Pitch Perfect - “All in all, it’s another surprising and satisfying album from a band that’s truly like no other. Investigate and enjoy!”
BTV Novonite - [Sonder] captured the spirit and cosmic infinity of Bulgarian folklore. And not only that. Sonder sounds contemporary. It sounds urban. It sounds jazzy. It sounds like the perfect Bulgarian lesson, for Bulgarians, given by the perfect ‘unknown’ foreigner.
Something Else (Sammy Stein) - "Sonder is a superb album, demonstrating how music from different cultures, histories, and origins has commonalities and differences, and how experienced musicians can blend elements and celebrate one simple thing – the music."
Check out a Radio Interview on Bulgarian National Radio about ‘Sonder’ between David and Vesela Morova
Artwork by Annie Lomdahl and Rob Eggleston
Piano - David Dower
Drums - Matt Fisher
Bass - Kim May
Guitar - Elliot Frost
Kaval - Zhivko Vasilev
Bulgarian Choir - Rayna Vasileva, Pirina Hristova, Gabriela Milanova
Percussion - Petar Yardanov Buny
Vocalist - Vesela Morova
Brass - Tristan Rebien
Bulgarian lyrics - Mariana Vasileva
English lyrics - Gabriel Lynch/David Dower
SONDER
Sonder is the 4th release from the David Dower Trio, released in Feburary 2025. The music on Sonder reflect David’s experiences and obsession with Bulgaria, employing Bulgarian musical devices such as dense vocal harmonies, and lilting rhythms. The album was recorded on-site in Sofia, the nation’s capital, and features collaborations with local Bulgarian musicians, including a Folklore Choir, Kavalist, and percussionist. These traditional elements meld in tastefully with a rhythm section that is sometimes more reminiscent of 90’s alt-rock band Ben Folds Five (Jazz Piano, Distorted Bass and Big Drums), which “creates an atmosphere that you can pretty much guarantee you’ve never heard or even considered before” (Songlines, UK). London-based Elliot Frost (Guitar) plays a feature role on this album.
Sonder is the the Trio’s most mature release to date. Nostalgia, joy, melancholy, and passion, all captured in a Bulgarian frame.
From interview with BTV Novonite