Leap of Faith

Released in 1999, Leap of Faith represents a pivotal moment in Dave Douglas’s prolific 1990s output, showcasing his piano-less quartet featuring Chris Potter, James Genus, and Ben Perowsky. Recorded in September 1998, the album is frequently compared to the classic Ornette Coleman or Miles Davis quartets, yet it carves out a distinct identity through Douglas’s highly structured, 'serpentine' compositions. Critics, including those from Allmusic and JazzTimes, highlighted the 'telepathic' interplay between the musicians, noting that the absence of a chordal instrument like piano or guitar allows for a more fluid, linear approach to improvisation. The album is characterized by its intellectual rigor and its ability to blend avant-garde sensibilities with post-bop foundations. It stands as a testament to Douglas’s role as a leading figure in the 'Modern Creative' movement, offering a lean, muscular sound that prioritizes rhythmic agility and melodic complexity over traditional jazz tropes.