Ivo Perelman - Serendipity (Leo, 2013)

Serendipity is defined as "the occurrence and development of events by chance in a happy or beneficial way" and that is an apt description of the music on this album, a 43 minute continuous improvisation between Perelman on tenor saxophone, Matthew Shipp on piano, William Parker on bass and Gerald Cleaver on drums. When a supergroup like this comes together the expectations are high, and fortunately the music matches and even exceeds the goals for the recording. These musicians have been playing in each others groups for years and are able to trust and support one and other throughout this free improvisation. The music moves from caustic and harrowing (Perelman has a very distinctive manner of muscular playing during the intense moments) to thoughtful and reflective. Shipp has been partnering with Perelman on several recent albums and their tight bond is one of things that creates the structure of the music that works so well. All of the musicians are utterly professional and inspired throughout this album, taking inspiration from the likes of the classic John Coltrane quartet but refusing to fall into any cliche of the past. These men created this album totally in the moment and it stands as a vital accomplishment. Serendipity - amazon.com

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