By Don Phipps
When two chess masters meet, there is always great anticipation. What new
strategy might be employed in the game? How daring will it be? Similar
anticipation is understandable as one listens to tenor sax masters Ivo
Perelman and Ingrid Laubrock. The thought of two of the greatest tenor sax
players of the current day “conversing” with their instruments makes one’s
heart race faster. And on their album Duologues 3 Crystal Clear,
the conversation is full of brisk back and forths, complex interactions, and
great beauty.
There are nine tracks on the album – each imbued with a different
personality. Some of the tracks start slowly – like “Two” – the
introspective opening is like puzzling over a paradox during morning
coffee. The wandering and slipping about slowly builds until a bolt of
energy suddenly takes hold. From that point, the two saxophonists race up
and down their registers – Perelman with his wagging line and Laubrock with
her burning series of runs. Rest assured – no matter how frenetic the pace,
both musicians maintain a steady and pure tone – a feat enabled by their
tremendous technique.
On “Five,” the pair begins by testing the upper limits of the sax register.
Perelman then challenges with leaps that remind one of a mountain ram
jumping from ledge to ledge. Laubrock generates a jagged geometric
response. They climb together to a distant musical peak, living dangerously,
as if dangling above a deep crevice. Laubrock elicits her lines using
strong tonguing as Perelman slurs his way along. At the summit, the two
exchange elephant-like calls and then the piece winds down into a striking
resolution.
On “Seven,” Laubrock opens with quick note bursts and Perelman delivers
choice horn squeaks. Both follow with note series that stretch the limits
of their horns and their advanced abilities – rapid bursts that are beyond
difficult to play. The piece continues in a rotational manner – think of a
Ferris wheel losing its mooring and rolling hurriedly down a city street.
There are Calaveras County frog leaps before things settle down and
conclude with sustained notes.
And on “Eight,” listen as Laubrock and Perelman roll about. One can surmise
joint leadership on all of the tracks, but here it is especially noticeable
– the sharing of musical information with each other – deeply held talent
and technique converted to conversation from the soul.
On Duologues 3 Crystal Clear, one thing is “crystal clear.” These
are two musicians at the top of their art form, each using their strengths
to create panoramas and oceans of sound. Would that challenging complex
exchanges of expressions such as these could go on forever!