The complete performance of alto saxophonist Ivo Perelman and pianist Matthew Shipp's concert at L'Archiduc, in Brussels, Belgium in 2017, two extended sets that reveal the intimate conversations between the two New Yorker's styles, in beautiful phrasing, extended expressions, and impressive mastery, as they merge free playing with innate lyricism.
Label: Leo Records Catalog ID: LEOR804.2 Squidco Product Code: 25258
Format: 2 CDs Condition: New Released: 2017 Country: UK Packaging: Jewel Case Recorded at L'Archiduc, in Brussels, Belgium, in May, 2017, by Michael W. Huon.
"This concert is a tour de force apart from their wonderful studio albums. It expresses the extraordinary generosity, simplicity, and complicity between these two musicians. The inventive continuity of their travels, over the course of ninety minutes, is the fruit of a rare and unusual capacity to improvise the content of their lives on the spot."-Jean-Michel Van Shouwburg
"I remember the sunny spring day, traveling to Brussels to see Ivo Perelman (tenor saxophone) and Matthew Shipp (piano) perform in - much celebrated (here, here, here, here, here, and here) - duo format. Timely arrival secured me a spot at the bar to the side of the stage with first line view of the keys. The venue, an art-deco style bar and art gallery, was soon stacked to the brim with both enthusiastic familiar faces and curious individuals. The duo would perform two sets, we were in for a treat.
Perelman and Shipp took the stage as one voice. Both musicians radiated an enormous understanding of and feeling for each other. Shipp modulated between melodic and percussive phrases, instantly replied by Perelman. Vice versa, tenor saxophone added exuberant color or intimate feeling that were keyed in musical imagery. Both musicians initiated musical motifs and explored and extended each other's phrases, forming a coherent whole of sound. It was so breathtaking, this listener could not move. Most remarkably, both musicians truly enjoyed conversing to each other in the language they have been practicing together for many years. The duo even got so carried away the first set extended beyond its planned duration, finishing with a big smile on their faces. Quoting Ivo Perelman: "He (read: Matthew Shipp) just kept on playing." Both sets were loudly applauded by the audience. Applause that was answered with modesty by the artists. This was true musicianship, they made it look so easy. Highly recommended, so happy this performance was sharply documented and released. Pick this one up, if you haven't already.
This listener admits that he has only recently unlocked Ivo Perelman's rich discography. Ignorance turns into bliss with every new, unearthed gem. Therefore, no extended comparisons were possible with other outings by Perelman-Shipp ± others."-Martin Sekelsky, All About Jazz