Ivo Perelman: The Art Of The Improv Trio, Volume 4

Strength meets strength meets strength as tenor saxophonist Ivo Perelman, bassist William Parker, and drummer Gerald Cleaver take over the studio for The Art Of The Improv Trio, Volume 4. (Reviews of previous volumes are here.) Parker writes that “we are actually painting in sound and enabling the concept of vision to live.” (An apt metaphor, since Perelman is also a painter whose images grace the covers of this series.) In one sense, Perelman’s music is miraculous, given that what we hear is the result of an ongoing series of instantaneous decisions by three musicians, somehow coördinated in the moment through the sheer praxis of improvisation. In another sense, it’s simply what these talented individuals do. This entry in the series features two shorter pieces of under six minutes that bracket Part 2. The endlessly flowing and captivating main event is a 41-minute sprint beginning with a particularly lyrical Perelman concentrating in the middle registers, dense counter-melodies from the ever-astute Mr. Parker, and utterly focused and dynamic drumming by Cleaver. Twelve minutes of high-energy playing lead to a subdued and almost bluesy section. Imperceptibly the pace quickens, then relaxes again, setting the stage for a beatifically calm bass solo by Parker. Perelman returns with some wispy sax lines that feel like questions that call on Parker and Cleaver to respond. A heated musical conversation ensues, with Perelman’s forays into the upper registers of the tenor and Parker’s bowed bass catalyzing the music into further explorations of time and timbre. The finale is slightly upbeat, an activated and nuanced continuation of this three-way colloquy. An assertive Parker is particularly impressive here before the music slowly returns to silence. Once again, Perelman and his carefully chosen associates have created freely improvised music that will last and reward repeated listening. Definitely recommended.
Leo CD LR 774; Ivo Perelman (ts) William Parker (b) Gerald Cleaver (d); Brooklyn, NY, March 2016; Parts 1-3; 52:20. www.leorecords.com