Press

“A manifestation of grappling with personal identity, the voice is literally filtered through symbols of cultural context while simultaneously subverting tradition to best fit the self by using them in uncustomary ways… These three recordings all also pair VOCALNORI with piri, the Korean double reed, the texture and attack of which could recall Steve Lacy’s ducks at their most raucous or the ecstatic energies of Kim Seok-chul’s hojok” — Keith Prosk (freejazzblog) on Leo’s VOCALNORI and piri performance

“The dichotomies throughout Religion buoy the feeling that these infinite forking paths are an illusion, and if we just focus on the core of these coalescing sounds, we can find some kind of center. Incredible, engaging stuff.” — Brad Rose (Foxy Digitalis) on Religion

“a fractious collage mixing post-tradition, electrification, and resonance, which, thanks to the artists’ ingenuity and dexterity, fascinatingly plays with musical clichés” — Jakub Knera (NOWE IDZIE OD MORZA) on Religion

“This music takes on many different, surprising forms, akin to some invisible element that exists all around us yet cannot quite be quantified… Rather than focusing on creating the perfect mix or reaching a cathartic climax, this music celebrates the feeling of potential, focusing on the journey rather than the destination. The pair are content to sit in the unknown for a little while, uncovering what’s living there.” — Vanessa Ague (the Wire Magazine) on Unnameable Element

“VOCALNORI proves shockingly malleable…Perhaps what is most impressive about the album is Chang and Williams’ ability to deliver on the challenge of foregrounding sonic ‘interstices.’… Although many might assume that an album comprised of duo and trio textures would feel limited by performing forces, Unnameable Element uses these constraints to great effect. Williams and Chang’s well of timbral resources never runs dry, and each new sound is put to use with flair and ingenuity.” – Julia Kuhlman (i care if you listen) on Unnameable Element

“An incredible set of duets…Leo Chang’s grabbed my intention….Chang’s vocalnori is revelatory... Hollow, percussive investigations lead down trenchant paths opening new zones and new ideas. There’s a hard edge to this music that alludes to some kind of primordial energy winding through the visceral sound structures, but Williams and Chang are so intertwined and out on a limb that it’s impossible to pin down. Unnameable Element is absolutely stellar.” – Brad Rose (Foxy Digitalis) on Unnameable Element

“The sound world they concoct using these instruments is out of this world…there is much to be enjoyed here. This is not background music for a lounge party in the garden. The music and textures demand attention, and the interplay between the musicians is excellent. This is world music created with traditional instruments in unconventional music with phenomenal results. Let your imagination wander through these worlds. It's quite the trip.” – Vital Weekly on Some Time

“ghost whorls that gathered their mass, making a sudden stop, then the growing resuming into a soft blizzard” – Martin Longley (All About Jazz) on Respond to Troy

“so terribly tight and thick that its dark strength is compelling” — Jean Ballard Terepka (TheaterScene.net) on St. Louis Blues