New York-based experimental violinist (and doula) gabby fluke-mogul has collaborated in recent years with some of the most innovative and idiosyncratic free improvisers, among them Fred Frith, Zeena Parkins, William Parker and Ava Mendoza.

Joy is his first studio meeting of prolific New York-based tenor sax player (and painter) Ivo Perelman with the “congenial” fluke-mogul and features nine untitled, short pieces, sometimes with some otherworldly effects of fluke-mogul, and, obviously, extended techniques of both Perelman and fluke-mogul. The album is released on Perelman’s label, Ibeji Music. Perelman records almost every week free improvised meetings at his favorite place, Park West Studios in Brooklyn, mostly with long-time comrades, especially Matthew Shipp, but occasionally with up-and-coming improvisers. Perelman and fluke-mogul are well-versed with the art of the moment and know how to channel the most eccentric and esoteric, spontaneously improvised articulations into loose and playful, instant compositions. The atmosphere of this recording is relaxed, but Perelamn and fluke-mogul are attentive to every nuance and shift in the mood and immediately respond and comment, but allow the intuitive music to lead them. Often, these improvised pieces sound like futurist, poetic folk songs, openly emotional and expressed with great imagination.

fluke-mogul first-ever meeting with Chicagoan sax hero Dave Rempis took place at The Beat Kitchen, in Chicago in August 2022. Lip is a 31-minute, live, free improvised performance of like-minded, fearless and restless sonic adventurers. fluke-mogul and Rempis, on alto and baritone saxes, were eager to explore spiky counterpoints, fast-shifting dynamics, and sputtering articulations, and immediately established a common ground. The music flows naturally, with relaxed and emphatic interplay, but with the excitement of a first-time encounter and with deep emotional impact. fluke-mogul and Rempis already planning a second live performance at the Hungry Brain in Chicago.

Eyal Hareuveni

gabby fluke-mogul (violin, vocals), Ivo Perelman (tenor saxophone), Dave Rempis (alto saxophone, baritone saxophone)