Foggy Notion: Steven Brown

On his first solo album since the early 90s, Steven Brown, co-frontman of the legendary Tuxedomoon, delivers a hypnotic collection of songs. A kind of song cycle that draws on his life in Mexico, where he has lived for 28 years.

At the heart of El Hombre Invisible are Steven's emblematic vocals, melodies and lyrics in an intimate setting, with sparse, elegant arrangements for guitar, bass, occasional horns and, of course, Mr. Brown's trademark piano and saxophone.

The atmosphere and lyrics of the songs reflect some of the experiences and impressions he has gathered over the past 28 years, including earthquakes, a kidnapping, an encounter with the Zapatistas in Chiapas, the confrontation with the still omnipresent traces of the Spanish conquest five centuries ago (and the effects of the "Most Dangerous Book in the World" that guided the steps of the conquistadors), Steven's years of work as a cultural activist and his unbroken love for the general beauty of nature and the people in his new hometown of Oaxaca.

El Hombre Invisible was recorded in Oaxaca with local musicians, including Lila Downs, who sings a duet with Steven on the song "Familias Ricas". There are also a few external guests: Luc van Lieshout from Tuxedomoon on trumpet and Chris Haskett (ex-Rollins Band) on guitar.