PEK

On Helix... “…This is no-holds-barred improvisation in its most challenging, uncompromising form… there are some hair-raising moments along the way capable of startling and challenging even the most experienced listeners of freely-improvised music. ‘Helix’ is a striking example of what can be done by larger ensembles within the realm of free improvisation…” - Troy Dostert, The Free Jazz Collective

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On Helix... “…This is no-holds-barred improvisation in its most challenging, uncompromising form… there are some hair-raising moments along the way capable of startling and challenging even the most experienced listeners of freely-improvised music. ‘Helix’ is a striking example of what can be done by larger ensembles within the realm of free improvisation…” - Troy Dostert, The Free Jazz Collective

On Possible Universes... “…What is even more impressive is that Mr. PEK has learned how to organize/lead this massive ensemble so that it doesn’t sound consistently like chaos. The core members of Leap of Faith, PEK on multi-reeds, Glynis Lomon on cello and Yuri Zbitnov on drums are often at the center with various layers of strings, reeds, brass, guitars, basses and percussion surrounding them…. Everyone takes their time and sounds completely focused. I know that Mr. PEK has been employing a timer or clock to help keeps things more balanced and the results are indeed phenomenal. This could be the best Leap of Faith release so far, which is pretty amazing considering that I’ve reviewed some two dozen plus discs so far. “ - Bruce Lee Gallanter, Downtown Music Gallery

On Possible Universes... The highly capable improvisers engaged by PEK are participating in the composer's unique method of Frame Notation… Along with strings and three basses, a large assortment of percussion instruments, and two tubas, the orchestra utilizes an assortment of non-conventional devices such as bullroarers, claves, flex-a-tones, slide whistles, wind sirens, crank sirens, bells, Tibetan bowls, ratchets and a tube-o- phone… Possible Universes works in a surprisingly paradoxical way, allowing structure and freedom to coexist, while constantly challenging the ear. It's not quite like anything else. - Karl Ackermann, AllAboutJazz Bruce Lee Gallanter Introduction to Infinite Perimeters performance "... In the 1960s there was the Mothers of Invention, in the 70s there was Soft Machine and Henry Cow, in the 80s there was Naked City and in the 90s there was Masada. In the aughts, we have Leap of Faith who are here with us today... they came down from the Boston area... It's a long trip... this is an underground scene so we're all really lucky to be here hearing the music and hanging out with people who care about the same things we care about..." - Bruce Lee Gallanter, Downtown Music Gallery

On Supernovae... "... the orchestra ... created some highly engaging and unique music, generating layers upon layers of sound and texture. The overall feeling is organic and vital, balancing space and density. ... It's best to describe this music as an experience, as there is little to suggest what will happen next, and no repeated melodies or extended themes, rather it's a sequence of improvised events that culminate into a greater whole. ... Each visit with the Leap of Faith folks reveals new ideas and revised approaches. Supernovae strikes me as a milestone in PEK's vision and his group's cohesion - less aggressive, more nuanced and spacious. A neat addition to an expanding musical universe." - Paul Acquaro, FreeJazzBlog

On Supernovae... "PEK's ensemble—not surprisingly—includes enough non-traditional and weird instruments to compete with a Dr. Seuss orchestra... As with all of PEK's compositions, there is—behind the scenes—a painstaking amount of organization that is not always evident in the listening. That is part of the beauty of this album; the non-traditional approach to instrumentation and the lack of adherence to Western structure continue to make the various iterations of Leap of Faith consistently interesting." - Karl Ackermann, AllAboutJazz

On Supernovae... “The first part features an extraordinary percussion section for tympani’s, cymbals and other layers of small percussion. This long work (77 minutes) sounds like it is sectional, with various subgroups emerging and with occasional solos rising above the waves. If I didn’t know better, I would think that this was a Braxton or Globe Unity Orchestra piece, this is how strong and well- balanced it is... As a longtime fan of large ensembles and orchestras, this is one of the more successful orchestral units I’ve heard in a long while! Long live Leap of Faith and their ever-growing network.” - Bruce Lee Gallanter, DMG

On Supernovae... "Leap of Faith Orchestra is one of the most ambitious projects within avant-garde jazz approaching work such as that of Marshall Allen and the Sun Ra Arkestra in range and scope... There is so much movement happening, the music can only be consumed as a whole, rather than focusing on subsections or individuals... The music is both free and very structured simultaneously. This piece is less about melody, but meant to be heard, as an experience. This music will take listeners to different places; a mental journey of the imagination, as the music opens the door to other dimensions." - Marc Edwards, JazzRightNow

