Christopher Cerrone’s new album is a decade-long journey through sound, collaboration, and innovation. From the first sketches of Goldbeater’s Skin in 2015 to the final touches on Ode To Joy in 2023, these works reflect his deep connection and friendship with Sandbox Percussion.

Opening with Don’t Look Down (2020), a work born during the pandemic, the album blends traditional percussion with found objects and prepared piano. A Natural History of Vacant Lots (2017) explores space and sound, positioning ambient and beautiful colors against a haunting electronic backdrop. The centerpiece, Goldbeater’s Skin (2016), pairs percussion with the human voice in a stunning setting of GC Waldrep’s poetry.

The album closes with Ode to Joy (2023), a bittersweet celebration of New York City, filled with whistles, harmonicas, and stomping rhythms. Every unique sound on this album was meticulously crafted, shaped by Cerrone’s longtime collaborator and producer Mike Tierney.

A bold exploration of the endless possibilities of percussion, this album is a testament to the evolving power of music and collaboration.

All music by Christopher Cerrone

Performed by Sandbox Percussion (Jonathan Allen, Victor Caccese, Ian Rosenbaum, Terry Sweeney) with Conor Hanick, piano (“Don’t Look Down”) Elspeth Davis, mezzo-soprano (“Goldbeater’s Skin”)