Ivo Perelman / Damon Smith: Duologue 6: Core of Existence

Innovative saxophonist Ivo Perelman is a consummate improviser whose spontaneity flourishes in the company of like-minded artists. His Duologues series is a set of duets, each with a stalwart of the creative music scene. Duologues 6: Core of Existence matches Perelman with intrepid bassist Damon Smith, who has a stellar resume in his own right. The 10 collaborative tracks that ensue from this meeting have an incandescent glow and a perfectly balanced ambiance.

The album opens with "One" which, despite its brevity, sets the mood for the rest of the recording. Perelman's muscular lines bounce off Smith's angular bass like sparks flying off a forged piece of metal. That tension, sometimes subtle, often overt, defines their interplay. A perfect example of this is the mystical "Two." Perelman confidently explores his tenor's upper register with wails and fiery notes. Smith counters with a brooding, introverted performance that both complements and serves as a dynamic framework for the saxophonist's free-flowing phrases.

The cinematic "Five" is the centerpiece of this cohesive album, both conceptually and in duration. Smith bows with lyricism to which Perelman responds with a melancholic melody. The conversation that ensues is filled with abstract musings and muted colors. There are occasional bursts of vibrant tones that perfectly punctuate the absorbing dialogue. During these, Perelman makes his saxophone cry with urgency while Smith bows his bass strings with agility and passion. In contrast, during the more serene passages, the pair utilizes silent pauses deftly to dramatic effect, highlighting the contemplative nature of their playing.

The shorter pieces are equally eloquent and enthralling. Over less than four-and-a-half minutes, "Six" contains all the layers and density of the longer tunes. Smith enhances his bass playing with wordless throat singing while Perelman's tenor rises and falls with lithe elegance and unfettered emotion. Meanwhile, the quieter, almost pastoral "Three" packs an expressive punch with a haiku-like brevity. Here the two musicians interweave their independent musings into a loose and energetic crystalline song.

It is not fair to say that Core Of Existence is the best of the Duologues to date, as all six are unique in their own way and uniformly superb. It is, perhaps, the most introspective of the discs. Regardless, it is a captivating and provocative recording that has a meditative edge that deserves multiple listens.