On Supernovae... "Composer and instrumentalist PEK (David Peck) has created a big band experience decidedly different from nearly any other. Not for PEK are standard charts with themes and room for soloists; instead an extended (some 77 minutes) ‘composition’ for orchestra is replete with various and sundry unusual instruments and delineated sections in which a variety of colors and textures take center stage, leaving a listener with the distinct feeling of experiencing something of note.... If these descriptions seem vague and non-defined, be assured that as a full musical experience, there are wonders to be discovered. " - Donald Elfman, New York City Jazz Record

On Unbounded Sets... "The first set starts off quietly with Ms. Lomon’s hypnotic bowed cello, subtle percussion, vibes, an organic interweaving of several reeds, double-reeds… This must be the most laid- back of the many sets of Leap of Faith that I’ve caught or reviewed... ​The three reeds players work well together with their kaleidoscopic, ever shifting blend of various reeds. Consistently engaging yet still holding back and never giving in to unnecessary extremes. This was one of their best sets..." - Bruce Lee Gallanter, Downtown Music Gallery

On Infinite Perimeters... "Free music legends from the Boston area, Leap of Faith, took their annual sojourn south and played here at DMG on Sunday, April 2nd, less than two weeks ago... An extraordinary night here at DMG once again for those in attendance... Leap of Faith (LoF) sets/discs are always well- recorded and after checking them out live on three occasions, I know what to expect yet they still surprise me with their focused improv.... What makes this special is the way these folks play together: tight, intricate dialogue without anyone ever stepping on anyone else’s toes... It seems hard to believe that this disc was recorded at DMG since it captures Leap of Faith at their best, relaxed yet still cosmic. Start your Leap of Faith collection today with this treasure chest! ​" - Bruce Lee Gallanter, Downtown Music Gallery

On Centroids... "​Like many of the Leap of faith sessions, this one begins slowly with a somewhat ritualistic aura. Several clarinets or other reeds, cymbals, assorted metal percussion give this an Art Ensemble of Chicago-like vibe.... While listening to the second half of this hour long disc, the music reminded me of way life is right now: ridiculous, hard-to-believe, explosive, too intense at times with occasional moments of humor or low-key reflection. Yet another twisted treasure from the deluge of great Leap of Faith discs." - Bruce Lee Gallanter, DMG

On Pseudorandom Generators... "This quartet version of Leap of Faith is compact: focused and fortified. The interplay the two reedmen is consistently inspired and probing. Somewhere between the Art Ensemble of Chicago (small instruments, whistles & metals) and Euro Free/jazz/improv is what we have here... From somber to stimulating to mind-blowing!" - Bruce Lee Gallanter, DMG

On Emergent Properties… "The guitars slowly weave their sound into controlled chaos which is both intoxicating and somewhat disorienting. In one segment midway, the cello, double-reed(s) and electronics blend into an intense, hypnotic mirage with a calm center. Much of this long section midway is restrained yet filled with some strange nuanced sounds: drones, hums, bowed strings and percussive fragments... It is another ridiculous high point, certain to make some smile and others perhaps wince. With so many fine discs under their collective belt (more than 100), how do they continue to release such genuine gems?!? The legend of Leap of Faith continues…" - Bruce Lee Gallanter, DMG

On The Expanding Universe... "The sole track (being the title track) is a sprawling epic at seventy-seven minutes and does indeed deviate between the austere and the chaotic, but as always, composer PEK has a higher purpose. Swerving whistles and a siren usher in the piece with no small amount of urgency building to a crescendo of noise before a lone tuba replaces near-calamity with dark mystery. Later, piano and alternate devices struggle for dominance, lopsided melodies collide with bells, blocks and cymbals in a musical representation of the album's stated theme... Like any uncharted exploration, attention to detail makes this experimental journey a memorable experience." - Karl Ackermann, AllAboutJazz

On The Expanding Universe... "The results are pretty extraordinary. The work is very long, nearly 77 minutes and goes through different sections. The music sounds directed since it moves in precise waves with different subsections rising and falling back into the often turbulent sea of sounds. A number of different things stand out: an intense free piano solo (Peter Cassino), a layer of brass waves sailing with another layer of twisted reeds, sporadic double rhythm teams (tablas?), erupting and then disappearing. The balance of more sparse sections with occasional dense outbursts sounds tightly directed. Considering that the Evil Clown label which documents all of the Leap of Faith and their offshoot projects, is closing in at nearly a 100 releases, this disc might just be the best one I’ve reviewed. A completely outstanding effort all the way around." - Bruce Lee Gallanter, Downtown Music Gallery

On The Expanding Universe... "Free jazz, noise, rock, it’s all here, but mostly free jazz. This might be among the free-est recordings I have ever heard, right up with Arthur Doyle, Albert Ayler, or Henry Cow. There are so many musicians, and so many instruments, that it is difficult to keep track of what’s going on. This is a fantastic, amazing record. I suggest you check out some of their other recordings online. The Expanding Universe is not easy listening, but the patient listener will be rewarded." - Eric Baylies, The Noise-Boston

