The Duality Perspective by drummer Ralph Peterson is supposed to show the Yin and Yang of life by having two types of bands, a quartet (or “Fo’tet,” as it’s termed here) and a sextet. I’ve never understood the whole two opposites making up part of the whole, as it sounds like the good needs the evil, but that’s a theological digression.
Musically, the album is a real joy, whether you’re from the Orthodox or Orient side of devotion. The ten tunes have the opening five with Joseph Doubleday/vibe, Alexander Toth/b, Felix Peikli/cl, while the second part of the Decalogue has Peterson driving behind Luques Curtis/b, Zaccai Curtis/p, Sean Jones/tp, Walter Smith III/ts and Tia Fuller/as-ss. There is some added percussion throughout the ten pieces that add some extra texture as well. The Quartet pieces display a warm sense of swing, and seem like a logical progression from the classic Benny Goodman quartet from 4 score years ago. There’s some deft yet spacious interplay between the vibes and clarinet that is exhilarating. In contrast, the sextet has a thicker sound, almost Gil Evansy, with Jones popping out some hot trumpet solos. The closing “Pinnacle” is a wooden roller coaster of a ride, taking you up and down the track with your hands holding on tight. Creative music bouncy all over the place here.
Onyx Music Label