Soojin Suh: Prism of Existence

Of the many good things to be said about the raucous Prism of Existence—with Korean drummer Soojin Suh, double bassist Hoo Kim and Jaehun Kang—the least is that the kick-off, "Uncertainty I -Everlasting Peace" just may be the most rambunctious opening track as any to be heard in a good long while. Despite its mellow title, it catches the attention—from ancient, mystic beats to full-blown now jazz—and seizes it with an intensity that is sheer joy to witness. Ditto "The Doors of Perception," a rattling jab of now that gets on the nerves in a good way.

Performing as the Coloris Trio, Suh, Kim, and Kang kiln Prism of Existence into one of those sound recordings that are needed from time to time to blow away the cobwebs and clear the heart of doubt. Exit the detritus, the meta-rhymes of anthem, and be the wave of "Uncertainty II -Faith In Fate," a classic free-jazz ballad if ever one existed. Trace its rolls and tumbles into "Network Song," where, with a persistent groove, the trio serves up their quirky take on that age-old theme about a pink panther. Or the theme about an impossible mission and the tape that self-destructs.

That is the neat thing about participatory music like Prism of Existence: Everyone plays their A-game. Especially on the closing tribute to Chick Corea, "There Is No Evil in Pain," Kim's wiry and impish homage to the master. Suh is blissful and winsome, just like Corea. Kim pops, and Kang echoes none other than Brian Blade and Jack DeJohnette. It is performances such as this, "Eyes of the Little One," "Fragments of Memory," and the tense, telling Suh solo "Sailors" that certify Prism of Existence as proof positive there is life, real, real life beyond the 24-hour input.