Soko's second album is a compositional and performance collaboration between Michael Sokolowski and Houston Ross. No longer a working piano/bass/drum trio recording Michael Sokolowski's tunes exclusively, Soko is now a collaborative duo whose medium is the recording studio.

This record is transitional, including concert staples from their performing years ("Plant the Sky," "Dark Beam of the Seine," "Antidote," "The In-between") as well as new studio collaborations ("Joy of Love," "Bamboo Cool," "Speak Up," "On the Matter of Coping").

Each composition inhabits its own discrete world and features unique instrumentation; a simple vocal/piano duets give way to layered arrangements of strings, horns, guitars, percussion and vocal choir. Tim Reynolds, David Darling, John Gilmore, John D'earth, Peter Spaar, Will Coles, and many other talented guest musicians contribute to a panoply of moods, rhythms, melodies, and textures.

Pending official release of the album, Breezeway Records is making radio versions of "Plant the Sky" and "Rain" available for free download (or streaming). To order the full-length CD, please scroll down.

Lyrical piano melodies and powerful melodies characterize Soko's debut album (1996). In November Sunlight includes guest appearances by Dave Matthews, Leroi Moore and Tim Reynolds of Dave Matthews Band association. (Original cover artwork by guest percussionist Darrell Rose.)

The formidable three-man outfit Soko — featuring Michael Sokolowski (keyboards/violin), Houston Ross (bass), and John Gilmore (drums) -- marry picturesque melodies to equally considerable instrumental interaction on their debut, In November Sunlight.
   -- Lindsay Planer, All Music Guide