Janel Leppin, Ensemble Volcanic Ash: To March Is To Love

Janel Leppin, a multi-instrumentalist and composer known for her innovative approach to music, leads her Ensemble Volcanic Ash in their latest release, To March Is To Love. Her debut album, Ensemble Volcanic Ash, released in 2022, garnered widespread acclaim. Now, with her follow-up, Leppin continues to push boundaries and explore new sonic landscapes. This project, recorded live in the studio, features a stellar sextet. Her versatility and creative vision have made her a distinctive voice in contemporary music. Notably, Leppin is married to burgeoning guitar hero Anthony Pirog, who appears on this album and brings his unique flair to their past and current collaborative projects, proving once again that their combined talents create a powerful and noteworthy musical experience.

From the haunting beauty of the opener, "Ode To Abdul Wadud," to the thumping rhythmic exploration of "Union Art," led by Leppin's weighty melodic lines and the saxophonists' harmonious choruses, the presentation is a journey through diverse musical terrains. Moreover, Pirog launches a howling distortion-induced rock solo, leading to a slow-down towards the closeout, complete with ethereal sounds in the background. It is as if Jimi Hendrix decided to drop by for a jam session.

"To March Is to Love Pt.1" features a somber yet memorable hook, contrasted by mellifluous horns and the musicians' searching ruminations. The frontline executes extended notes amid bassist Luke Stewart's soft pulses and drummer Larry Ferguson's delicate cymbal swashes. Hence, a focused and tempered march, venturing into a boisterous sequence of interweaving free improv dialogues, finding a middle ground before realigning towards the close.

The album concludes with Leppin's endearing solo piano piece on "Casals Rainbow." Her touch on the keys is tender and evocative, providing a perfect bookend to the album's adventurous spirit.

Leppin delivers the music with a persistent force of will. The project was recorded live in the studio, capturing the raw energy and spontaneity of the moment. Her compositions blend intricate melodies, rich harmonies, and a sense of urgency that should resonate deeply with listeners. Her cello work is both expressive and technically impressive, interlacing through the ensemble's lush or hard-edged textures with grace and purpose. It is an album that defies easy categorization, drawing from jazz, rock, classical, and avant-garde influences, yet remains uniquely Leppin's own. As the magma flows, listeners may be swept along, moved by the emotional currents she creates. The ensemble invites us to march—to love, to hope, and to embrace the power of music to transform our world. It is an audacious, genre-bending journey that demands attention and rewards curiosity.