Miguel Kertsman — Paradoxes (Aurua, 2025)
Brazilian-American composer, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Miguel Kertsman’s concept album, Paradoxes, brings into focus synthesizer-led compositions. For example, his influences include dazzling progressive rock, Western classical traditions, and Brazilian music.
Paradoxes returns to the progressive rock that first inspired him. “I’ve always been fascinated by paradoxes in science, astrophysics, math, and in human behavior,” says Kertsman. “Growing up, I was surrounded by classical music, jazz, and the vibrant sounds of Brazil. Later, moving to New York exposed me to countless new musical languages. But as a child, it was the progressive rock bands of the time that truly captivated me.”
Kertsman recorded the album live with vintage analog gear. The equipment included Minimoogs, Mellotron, and Prophet 10. The performances nod to the exploratory approach associated with artists such as Yes, Pink Floyd, and keyboard wizards Patrick Moraz and Rick Wakeman.
Featured tracks include “Red Blue Sky,” with vocals by Drew Sarich, and “i-Clock”. Both address political polarization with a satirical edge and an empathetic tone. “Liquid Fire” reflects modern anxiety through the metaphor of “Spaceship Earth.” “Atemporal Ocean,” featuring Saiphe, revisits ideas linked to Kertsman’s 1982 debut, Música, Mito, e Mistério, an early progressive rock release from his time in Brazil.
Kertsman’s credits include contemporary classical, jazz, and world music, with collaborations that include the London Philharmonic Orchestra, guitarist John Williams, mezzo-soprano Angelika Kirchschlager, and producer Dan the Automator. His work has also appeared in settings ranging from Olympic ceremonies to video game soundtracks.
Track listing:
- Enclosed Pathways
- Postlude, Letting Go
- Still Currents
- Red Blue Sky
- Jubilant Anxiety
- Fanfare In Quietude
- Liquid Fire
- Atemporal Ocean
- Postlude, Waterverse
- Then Is Now
- Postlude, Nostalgic Future
- i-Clock
- Postlude, De-clocking