Ivo Perelman/Wadada Leo Smith: Duologues 5

IBEJI (RELEASED JANUARY 2026)

A new release from saxophonist Ivo Perelman is not that unusual. After all, since his first recording in 1989, Perelman has issued close to 130 records. What is unusual about his first release in 2026 — Duologues 5 — is the appearance of trumpeter and visionary artist Wadada Leo Smith. Perelman, who has been developing his tenor/trumpet concept with Nate Wooley on several recent releases (Polarity, Volumes 1-4), now adds Smith to his list of musical partners which, in the past, has been dominated by saxophonists, drummers and pianists. Ten years his senior, Smith and Perelman share a common language which becomes obvious on seven extemporaneous sonic conversations. On “One,” Perelman begins the conversation in a meditative mood as Smith builds upon it with his signature blurts and squeals. Smith starts the conversation on “Four,’ with a series of fluttering notes which are quickly echoed by Perelman before the saxophonist launches into a strong rhythmic solo with Smith interjecting some well-chosen muted statements. Perelman and Smith seem content to complement each other’s statements keeping their individual styles intact rather than competing for attention. Except for the frenetic mood of “Six,” the other six conversations are thoughtful, mesmerizing and spacious. This is music that demands close listening, the type of listening Perelman and Smith exhibit on their first (and hopefully not last) interaction together. Duologues 5 solidifies Perelman’s tenor/trumpet concept, and I can only hope for a trumpet version of the 2022 Reed Rapture in Brooklyn that featured Perelman with a who’s who of contemporary saxophonists such as Roscoe Mitchell, Tim Berne, Vinny Golia and David Murray. Let me suggest Brass Rapture with more duets with Wooley and Smith as well as conversing with the likes of Peter Evans, Bobby Bradford, Natsuki Tamura, Enrico Rava, Thomas Heberer … the list is endless, as will be the continuing discography of Perelman.

BOTTOM LINE: The visceral sound of tenor saxophonist Ivo Perelman collides with the atmospheric sound of trumpeter Wadada Leo Smith on Duologues 5. The result is more
expressive than explosive as the two find common ground in a series of extemporaneous sonic conversations that are thoughtful, mesmerizing and spacious.