Sunday night in Albuquerque was a good night for New Mexico music — and a great night for Deep Energy Orchestra.
At the 39th Annual New Mexico Music Awards ceremony at Sandia Resort & Casino, The Science of Sound — the third album from Jason Everett’s ambitious ensemble project — came away with two wins from five nominations:
Best Instrumental Performance — “Captain Quirk”
Jason Everett featuring Joe Deninzon (Kansas), Adam Holzman, Mark Lettieri (Snarky Puppy), Don Gunn, Rachel Nesvig, Brianna Atwell & Phil Hirschi
Best Album Design — A.J. Chippero
The Best Instrumental Performance award speaks to one of the things that makes The Science of Sound such a remarkable record: the caliber and range of musicians Jason Everett was able to bring together. “Captain Quirk” features an exceptional lineup — electric violin from Joe Deninzon of Kansas, keyboards from Adam Holzman (Miles Davis), guitar from Mark Lettieri of Snarky Puppy, drums from Don Gunn, and strings from Rachel Nesvig, Brianna Atwell, and Phil Hirschi — all in service of a composition that moves with real energy and intention. 7D Media founder Trey Gunn was on hand to accept the award on behalf of Jason Everett, who was unable to attend the ceremony.
The Best Album Design award is a personal highlight for us here at 7D Media. Our own A.J. Chippero — who co-owns the label alongside founder Trey Gunn — built a visual concept as ambitious as the music it represents. Designed to illustrate sound waves moving through the brain and the multilayered effect that music has on the human experience, the artwork is a direct visual expression of the album’s title and central theme. The full six-panel package extends that idea into something even more extraordinary: a continuous, infinite image loop of colorful sound waves traveling through the mind, erupting in a burst of color that morphs into the universe itself before cycling back into the wave. It’s a stunning achievement, and A.J. was there in person to accept the award — a well-deserved moment of recognition.
The Science of Sound was produced and arranged by Jason Everett, with Associate Producer and Engineer Don Gunn handling mixing and mastering. The album blends jazz, progressive rock, Indian classical music, and orchestral elements across eight original compositions, and features an extraordinary international roster of guest musicians.
As a Santa Fe-based label, 7D Media is especially proud to see a New Mexico artist recognized in this way. Deep Energy Orchestra has been building something genuinely special, and the New Mexico Music Awards got it right.
The Science of Sound is available now on CD and all major streaming platforms.
