Label: Deepdig Records, 2024

Personnel - Don Peretz: drums; Jacob Sacks: piano.

On his latest album, Numerals, New York-based progressive drummer Don Peretz, renowned for his electronica-jazz-rock fusion, collaborates with the adventurous pianist Jacob Sacks, whose sharp and exploratory style perfectly complements Peretz’s dynamic approach. The duo shares an intuitive musical connection, balancing spontaneous creativity with composed pieces specifically crafted for this project. Peretz and Sacks first recorded together in 1999 for the album Spiral, a quartet setting that also featured saxophonist Sam Sadigursky and bassist Eivind Opsvick.

I have to admit, the first two tracks, “Kairin” and “Arthur’s Bread,” left me uncertain about whether I would enjoy the album. “Kairin”, with its muscular core and circular power chord progression borrowed from hard rock, was solid but not particularly special. “Arthur’s Bread”, which paired echoing Rhodes outputs with an unhurried yet firmly placed rhythm, felt like it was missing something. However, from that point on, the album captivated me, fascinating with its detail as the duo employed their state-of-the-art techniques and language to deliver an ultimately winning program.

“Épater Le Bourgeois” gains extra oomph through its odd meter, knotty melodic tangles, and a rich harmonic crusade that is perfectly anchored by Peretz’s rock-solid drumming and timely cymbal pulses. On occasion, I thought of it as a brainy fusion between E.S.T. and Chick Corea. “Suburban Talent”, channeling playful Monk-inspired riffs, maintains a logic avant-garde context, sliding steadily toward a final vamp that demands percussive expansion.

One of my favorite tracks is “Bag Chags”: asymmetric in tempo and carried by deep, tense, beautiful voicings supported by an unwavering rhythmic drive. Then, it shifts focus and key, leading to contrasting and surprising passages. The title cut, “Numerals”, plays like a modern Bach fugue, with arpeggiated piano sequences, tumbling dry toms, and sparkling cymbals extending the classical doctrine in interesting ways. In contrast, “Tyranny of Fine” leaves us wanting more after haunting us with a contemporary electronic vibe, snippets of melodic minimalism, and an irresistible hip-hop beat.

Numerals becomes more interesting with each listen, showcasing Peretz and Sacks in a raw, intimate fashion. They have this ability to effortlessly energize in smaller settings.

Favorite Tracks:
03 - Épater Le Bourgeois ► 04 - Suburban Talent ► 06 - Bag Chags

Label: Sunnyside Records, 2022

Personnel - Allison Miller: drums; Carmen Staaf: piano.

On Nearness, a new recording that lives up to its name, drummer Allison Miller and pianist Carmen Staaf reconnect with the magnetic energy of their debut duo album, Science Fair (Sunnyside, 2018). Boasting a special chemistry that remains fun-lovingly intact, the duo shows a tremendous adaptability to any sort of modern jazz, presenting eight originals - three by Miller and five by Staaf - and two covers.

The lead-off track, “Dan Dan”, a product of Miller’s compositional creativity, is soulful, elegant and driving. In complete control of the kit, the drummer combines different parts to create warm and catchy sounds, while Staaf effortlessly accomplishes textures and tempos. They know exactly which type of sound suits each piece and do it tastefully.

Miller’s searching “Top Shelf” is another great illustration of their capabilities, kicking off rubato but advancing with surprising findings for an avant-garde meets post-bop delivery. This number, having a triple time feel conducting its rhythmic impetus, was originally recorded on Parlour Game, a 2019 album by Miller and violinist Jenny Scheinman, in which Staaf is also featured. Another piece retrieved from that album and included here is “Beans and Rice”, in which angular melodic traits combine with the swinging flow; we can hear Monk and Duke Ellington or, in other instances, Don Cherry and Oscar Peterson.

Staaf shows a strong affinity for the blues, contributing “Blue Thrush”, which is underpinned with selective percussive elements, and also “New York Landing”, whose twelve bar cycle in plain 4/4 allows for well seasoned chops. However, it was “Birds” that better worked out, a fluid popish song with magic in the interplay and traces of The Beatles and Keith Jarrett, which suddenly evolves to a Latin thrust before its dreamy ending.

Taste overrides technique, and the rendition of the jazz standard “The Nearness of You” is silky-smooth, sensual and exotic. On the other hand, Monk’s indelible ballad “Ask Me Now” doesn’t need much more than its sculptural melody to captivate. Nearness is an agreeable album sure to leave you with more gratification than before you start listening to it.

Favorite Tracks:
01 - Dan Dan ► 03 - Top Shelf ► 06 - Birds