Ivo Perelman & Tyshawn Sorey: Parallel Aesthethics

Saxophonist Ivo Perelman and drummer/pianist Tyshawn Sorey are two of the most imaginative improvisers on the creative music scene. Perelman, who thrives in small groups, particularly duets, is as prolific as he is innovative. Meanwhile, the versatile Sorey, who also composes, is a consummate experimenter who successfully embraces diverse styles. This meeting of brilliant minds results in the superb Parallel Aesthetics, a two-disc set of spontaneous musical conversations.

The overall ambience is expectant and the exchanges vary from the fiery to the contemplative. The dialogue flows seamlessly both ways and captivates with its many layers. "Six," for instance, opens with mysticism as Sorey punctuates the silence by sparsely plucking the piano strings. Perelman blows brief, soft, plaintive tones. The manipulations of the piano's inner elements as well as the tolling keys envelop Perelman's undulating tenor. The saxophone's piercing sounds echo against the resonant and reverberating piano as the two artists create subtle tension. The piece maintains a delightfully dark undercurrent as the contrasting and complementary improvisations become more passionate, reaching an emotive peak. Then the percussive chords and tenor's muscular wails slowly embrace a serene conclusion.

Like most of Perelman's work, the tracks here are numbered without real titles. The even ones feature Sorey on the piano and the odd ones on drums. Sorey demonstrates the same finesse and bravado regardless of his instrument, attributes that perfectly match Perelman's. "Three," for example, opens with Sorey's softly rustling drums that build a dynamic framework around Perelman's lyrical musings. The crystalline saxophone lines and the percolating drumbeats coalesce to form a wistful and shimmering performance. As Perelman hits acerbic high notes, Sorey unleashes moving, thunderous polyrhythms. The riotous repartee that follows maintains the elegance of the quieter moments with the addition of an emotive fury that seamlessly fades into the piece's somber coda.

The first of many releases that celebrate the Fundacja Sluchaj label's 10th anniversary, Parallel Aesthetics is simultaneously provocative and accessible. Both musicians push the boundaries of artistic expression while maintaining a charmingly poetic sense. Thus, as is expected from its brilliant creators, the album stimulates without being abstruse and delights while avoiding the mundane.