On The Expanding Universe... "...a bracing collage of ever-varying sound color universes and at times they kick up a hell of a fuss! Other times they are a bit more focused within... But all told you are in for a wildly free trip into the nether worlds of the universe. Nice one!" - Grego Applegate Edwards, Gapplegate Muisc Review

On The Expanding Universe... "Even with such a large body of mass abstract poly-phonics, there is an order to the chaos within the music… The music is very out there in every sense of the word… The lines intersect, as well as go off in divergent directions. There is very unusual counterpoint lines employed throughout this lengthy piece. The drums rumble in the background intensifying the mood. I must add, the drumming was consistently outstanding throughout this hour plus performance… At the one hour mark, the music gets even more experimental. The orchestra ventures into electronic music in the science fiction sense of the word… If you’re not familiar with the music of Dave Peck, do pick up a copy of this CD and his many other recordings. I believe he has one of the most adventurous orchestral ensembles in free jazz." - Marc Edwards, Jazz Right Now

​On Factorizations... "... Alien yet familiar, bizarre yet completely fascinating. Expanding, contracting, erupting, settling down, always as one force..." - Bruce Lee Gallanter, Downtown Music Gallery

On Factorizations... "If you're looking for sonic adventure, if you're looking for something you didn't know you needed, and if you think you're ready, then yeah, take the leap of faith. This genuinely nice group of musicians transform into something completely otherworldly as they start digging into the dozens of instruments that festoon the stage." - Paul Acquaro​, freejazzblog

​On Factorizations... "The out-lining group phrasing is expressively advanced, noisy at times in the best sort of way, and filled with an excellent give-and-take." - Grego Applegate Edwards, gapplegatemusicreview.blogspot

On Solution Concepts... ​​"Starting out and fits and starts like an extended warm-up, 'Subgame' doesn't take much of its almost forty minutes to be convincingly harrowing. With barely the trace of a melody, the marathon number nevertheless captures some satisfying but inexpressible spirit of wild abandon... ...their output has been prolific and varied. PEK and Lomon have worked in formations from duo to large ensembles. Heberer's presence on Solution Concepts makes it quite different from earlier Leap of Faith albums but true to the experimental vision that PEK and Lomon first realized more than twenty years ago. The music on Solution Concepts is probing, intelligent and—in some instances—poignant." - Karl Ackermann, AllAboutJazz.com

On Solution Concepts... "The final number is a twenty-minute conflagration of Heberer and Leap of Faith joined together. It gives the entire ensemble space to open up worlds of improv and at the same time gives space as well for Heberer's voice to respond to the others and vice versa. The track has a great deal of strength and shows the complete complement of artists at their best..." - Grego Applegate Edwards, gapplegatemusicreview.blogspot ​​ On Solution Concepts... "​You can hear that these folks have been playing together for a long while since they have a focused group sound. Everyone in the quartet was integral to the sound and approach of what makes Leap of Faith unique. Each member got their chance to stretch out and shine. ... One of the things I love about this band is/are the strange vocals which always add a bizarre alien presence that makes them quite unique." - Bruce Lee Gallanter, Downtown Music Gallery

On Abstract Structures... "What one comes away from this diverse and intense live set is the bottomless creativity of the musicians. The music is intelligently paced, and the breaks in tone and shifts of approach and sound are appropriately done. This is an excellent outing that should be heard. Recommended." - Stefan Wood, freejazzblog

On If and Only If Volume 1: "Leap of Faith make each set special by taking their time, listening closely and conversing like friendly spirits. ... Ms. Lomon takes the first unaccompanied cello solo, the forces bristling, before the rest of ensemble erupts. Dave Peck's double reeds, Mr. Norton's sax or clarinets, Ms. Lomon's cello, Mr. Harris' trombone and bother/either drummers interact and erupt at times, crazed spirits being set free. There is the occasional weird vocal bits here and there which are brief and always fit just right. Escapees from a loony bin or just musicians who need to be set free.? ... Can Leap of Faith do it again?!? You bet they can and do!"

Volume 2: "Slowly the double reeds, clarinets, cello, percussion and occasional weird vocals come in, as the layers expand. Ms. Lomon's odd plucked cello is often at the center as the different drones from the reeds or brass appear, floating in layers. Less ritualistic, yet just as mesmerizing as these longtime free music specialists combine forces to produce another cosmic brew. I dig that there are a number of more stark and mysterious sections instead some of the over-the-top weirdness that Leap of Faith usually go for." - Bruce Lee Gallanter, Downtown Music Gallery​

On Flow Regimes... "The music is well-balanced and often sounds directed, organically evolving from section to section. I found this set pretty mesmerizing, never too dense or disturbing. About 51 minutes long and consistently fascinating." - Bruce Lee Gallanter, Downtown Music Gallery

