Ivo Perelman featuring Ingrid Laubrock - Duologues 3: Crystal Clear (Ibeji, 2024)

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!