Elevate Your Evening: Sonic Asylum Trio Takes You on a Cosmic Musical Journey

The Arcoiris Sandoval Sonic Asylum Trio is set to captivate audiences with their unique blend of jazz influenced by science fiction and environmental advocacy. They will perform at the Tucson Jazz Festival, taking place at The Century Room next week.

Arcoiris Sandoval, the trio’s leader and pianist, draws inspiration from a variety of themes. “I’m really inspired by Sci-Fi, Space Age and nature,” she states, highlighting her concerns about climate change and social issues. Sandoval emphasizes that each performance conveys a message.

A Tucson native, Sandoval collaborates with her bandmates, drummer Allan Mednard and bassist Marty Kenney. After studying at the University of Arizona, she pursued a master’s degree in jazz piano performance at the Manhattan School of Music. She earned this degree at just 23 years old.

In addition to leading Sonic Asylum, which occasionally expands to a quintet, Sandoval serves as the co-director of The D.O.M.E. Experience, an orchestra melding music with multimedia advocacy. Her career is marked by collaborations with notable artists, including bassist Mimi Jones and the Mingus Big Band. Sandoval’s work has also been recognized through awards such as the Chamber Music America Performance Plus, where her trio received mentorship from Billy Childs.

Sandoval’s musical journey has been significantly influenced by her father, tenor jazz saxophonist Jose Luis Sandoval. “I’ve been playing the piano essentially since I was born,” she reflects, noting that her father actively encouraged her musical education by having her analyze various albums.

Initially resistant to jazz, Sandoval later embraced the genre. In 2018, she released her debut album, “First Voyage,” featuring compositions that journey through themes like loggerhead turtles and synesthesia. One standout track, “Spiral into Oblivion,” showcases her improvisational skills, honed further through personal experiences. During her mother’s illness, improvisation became a healing practice, one that Sandoval describes as both a prayer and a tribute to her ancestors.

Her upcoming performance will also feature her father, adding a personal touch to the evening. “I think people can look forward to hearing stuff they haven’t heard before,” she notes, hinting at innovative musical explorations.

The Arcoiris Sandoval Sonic Asylum Trio’s concerts are scheduled for Thursday, January 23, at The Century Room, located at 311 E. Congress St. Several general admission tickets remain available for the 8:30 p.m. show, as the earlier slot has already sold out. Prices are set at $30 for general admission and $40 for preferred seating.