Ivo Perelman São Paulo Creative 4: Supernova

On the imaginative Supernova intrepid saxophonist Ivo Perelman joins forces with three of his countrymen for a stimulating set of spontaneous music. The quartet calls itself the São Paulo Creative 4 and performs a seven-part suite that draws inspiration from celestial phenomena. The seamless flow of ideas from one reed player to the other and from one track to the next gives the album its thematic unity.

The opening track, "White Dwarf," starts with a bluesy dirge that matches multi-instrumentalist Lívio Tragtenberg's somber bass clarinet with Perelman's wistful tenor. Perelman contributes his signature expressive lines with agility. Tragtenberg, who also plays alto saxophone, is a modern, experimental, composer and has also dabbled in progressive rock. Here, however, he lets loose his improvisational skills as he mingles his growly phrases with those of the other three for a riotous group conversation that concludes with an expectant quietude.

In contrast, "Black Dwarf" is an angular and fiery repartee with a hint of angst. Perelman, soprano saxophonist Rogério Costa and Tragtenberg on alto converge their streams of consciousness into an exhilarating sonic swirl while the fourth member of the group, baritone saxophonist Manu Falleiros creates a haunting undercurrent with his reverberating refrains. Both Falleiros and Costa are academics who teach, research and restlessly experiment in addition to being accomplished improvisers and composers. As such they are perfectly matched with Perelman and Tragtenberg.

The most dramatic piece on this captivating album is the energetic "Planetary Nebula," where all four woodwinds come together with thrilling color. Despite the full embrace of dissonance at all saxophone pitches, there remains an undercurrent of poetry and lyricism. From the vibrant and exuberant blowing to the melancholic collective undulations, the four men build a sublime multidimensional extemporization. The dynamic harmonic tapestry often is introspective and somber and at times punctuated by bursts of fiery vamps. Overall this results in a soulful and abstract soundscape with robust organic elements.

With Supernova Perelman has added another superb work to his oeuvre. In addition to making for a provocative and rewarding listening experience, as expected from Perelman, it also sheds light on three other, similarly talented, artists who do not get the exposure they deserve.