CHICO is thrilled to announce the release of Echoes of the Land

Echoes of the Land features three distinct works, each with its own narrative and emotional resonance. The suite for the Channel Islands traces a musical journey across the archipelago, illuminating the islands’ landscapes, histories, and the lives of plants, animals, and first peoples who have called them home. From the vastness of Santa Cruz Island and its echoes of Chumash ceremony, to the playful illusions of Anacapa Island, the bird-song soundscapes of Santa Barbara Island, the rugged cliffs of San Clemente, the reflective spirit of San Miguel, the sweeping grandeur of Santa Catalina, and the interwoven melodies of Santa Rosa Island, each movement captures the unique character, beauty, and resilience of these extraordinary islands.

The work Santa Monica Mountains serves as an orchestral love letter to the lands stretching from Malibu beaches through the hidden valleys and backcountry of Topanga and Calabasas. Inspired by the spiritual awareness and ecological wisdom of the Chumash people, the music evokes ocean vistas, fragrant sage, dense chaparral, and the presence of wildlife — bobcats, mountain lions, and deer — alongside humans’ own connection to these lands. Movements range from mysterious fog over rolling hills to playful beach scenes, reflective passages on undiscovered country, and the awe-inspiring majesty of the mountains’ slopes and canyons, reminding listeners of the wonder and depth of the natural world that surrounds us.

Finally, The Trees of Odesa extends this exploration across continents, reflecting on how human care and creativity can transform and sustain a landscape. Inspired by centuries-old trees brought from around the world to the Ukrainian city of Odesa, this piece captures both the beauty and fragility of life through music, with haunting clarinet and oboe lines conveying the vulnerability of these urban canopies in times of conflict.

Together, these works form a powerful, immersive musical experience that celebrates not only the environments themselves, but the human stories, histories, and cultural connections that make these places meaningful. Echoes of the Land is a triumph for CHICO, marking a new chapter in our commitment to presenting music that speaks to our shared experience, connects us to the world around us, and inspires wonder, reflection, and celebration.

This album is more than a recording; it is a vibrant testament to collaboration, creativity, and the enduring bond between people and the lands they cherish. CHICO is proud to share this milestone with audiences everywhere, inviting listeners to experience these landscapes, histories, and stories in a completely new and unforgettable way.