Andrew Pereira - Lost In Plain Sight (2023) [Hi-Res]

In 2018, I followed a spontaneous impulse and relocated from Philadelphia to the vibrant chaos of New York City. This album represents the culmination of almost five years spent cultivating beautiful musical connections and navigating the challenges of being a new artist in this unforgiving city. Despite some setbacks, including the disruptive force of COVID, I find immense satisfaction in the timing of this long-awaited recording.

Within these tracks, you’ll encounter a blend of old and new musical ideas. Compositions like “Moon Burn” and “Curbside Dash” have journeyed with me across multiple cities, evolving as my skills as a bandleader refined over the years. Meanwhile, fresh tunes like the title track, “Lost In Plain Sight,”make their debut. This mix of tried-and-true originals and new creations felt perfect for the exceptional ensemble of musicians I gathered for this debut release.

While the alto/tenor saxophone combination might be unconventional for a quintet, the resulting sound possesses a captivating “fuzziness” that complements the lively complexity of my compositions while retaining a darker sonic quality. Neta’s playing, which I encountered frequently after moving to Brooklyn, aligns stylistically with my own in certainways, yet offers a refreshing contrast to my ideas.

I first met Jonas and Paul during my time at City College, and their unique musical voices Immediately stood out. Simón, another extraordinary talent, caught my ear as a sldeman in Brooklyn, known for his ability to cut through with each note while maintaining a rich bass tone. Bringing him and Jonas together, both seasoned collaborators, added a special dimension to this recording.

Finally, the recording space played a crucial role in shaping this album. I’ve personally experienced studios ranging from top-notch to cluttered basements, and worked with sound engineers of varying expertise. For my debut, I aimed for the pinnacle. David, our recording and mixing engineer, not only provided a stunning recording environment but also demonstrated his musical knowledge and finesse throughout the editing process.

—Andrew Pereira

Andrew Pereira (as), Neta Raanan (ts), Paul Janoschka (p), Simón Willson (b), Jonas Esser (d)