Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating * * * *
Though we might deny it, though we may be tempted to embrace the darkness and the often ugly rituals of humanity’s excess, to pour and scroll over the doom mongering that comes with our obsessions with social media worst scenarios, the way we linger in the presence of that which blooms, which grows with abundant colour and determination; for we cannot help but admire that which goes Searching For Beauty as it eases the tempest of the soul.
The deep roots of South American culture and folklore blend seamlessly with jazz compositions and heart-breaking tracks that renowned vocalist and composer Sabeth Pérez brings together in her brand-new album, Searching For Beauty.
Taking inspiration and paying homage to that which surrounds us, the unassuming, that which adds silent serenade to our day, Ms. Pérez, fresh from working with figures such as The Frankfurt Radio Big Band and Billy Childs, finds a sense of culture untapped, finding her heritage as an Argentinian/German woman offering a spirited and timeless experience in the music on offer.
Ms. Pérez optimises her vision and adds a kind of striking smoothness, a heavenly observation of how grace operates, often without us realising, whether in the fulfilment of prayer or solace, the need for a mediative resolution for that which we ignore to our detriment in human connection.
The endless effort that nature makes to aid our existence is rarely noted by the individual, and yet as the music flows and strengthens with appeal and execution, and with tremendous musicianship supplied by Ingrid Jensen, Nicola Caminiti, Gabriel Pérez, Charles Altura, Jon Cowherd, Ben Tiberio, Keita Ogawa, Martin Bruhn, and Henry Cole throughout the recording, what transpires is a fulfilment of presence and inclusion.
Through tracks such as Nos Da, the superb Reconciliation, Convertidos en Perfume, the sublime Peripheral Visions, and Yearning To Punish, Sabeth Pérez’s sacred sense of duty that she pursued with application and diligence is open and forcefully free.
An album of penetrating thought and inquisitive moral standings, one that provides a release of emotions with a constructive viewpoint of delivery.
Sabeth Pérezreleases Searching For Beauty on June 1st.
Ian D. Hall