Search - Ivo Perelman :: Seeds, Visions and Counterpoint

Free, and Not Easy

Vaughan | UK | 01/11/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Since there wasn't a single comment on this release, I thought I'd add something for anyone who might be curious.



Up front people should know a few things (although, if you've found your way to this page you're probably already aware).



This is an avant-garde session in trio format (T, Sax, Bass, Drums). There is plenty of Ayler-esque blowing going on here, and Be-Bop fans who insist on simple melodies and rhythms are quickly going find this hard going.



Instead this record should be seen as a partner to Tim Berne (especially his Bloodcount work), Marilyn Crispell at her best (not the ECM dates), and Herb Robertson. Meaning the compositions are free from start to finish. one feels that there is no starting point, no mid-point, and no ending. Instead the "tracks" that appear are windows into which we're allowed to peer. It's sometimes noisy, sometimes sedate. At times the trio are clearly playing together in unison, other times they seem to be grappling with each other to find the way forward.



This music is about the energy, and the pieces of magic that happen at the intersections of the musicians individual efforts. As such I found it gratifying - challenging, but rewarding.



Still, most should be able to get something from the disc, partly due to the efforts of Jay Rosen on drums and Dominic Duval on bass. Duval in particular is a good colorist, taking time out from playing the bass to alter the sound (live) with various electronics. He bows a mean bass too.



So, this is an excellent experimental date with lots of room to explore the craft of the individuals, and the trio. If you know what you like, and you like it free and not easy, then this is a highly recommended disc."