On The Fucked Up Circus Comes to Town... "The music moves from sparse to gnarly to very intense, free yet somehow connected. At times, it sounds like a conversation between aliens or even animals (for the occasional shriek), but it does make sense once you get used to it." - Bruce Lee Gallanter, Downtown Music Gallery

On Hierarchies... "Intense, focused and consistently spirited.... Another bizarre and outstanding trip from the unstoppable Leap of Faith." - Bruce Lee Gallanter, Downtown Music Gallery

On Linear Combinations and Transformations (Original Release)... "... intense, focused free improv with a few layers of inter-connected lines. Occasionally sparse but mostly more dense. Everyone involved gets a chance to stretch out and push things into a frenzied dialogue, while these long journeys unfold organically and balance things in well- measured ways..." - Bruce Lee Gallanter, Downtown Music Gallery

On Linear Combinations and Transformations (Alternate Takes)... "Even in their early days, Leap of Faith have worked their way through an organic method of improv which works well no matter who is playing with them, both core members and guests." - Bruce Lee Gallanter, Downtown Music Gallery

On Out of Zeit... "... the strings and reeds sound great together, often playing with similar textures and timbral qualities. Of the half dozen Leap of faith discs I've checked ut so far, this in one is the most intense, riveting and the furthest out. Are you ready to be knocked out? Then take this Leap of faith and dive into the unknown...​" - Bruce Lee Gallanter, Downtown Music Gallery

On Regenerations... "...high, full-bore free improv spontaneities that pay close attention to timbral sound-color shaping as well as freely expressive collective improvisations. Each shifting grouping of instruments gives rise to color spectrums alternatingly bright or impastoed, clustered or speckled depending on the moment...." - Grego Applegate Edwards, gapplegatemusicreview.blogspot

On Regenerations... "Their sound is organic, it grows from within, and there is an arc to the track that belies either an uncanny connection or some pre-planned moves as there is an inherent structure and motion to the sound... The track will go from a reflective passage on a low woodwind to a dense thicket of cello double stops to juxtaposed harmonies, and just as quickly, it may delve into percussive textures and spontaneous intertwining melodies. It's this potent mix of instrumental timbers and unexpected changes that make their music so effective." - Paul Acquaro​, freejazzblog

On Superalloys... "This music is completely improvised and quite free, reminding me of the Art Ensemble of Chicago, in the organic way hat their sets unfolds and are filled with the possessed spirits of various reeds and little instruments like percussive toys or chochkes. This disc is 74+ minutes long and most compelling throughout." - Bruce Lee Gallanter, Downtown Music Gallery

Stu's Leap of Faith Essay... "The music was startling in the suddenness with which it shattered all that evolving chaos with focussed, clearly articulated beauty..." - Stu Vandermark

On Hyperbolic Spirals... "Scrapes and clangs of metal, a hybrid cry of rooster and human, fill the opening sequence to Hyperbolic Spirals Vol 2 with a palpable tension. The first 20 minutes is all texture and a diffused soundscape. However a culmination of chimes around the 10 minute mark seems to signal a new movement: the mood lightens, the clouds lift, and the pulse quickens. It takes a while for a somewhat anticipated buildup of the wind instruments to occur, but when it does, it's huge. Mixing with the chimes and splashes of sound from the metal, it's really quite moving when it reaches its zenith." - Paul Acquaro, freejazzblog

On Riemann Surfaces... "I was at the set in Brooklyn and I recall it very well since it was one of the most intense music experiences I've attended in a long while! This is the regular Leap of Faith quartet with no guests and they are in wonderful form here! ...Things build here to an intense frenzy which is almost too much at times yet is still transcendent its own weird way. Both of the sets here capture Leap of Faith at their best, focused, spirited and likely to blow your minds inside-out! This is my favorite of the dozen or so discs I've reviewed of their so far!" - Bruce Lee Gallanter, Downtown Music Gallery

On Philosophiæ Naturalis Principia Mathematica... "The trio set is less busy than the usual quartet or quintet versions. The sound of the two spiraling reeds and cello sound especially great together, bending and twisting their notes in a similar fashion. They sound somewhat relaxed and keep a certain calm, thoughtful vibe at the center. Often one player will start a line and another will complete the line. Hearing PEK by himself is also unusual and revealing as he takes his time and concentrates al length on his alto sax rather than the dozens of reeds he often plays at most Leap of Faith sessions." - Bruce Lee Gallanter, Downtown Music Gallery

On Elliptical Eccentricity... "There is quite a bit of common ground or at least a bond between Ms. Lomon and Mr. Pek as they often improvise in similar ways, exchanging ideas, completing each other's sentences and sounding like one combined force of nature. Time to check out another chapter of Leap of Faith" - Bruce Lee Gallanter, Downtown Music Gallery

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