Ivo Perelman: The Hammer

Glenn Astarita

Senior Contributor since 1997

Longtime contributor to AAJ and Downbeat, Jazz Review, EjazzNews, Radio DirectX.

Recent articles (1,629 total)

Published: April 1, 2000

On The Hammer, hard blowing tenor saxophonist Ivo Perelman performs a series of heated, or shall we say - explosive - duets with modern jazz drummer Jay Rosen. Again, Perelman exhibits his passion for fierce and unaffected improvisation, performed with unparalleled guile and tenacity. At times, it is hard tell what instrument Perelman is actually playing as he boisterously integrates his husky, gruff tone with a no nonsense approach while also twisting, bending and crunching his notes into submission with the force and determination of a wild animal on the loose. Here, Perelman and Rosen soar to the outer limits of one's imagination throughout these 12 pieces as if the duo were engaged in some sort of spiritual cleansing or tribal ritual. Rosen's polyrhythmic support serves as a near perfect foil for Perelman's expressive behavior and boundless creativity. Simply put, The Hammer is devastating yet not for the weak of heart! * * * *

Personnel:

Ivo Perelman; Tenor Saxophone, Trombivo: Jay Rosen; Drums

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Record Label: Leo Records
Style: Modern Jazz