Fernando Perdomo: "Clouds 8" (2026) CD Review

Fernando Perdomo is continuing his second year-long project, Clouds, with the latest volume, Clouds 8 (though the ninth entry in the series is ready to go, and will be released in two days). And in case you're wondering, yes, this outstanding musician and songwriter is planning another year-long project for 2027, and that one will be a bit different from Waves and Clouds. Clouds 8, as was the case with previous entries in the series, contains all original material composed and performed by Fernando Perdomo. He also produced the album. The album cover photo was taken by Liza Kane, and it has a cheerful and relaxed vibe, which reflects the album's music. Though there is that warning sign near the bottom left corner to keep an eye on the speed.

The album opens with "Desert Dream," the guitar transporting us gently to a realm of beauty, a place of relaxation and perhaps contemplation, where the thoughts come easily, in spurts between breaths. And when we feel completely settled in this place, it seems that memory shifts and we recognize our surroundings, feel they have something to impart to us, perhaps something from our own pasts, something we may have forgotten. But we are also free to simply close our eyes and let the music play over us. Then "Memories Of You" feels like a door to the past, to a past we wish to revisit, even if there are sad elements. Or perhaps that sadness simply comes from knowing that it is the past and not the present. But that's the magic of this music, for the past becomes present. The memories become almost tactile.

"Relaxed" opens upon a soothing landscape, a soft light playing upon the surface. And the places the light touches become our focus. Then the light begins to dance on the flowers, on our skin, soon seizing hold of whatever worries we've brought with us, pulling them from us and letting them disappear in the ether. There is more of an intensity to "The Wicked Wind," to the guitar work. There is a potent energy that cannot be denied, but perhaps needs to be appeased, a message that demands to be heard. That is not to say there is no beauty here, for there is, particularly in the second half of the track. Then the opening section of "Waltz For Mother Earth" is testing the atmosphere, taking short steps forward. And once we are certain of our footing, the music becomes a glorious dance, like the voice of the land welcoming us as part of it, something we don't experience as much these days. There is a bright energy, an excitement, and also still moments to pause, to breathe. The music seems to provide a reminder that life will continue, the world will continue, that it is all much greater than our current concerns.

With "Spirit Of Love" comes a gentle echo from the skies, from all around us, and perhaps coming from us too. How wonderful to feel a part of the universe, to add what we can to this incredible celestial experiment. A joy is heard here, is felt here. A joy that cannot be contained or restrained. We send our own messages outward, trusting that they'll be received and knowing it doesn't matter if they are or aren't. It's the sending that counts. How wonderful it is to be alive, and to be able to share this experience with someone. This is one of my personal favorite tracks. It is followed by "The Core." Now the message has weight, has warmth. Each thought like a short dance in our minds. Then there is an opening, an accepting of something greater being received and being welcomed. This music takes us to some lovely places, and doesn't hold back, but moves forward with certaintly and delight.

There is a more somber vibe to "Intensity In The Cosmos," this piece touching upon a darker place. It becomes forceful, yet also lets go at moments, relaxing its grip. We find ourselves in more unsettling surroundings. Perhaps it's that we realize a lack of control on our part. We are so tiny in this whirlwind of activity, of energy, of intention. This track contains exciting guitar work. It is followed by "Beautiful California." A title like that reminds us of how fortunate we are to live in this place. And the music here does too, opening with a sudden bright force, and then finding bluesy areas at the edges. Even then there is a magic that we witness, that we feel. This really is a wonderful place. The energy begins to pick up, like a fiery joy rushing toward us, or with us up some mountain side. This is another of the disc's highlights.

There is something soothing to "Evening Of Pleasure," like a warm summer breeze as the sun goes down and the possibilities of night begin to open before us. There is an unexpected excitement here too, before we are soothed again. The album then concludes with "Cloudia." Most of the albums in the Waves and Clouds series have had ten tracks, with a few exceptions along the way. With this eleventh track, this album is among that number. The track's title makes me smile, as I take as it as a play on the name Claudia. There is something youthful and feminine here. A young woman at play, perhaps. However, something serious lingers at the edges, the future almost visible. And then it is as if we are present in two times, in the past looking forward and in the future looking back, until it all comes together, Fernando delivering some wonderful guitar work.

CD Track List

1. Desert Dream
2. Memories Of You
3. Relaxed
4. The Wicked Wind
5. Waltz For Mother Earth
6. Spirit Of Love
7. The Core
8. Intensity In The Cosmos
9. Beautiful California
10. Evening Of Pleasure
11. Cloudia

Clouds 8 was released on August 1, 2026.