What the Critics are Saying
"Peter Saltzman and his Revolution Ensemble presented the premiere of 'Kaballah Blues/Quantum Funk,' an ambitious, richly layered, wonderfully accessible 55-minute work for elaborate jazz combo and vocalists. Taking off on a cosmic theme, Saltzman has unified the ancient and spiritual (in the form of Jewish prayer and mysticism), with the modern and scientific (in the form of quantum physics and the search for universal forces). Using a subtle blend of traditional Jewish melodies, jazz standards and early 20th century sounds from Gershwin to Debussy (with lyrics sung deftly by Gingi Lehera, backed hauntingly by percussionist Jeff Stitely) the composer also suggested the connection between the love of God, and the love between a man and a woman."
Hedy Weiss, Chicago Tribune
With a voice like stretching taffy, exquisitely dissonant harmonies and contemporary classical influences from the post-60's avant garde movements, this jazz ensemble is not only striking in its juxtaposition of jazz and modern classical, almost atonal worlds, but in the fact that it doesn't shy away from the obtuse, the weird, the unfashionable and the clashy- and then breaks into plain ol' classy bebop. They're shooting holes through the shields of jazz so be there to see what spills out.
Tamara D. Turner, CDBaby.com
"This Chicago-based jazz group is definitely one to watch for. This set [Kabbalah Blues/Quantum Funk], their first, is a wonderfully witty and passionate combination of a wide range of influences from Debussy to Mingus, from Gershwin to Webern, from the Art Ensemble of Chicago to Eddie Palmieri. The result is a brilliant jazz-classical fusion with a seriously Jewish soul. Saltzman is a superb writer and fine pianist and the rest of the group are inventive and skillful. Rating: 5 stars."
George Robinson, Jewish News (NYC)
"Peter Saltzman and The Revolution Ensemble have come up with the ultimate musical journey and experience on, Kabbalah Blues / Quantum Funk. The album finds the ensemble tapping into the groove of contemporary American urban music, the freedom and energy of Rock, the improvisational qualities of American Jazz, complex song structure and marvelous tonal color of Classical music and the emotional qualities of Blues. The lyrics are expertly crafted representing American life and experiences in vibrant portions. This is an album which ultimately delivers mass doses of listening entertainment, which has so much going on that one will find something new to marvel at with each listen. A must have for the musician who starts thinking that it has all been done. This album proves, once and for all, there is much more that can be done if one knows what one is doing and is able to accomplish the technical portion. If one finds it too difficult to achieve a goal, sit back and listen to The Revolution Ensemble, it doesn't get any better than this." DownEast Reviews
"The Revolution Ensemble...led by award-winning composer Peter Saltzman, is trying to do what few have tried: push classical music into the twentieth century...this is interesting enough stuff to engage even the most jaded music fan."
Dave Chamberlain, NewCity
Composer and pianist Peter Saltzman resists classification, having gone to conservatories and written works that mix jazz, gospel, rock and classical elements...[his is] music of days to come: resolutely tonal, idiom-blending works that would win back listeners."
Ted Shen, Chicago Tribune
There's a musical revolution afoot and Peter Saltzman is leading the charge."
Pioneer Press
Distinctive...memorable...Saltzman, along with [his] enthusiastic players, should be complimented for seriously rethinking how music is presented...Obviously, there's an audience in Chicago interested in thinking about music in different ways."
Wynne Delacoma, Chicago Sun-Times
With all of the musicians and members of the ensemble having some form of classical music training, one may expect to experience songs with classical qualities. Some of the songs certainly have classical elements, but Peter Saltzman, who composed all of the songs on the album, has taken elements from other genres and incorporated them into the compositions. This makes for fresh and original material that allows one who is not a lover of classical music to experience the genre in mild doses. The melody for "Oseh Shalom," which is the root of "Prologue," is by Max Helfman and is used with permission from Transcontinental Music Publications/New Jewish Music Press. With a psychedelic jazz essence, the opening track, "Prologue," is graced by Gingi Lahera's melodic and soulful vocals. The many instrumental nuances used throughout the "Prologue" capture the listeners at each twist and turn of the intriguing melody. With an experimental jazz quality at the center of the song structure, one gets to experience a short aural journey into new musical frontiers done by masters of the craft. The melody for "Oseh Shalom is also at the root of the "Finale." The use of Jill Kaeding's talented presentation on the cello gives the melody great depth and breadth. There is so much happening instrumentally on the "Finale" that the listener is virtually blown away by the intense melodic beauty created. Jeff Stitely maintains a soft and masterful presence on percussion, which creates a strong foundation that allows for the magnificent instrumental and vocal expansions. Peter Saltzman and the Revolution Ensemble have come up with the ultimate musical journey and experience on Kabbalah Blues/Quantum Funk. The album finds the ensemble tapping into the groove of contemporary American urban music, the freedom and energy of rock, the improvisational qualities of American jazz, complex song structure, the marvelous tonal color of classical music, and the emotional qualities of blues. The lyrics are expertly crafted representing American life and experiences in vibrant portions. This is an album that ultimately delivers mass doses of listening entertainment, which has so much going on that one will find something new to marvel at with each listen. A must-have for the musician who starts thinking that it has all been done before. This album proves, once and for all, there is much more that can be done if one knows what one is doing and is able to accomplish the technical portion. If one finds it too difficult to achieve a goal, sit back and listen to the Revolution Ensemble -- it doesn't get any better than this.