Relative Pitch Record - Pedernal - Susan Alcorn Quintet - "Pedernal" opens with Alcorn's gracefully slithery pedal steel line suggesting a dark, minor blues that's joined in an undulating caress by Formanek's lithe bass. Descending chords introduce the second section as the band steps into the gathering maelstrom, eventually resolving into a beatifically lyrical theme that seems to summon the abiding power of the iconic vista. Susan Alcorn - pedal steel guitar / Mark Feldman - violin / Michael Formanek - double bass / Mary Halvorson - guitar / Ryan Sawyer - drums