Supernova
Ivo Perelman’s São Paulo Creative 4
Supernova
by Ivo Perelman’s São Paulo Creative 4
Recorded at Estúdio dos Lagos, Embu/SP-Brazil on July 20th, 2022
Released: Nov. 12, 2024
When four master saxophonists converge, each bringing a distinct artistic voice and a lifetime of experience, the result is bound to challenge expectations. In Supernova, Ivo Perelman’s São Paulo Creative 4 invites listeners into a world where boundaries dissolve, and improvisation becomes an act of discovery. Released on November 12, 2024, this album is a vivid exploration of soundscapes that are at once intricate, dynamic, and profoundly engaging.
The quartet—comprising Ivo Perelman (tenor saxophone), Livio Tragtenberg (alto saxophone and bass clarinet), Rogério Costa (soprano and alto saxophone), and Manu Falleiros (soprano and baritone saxophone)—recorded the album live at Estúdio dos Lagos in Embu, São Paulo. Together, they craft a performance that feels organic and alive, each track brimming with the raw energy of real-time creation.
Supernova opens with "White Dwarf," a slow and haunting piece that immediately draws the listener into its reflective mood. The quartet’s interplay here is restrained yet deeply evocative, their notes suspended in a delicate balance. The quiet intensity of this track sets the stage for the album’s emotional and sonic breadth.
"Black Hole" deepens the meditative atmosphere, its long, deliberate notes blending into a rich tapestry of sound. Here, the musicians demonstrate an extraordinary sensitivity to space and texture, creating a piece that feels less like a conversation and more like a collective contemplation.
But the album is far from static. With "Planetary Nebula," the energy shifts dramatically as the musicians embrace a more chaotic and free-form approach. The interplay becomes almost combative, with bursts of dissonance and brief alignments creating a sense of dynamic tension. This energy carries into "Blue Supergiant Star," where the ensemble alternates between moments of harmony and sharp contrast, their musical ideas colliding and evolving in real-time.
The mood darkens with "Black Dwarf" and "Brown Dwarf," two tracks that delve into more subdued and introspective territory. The interplay here feels cinematic, with moody undercurrents and sudden flashes of intensity that suggest unspoken narratives.
The album closes with "Dark Matter," a brief yet impactful piece that encapsulates the spirit of the project. Its fleeting melodies and unresolved harmonies leave a lingering sense of mystery, inviting the listener to reflect on the journey.
What truly sets Supernova apart is the distinctive artistry of its members. Ivo Perelman, a prolific innovator known for his fearless approach to the tenor sax, anchors the group with his bold yet nuanced playing. Livio Tragtenberg adds a unique depth with his bass clarinet, an unconventional choice that enriches the ensemble’s texture. Rogério Costa, with his extensive background as a composer and academic, brings precision and inventiveness, while Manu Falleiros, whose work bridges art and science, contributes a sense of intellectual curiosity and emotional resonance.
Tragtenberg aptly described the project as “the spark of musical creation in its purest state,” and this sentiment permeates every note. The São Paulo Creative 4 demonstrates an exceptional ability to balance individuality and unity, their collective voice emerging from a mosaic of distinct contributions. Despite the potential for chaos with four saxophones in constant dialogue, the ensemble achieves a remarkable sense of cohesion, each track unfolding like a journey into uncharted territory.
For those open to the unpredictable beauty of free improvisation, Supernova is an invitation to explore. It’s not an album that adheres to conventional structures or expectations; instead, it ventures boldly into the unknown, offering a listening experience that is as challenging as it is rewarding.
Personnel
Ivo Perelman • tenor saxophone;
Lívio Tragtenberg • bass clarinet, alto saxophone;
Rogério Costa • soprano and alto saxophone;
Manu Falleiros • soprano and baritone saxophone.
Tracklist:
1. White Dwarf
2. Black Hole
3. Planetary Nebula
4. Black Dwarf
5. Blue Supergiant Star
6. Brown Dwarf
7. Dark Matter