On Leap of Faith: "Alien yet familiar, bizarre yet completely fascinating. Expanding,
contracting, erupting, settling down, always as one force..."
- Bruce Lee Gallanter, DMG
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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