Ivo Perelman/Mark Helias/Tom Rainey

The Energizer Bunny of Free Jazz, Brazilian tenor saxophonist Ivo Perelman seems to have unbeatable stamina for almost infinite improvisations. Unlike the monotonous drum-beats of the cartoon Leporidae however, Perelman’s playing encompasses constant invention and revelation as he’s demonstrated on more than 100 albums. Truth Seeker’s seven selections find the saxophonist in one of his favorite configuration, shaping sounds with a bassist and drummer. Considering bassist Mark Helias and drummer Tom Rainey are on almost as many sessions as Perelman communication is optimal.

Rainey’s fluid drumming is restrained and subtle. Rim shots, foreshortened cymbal shakes and distant rumbles punctuate his narratives. Helias’ string elaborations anchor with moderated slides or use penetrating jabs to challenge Perelman. There’s even a point on “Ubiquitous Light” where Helias’ measured lope and Rainey’s shuffle hit a groove that for a time edges the saxophonist into straight-ahead playing until finally reverting to clangorous squalls, watery growls and tongue stops.

From the get go Perelman’s playing includes expanded note bending, repetitive phrasing, lowing scoops and passage pitches that continuously elevate to banshee-like shrillness, Creativity is so pronounced on a track like “Spiritual Growth” with its reed feints, detours, stops and corkscrew vibrations that it could be a demonstration record of extended saxophone techniques.

Nonetheless, on that track and elsewhere, the saxophonist has the self-control to suddenly  limit his overblowing, downshift to linear expositions and intersect with the others’ textures. That’s also why, unlike the imaginary rabbit’s interchangeable drum banging in each commercial, every Perelman disc offers new variations on his evolving exploration of saxophone improvisation.

–Ken Waxman

Track Listing: 1. Truth Seeker 2. Devotion 3. Mystical Vibration 4. Spiritual Growth 5. Ubiquitous Light 6. Life’s Meaning 7. Intuition

Personnel: Ivo Perelman (tenor saxophone); Mark Helias (bass) and Tom Rainey (drums)