Perdomo Kravitz: "Goodbye Sun" (2026) CD Review

In addition to the Clouds series (a new album every month), a rock opera, the Broken Sound project (a duo with Michael Collins), a David Bowie tribute, his work with Marshall Crenshaw, and the albums he produces for other artists, Fernando Perdomo has another new project: Perdomo Kravitz, a duo with drummer and producer Andy Kravitz. I know that sounds like a lot for one musician to be doing, but you have to keep in mind that through a special deal he worked out with the universe, Fernando Perdomo's days are made up of thirty-four hours, rather than the measly twenty-four the rest of us have. He and Andy Kravitz gave the audience at Kulak's Woodshed a taste of this new music at a special show back in March. Those songs got folks excited about the project and about the album, Goodbye Sun, which is now out. It contains all original material. On this album, Fernando Perdomo plays guitar, bass and keyboards, and provides the vocals; Andy Kravitz is on drums, percussion and keyboards. They are joined by Kaitlin Wolfberg on strings. The album was produced by Fernando Perdomo and Andy Kravitz, and was mixed and mastered by Andy Kravitz.

The album opens with "Free From The Me," which has a sweet, gentle southern California sound and vibe that is incredibly appealing, and features some really nice vocal work, A vocal performance that is soothing, one we want to connect with right away. "Now it's time, time for change/I'm not ashamed." This is one of the songs that Fernando Perdomo and Andy Kravitz played at that show in March. There is a bit of a Beatles influence heard in some of the guitar work in the second half. And we realize that the energy of the song has been increasing, the song now having an uplifting effect. "A brand new song, a brand new day." Then the opening line of "Starlight," "I picked a fight with the world again," is one that grabs me. And soon Fernando sings, "But I know, I know I'm better off home with you." Oh yes, that is something we know instinctually, and yet it's so easy to find ourselves in those battles. What's important is that special someone. Fernando sings, "You are the starlight." This song has an interesting change in the middle, where things shift momentarily, and then those opening lines are repeated, now with a stronger energy. This song also has a delicious rhythm.

"Sometimes, I" has a cool, catchy sound, and features some good lyrics. "There's no need for explanations/When the fighting's through/Sometimes I lose my patience/Frankly, I've got better things to do." There is an interesting power to this song, and it ends with the line, "I've lost my patience with you." Then there is a more somber, thoughtful sound on guitar at the beginning of "Goodbye Sun," the album's title track, which they played at that concert in March. I love Kaitlin Wolfberg's work on strings. It's a captivating number, in part because of her work, partly because of the way Fernando delivers the lyrics. "The moon will take your place/Your beautiful face/Lit by the sunset." There is something urgent here, a longing, a need. We feel it in his delivery.

Of all the new material I heard at that concert in March (keeping in mind they did not play the full album), "I'm No Fun" was the song I loved the most. This was the one I was thinking about on my way home. It begins like a fairy tale, that instrumental intro, which has a playful and sweet character, and features more wonderful work from Kaitlin Wolfberg. And the vocal line has a rhythm that grabs us. "Since you're gone, I/Am a lot like/Someone that I/Don't want to be." I love this song. It was a favorite that first time I heard it, and it's a favorite now. Everything works beautifully here. Halfway through, the drums make a great impact, punctuating the action and giving everything a bit more weight. "Since you're gone, I/Don't have a life/I just sit in my dark little room/I'm no fun." I highly recommend checking out this song (and the whole album, of course). It's followed by "My Own Devices," which has a magical quality at the beginning, establishing an interesting tone. Guest Paulo Oveira joins the duo on flute, and that instrument helps in creating the special atmosphere and vibe of the song. The strings are also part of the magic. The percussion to this one is wonderful. Fernando Perdomo recently performed a solo version of this song in concert, and it had quite a different feel in that context. It was still really good, and worked to carry us gently along, which I loved, but the impact of this band version is greater, I think. Part of it is that percussion, which has such an interesting effect, sometimes a deep pulse that seems to come from within us as well as without. "I need healing like I've never needed before." That lovely guitar work could contribute to the healing we all need. As this track ends, it seems to be stepping into another room, another realm.

"Canyon Trilogy," as its title suggests, is three pieces. Those are "Meet Me Down On Love Street," "Harmonics And True Love" and "I'm Free." At a concert a week or so ago, Fernando Perdomo mentioned that this trio of songs was inspired by Laurel Canyon Blvd. (the "Canyon" of its title), a major street in the valley that runs south into the Hollywood hills. So it makes perfect sense that there would be something of that southern California sound here. There is also a dreamy aspect to the music that is appealing, particularly in the first section. "Let's go and explore." And there is some beautiful guitar work. The sound builds then for the second section. "You sparkle when you're smiling." Everything feels so good. And as the track moves into "I'm Free," the vibe becomes even more pleasant. This track is something special. It's followed by "Travel Day." A good groove is quickly established, and that groove is at the center of this one. "Leave our troubles at the door/And set our sights for the brand new shore." Doesn't that sound just right? And I love that guitar part toward the end. This song slowly fades out.

"The First Day Of Fall" contains one of the album's most wonderful vocal performances. And I love that vocal section in the second half, with the different layers. This track also features some pretty work on strings, helping to transport us. That's followed by "Darkness Descends," which has an interesting atmosphere. It's somewhat dreamy, but with a kind of pop edge. "Darkness descends on the valley/Shadows engulf all the palm trees/Headlights turn on on Ventura/The night is ours, the night is ours." This song mentions places here in the San Fernando Valley. I wonder just which bar he refers to in the line "Let's go to that bar down on Woodman." There is a bar just off Woodman on Burbank Blvd. that I used to go to all the time and still go occasionally. When I first moved to Los Angeles, I was struck by all the places that I knew from songs. How could I drive west on Ventura Blvd. without thinking of that Tom Petty song, for example? Or when I'd see the sign for Victory Blvd., I could not help but shout, "We love it!" This song mentions a park I've been to a few times. The album then concludes with "Travel Day Redux," a short track. As "Travel Day" had faded out, this one fades in, and then it is all about the beat (which began "Travel Day") before it suddenly ends.

CD Track List

1. Free From The Me
2. Starlight
3. Sometimes, I
4. Goodbye Sun
5. I'm No Fun
6. My Own Devices
7. Canyon Trilogy
8. Travel Day
9. The First Day Of Fall
10. Darkness Descends
11. Travel Day Redux

Goodbye Sun was released on May 15, 2026.