"My Multiverse, Vol. 1" - Jeff Pearring (Self-Release, 2024)

    Jeff Pearring’s “My Multiverse, Vol. 1” is a highly nuanced collection of solo work that is relatable to anyone with a set of ears and eyes and in touch with the world around and within. And if you aren’t already in touch, listening to this release will provide the perfect path towards alignment. This is not to say the musical dispatches from Jeff’s “multiverse” are superficial in any sense. The particular settings and quality of each piece are instrumental to establishing a multiplicity of personal contexts and impressions. Over nine tracks of differing length, character and nuance, Pearring demonstrates a deft talent for identifying the most remarkable aspects of a particular sentiment, establishing and describing the setting exclusively thru sonic language in his own unmistakable vernacular. 

    Life has moments that are beautifully somber, seriously silly and often as massive as it is subtle. From the face of this album through the content contained within, Pearring’s expression of his perspective is in accordance with those facts. Consider the deliberately coy cover and artwork to “My Multiverse.” I feel it suggests the subject of an articulate individual in any number of unique environments being solidly themselves in the special cracks of surrounding landforms and in the generous atmosphere of a judgeless sky. In other words, Jeff will be Jeff regardless of wherever he happens to find himself, being dressed and prepared for the task at hand, even in a remote canyon. With that statement, he’s showing us that the seed of play can be found anywhere you are if you only know how to recognize and appreciate it. Every one of the pieces could have a different set of corresponding artwork and scenery but I feel like Pearring would show up dressed for the occasion and armed with his horn, ready to receive and interact no matter the specifics.  

    Some of these tracks explore abstract formal notions - for example, the folky “SatchMO” or “Waltzing Free” - and at other times he issues  a more overt nod to specific canon and players. Often, the characters in mind are evoked directly, such as on the opener “Chicquitita de Latón” which translates to “tiny brass girl” or “Papa Louis” which honors Louis Armstrong. And there’s a notable sonic departure with the track “Rising” which is the sole entry to utilize effects processing and loops (although not in a distracting or ill-fitting way with the rest of the album). While I feel some superficial qualities similar to some solo works of yore from titans like Ornette Coleman or Anthony Braxton, I am especially reminded of the meditative, fluid structures coming from other instrumentalists such as Ned Rothenberg, Myra Melford or Art Lande.  

    To that point, he possesses a uniquely rich improvisational vocabulary, broad skillset and enthusiasm to fully commit toward any stylistic direction, all the while observing the natural flow of ideas provided thru organic play and dialogue with novel environments. He can find the relevance and unity in any approach with full intention, exposing untapped depths in the smallest crevices of the given moment. Pearring exudes a human style in his art like few other musicians I've encountered. He shows you where and what IT is immediately in person or on recordings and “My Multiverse, Vol. 1” is no exception. Releases 4/22/2024. Sample forthcoming!