Album Notes

It is rare in a musician's life that a sound from within-not yet heard and possibly existing beyond imagination-is suddenly realized. Three musicians found such a sound one morning in 1998.

Saxophonist Michael Hester, percussionist Todd Hammes and pianist William Campbell gathered together in the Sonoran Desert to compare their life experiences and musical instincts. Relying solely on improvisation, sensitivity and a wealth of musical experience, music like none that had ever been heard before poured forth. No one knew what to make of the highly charged session, but each realized they were on to something big. Thus began the Sonoran Consort.

Since those early days, the Sonoran Consort has displayed limitless energy and creative capacity. From the seeds of improvisation have grown great compositions and the recording you now hold in your hands. Innumerable performances and rehearsals have allowed the trio to develop into one of the most exciting and inspiring groups performing today.

The music of the Sonoran Consort is a powerful and organic combination of textures and musical creativity that explores the boundaries of improvised music. Todd, Michael and William speak a common language, translated and appreciated by each individual listener. Somewhere between jazz, classical, new age and world music, the Sonoran Consort creates music of the freshest and most exciting variety - music born of the moment.

Sometimes familiar, sometimes challenging, Open Rail is a sonic document of the trio's creative journey. Each track is a world within itself, transporting listeners through soundscapes that embody profound contentment, deep yearning, self-discovery and moments of sheer bliss.

Notes by Matthew Nelson

"More and more, contemporary music ensembles and individual performers are...freeing themselves not only to ornament and spring from the printed page but also to broaden the sphere of reference that music draws upon. Tucson's Sonoran Consort is among those groups."

Dan Buckley, Tucson Citizen

"The Sonoran Consort is the best thing that's happened to Tucson in the last five years."

Dan Buckley, Tucson Citizen