Miguel Kertsman is a multitalented Brazilian-American musician and an accomplished composer, producer, engineer and arranger. Miguel has incorporated many different styles and genres throughout his music career including contemporary classical, jazz, rock and world music. On his latest release, ‘Paradoxes’, Kertsman has decided to dive into progressive rock and tackle a style of music that inspired him as a young man. Fans of YES, Emerson Lake & Palmer, Pink Floyd and Patrick Moraz will truly appreciate what Miguel Kertsman has created here on the new album.
‘Paradoxes’ is a concept album whose parts are all played live-in-the-space on original vintage instruments, along with drums, bass, guitars, and vocals, captured through only a few microphones. This unique approach to music production makes this record extra special and definitely stands out. Going back in time to the classic Prog rock records and art rock concepts, Miguel Kertsman looks to capture some of that magic again with his own twist on ‘Paradoxes’.
Miguel can be heard playing piano, harpsichord, pipe organ, vintage analog keyboards & synthesizers and handled vocals on two tracks. The album also features Drew Sarich & Loren (Saiphe) Kertsman on vocals, Titus Vadon, Matheus Jardim and Michael Schatzmann on drums, Stefan Bernheimer on guitars and Helmut Schartlmüller on bass. Right out of the gates on “Enclosed Pathways”, a suspenseful and scary start leads into an explosion of sound that will blow your mind. A slow ‘n’ steady tempo, nice work on the keys and fascinating dynamics can be heard on the following composition titled “Postlude, Letting Go”. Track three, “Still Currents”, provides a lively burst of energy that combines with an intriguing world of wonder. The mysterious tone keeps you guessing from beginning to end on “Still Currents”. A bit of mystique hits the listener on “Red Blue Sky” where Miguel delivers a spellbinding performance. With so much depth and superb direction, “Jubilant Anxiety” hits on all the right notes and makes for one profound experience. Miguel Kertsman delivers a bold performance on “Fanfare in Quietude” as this one really POPS from start to finish. Miguel is diving deep into the “Atemporal Ocean” where one will enter the chill zone and hear atmospheric music for the ages. Welcome to the wonderful world of “Postlude, Waterverse” where dreams become reality. The listener will receive pure finesse on “Then Is Now” and then you will gather all of your thoughts and contemplate the rich notes on “Postlude, Nostalgic Future”. Track 12, “i-Clock”, is intuitive & entertaining where time is ticking away but the maestro is in full control. Miguel has a burning desire to create true art through progressive-minded music and this is highly evident by the end of the record on “Liquid Fire Single Radio Edit”.
Miguel Kertsman is not afraid to push musical boundaries and he proves this on ‘Paradoxes’. Miguel gives you Prog Rock for the new age and his creativity on the new album is off the charts. Come ONE, come ALL and enter the realm of ‘Paradoxes’ and allow Miguel Kertsman to be your musical guide for this journey.
By Jimmy Rae