Ivo Perelman, Gabby Fluke-Mogul: Duologues 2: Joy

Tenor saxophonist Ivo Perelman is one of the most accomplished contemporary improvisers. The size of his output is only rivaled by the extent of his imagination. Violinist Gabby Fluke-Mogul is an intrepid innovator who, in a mere handful of years, has established themselves as a force with which to reckon. Both artists thrive in duet settings so their spontaneous set Joy, the second volume in Perelman's Duologues series, is seamlessly cohesive and quite stimulating.

This nine-part suite starts off with short exchanges that flitter around one other. Both musicians stay in the upper registers of their instruments. The dialogue grows more and more dissonant, yet the ambience remains pastoral. Fluke-Mogul counters Perelman's wailing tenor with their pizzicato chimes, resulting in an intriguingly sonic contrast. "One" concludes on a riotous note.

On the second track, Fluke-Mogul's violin has folkish melancholy while Perelman's tenor is contemplative and somber. The parallel musings end in a thrilling climax made up of a blend of tenor squawks and percussed strings. In contrast, "Three" opens with Fluke-Mogul's wistful drone, over which Perelman weaves a meandering and eerie serenade. In response to the saxophonist's languid yet passionate extemporization, the violinist plays undulating phrases with hints of Eastern lyricism.

This type of thrilling synergy, where one performer anticipates the other and builds upon their ideas, abounds throughout the album. In fact, this type of dynamism gives the music its urgency and organicity. It makes it a living breathing entity. For instance, on "Seven," Perelman builds on Fluke-Mogul's plaintiff tones with brief, mournful lines. The violinist, in turn, supports Perelman's pensive tenor with their tolling violin. Then the pair engage briefly in an angular march-like repartee that is simultaneously exuberant and introspective. Slowly, the conversation takes on bluesy hints, with melodic fragments reminiscent of early jazz.

As the title suggests, this is, overall, a celebratory and uplifting meeting of the minds. Perelman uniformly creates brilliant improvisations as he is a stalwart in the field. The younger Fluke-Mogul, full of talent and sophistication, deftly keeps up with the seasoned saxophonist. The result is this creative gem, which demands and rewards close attentive listening.

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