjure him and have the same melodic sensibilities of the original.

Robbie Gennet does a cameo on the powerful “Life On Mars.” Perdomo’s production provides the perfect vehicle for Barnes’ soaring vocals while showcasing Gennet’s Wakeman-style piano textures. Perdomo’s soaring guitar solo is the icing on the cake.

The standout guitar moments continue with  “Moonage Daydream,” another standout from Bowie’s ‘The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust. Perdomo channels Mick Ronson’s original guitar textures while adding his own unique brand of prog-rock fire. Add in Barnes’ passionate vocals, and you get a head bobbing winner.

I am grateful for the “Young Americans.” Kaitlin Wolfberg’s violin is a unique and original addition to the song. The jaunty rhythm arrangement, with Tim Drummond’s like bass and shuffle groove, is an interesting decision that pays off. Barnes’s lead and overdubbed backing vocals don’t attempt to duplicate the original’s classic sound, yet they sound entirely appropriate for the song. It’s possible the most reworked song on the album, and a welcome inclusion.

“Heroes” ends the ten-song cycle on a high note. Perdomo channels Robert Fripp with his e-bow-like guitar leads, supportive acoustic guitar touches, and rock-solid bass and drum work. Fasby Barnes steps up to the plate and hits all the right notes with a balance of restraint and power. The song is a fun and inviting conclusion to an equally engaging album. Check out https://fernandoperdomo.bandcamp.com/album/starmen-a-tribute-to-david-bowie to obtain a copy and also check out the ever-expansive Fernando Perdomo catalog.