Album review
PEK - Space & Gravity
A Mystical Intersection of Technical Mastery and Boundless Creativity
ZenneZ Records
Text: Robin Boer
PEK is the new ensemble through which the renowned Dutch flautist and composer Jeroen Pek (NL) upcycles his musical past and present into an eclectic adventure. Pek is widely considered one of today’s leading jazz flautists, having toured globally with icons such as James Cammack and Jasper van ’t Hof. This project features an uncommon line up that bridges musical backgrounds and generations ranging from the early twenties to the mid sixties. A central pillar of this concept is the family component, manifesting in a vibrant intergenerational energy.
The Voyage Commences
The album opens strongly with ‘Road Trip’, asserting its complexity through quintuplets and polyphonic vocal layers. Jeroen Pek introduces the primary theme on flute, underscored by a sophisticated part from guest musician Thomas Pol (NL), who provides contrabass and cello here. The ensemble is joined by the German Italian pianist Christian Pabst (GER/IT). Pabst, known for his work with Pitch Plot 4 and Sven Ratzke, brings a refined touch to the keys. He is accompanied by the Dutch drummer and percussionist Onno Witte (NL), a musical omnivore whose collaboration with Pek spans over two decades across projects like PitchWhiteStorm and Pitch Plot 4. The composition temporarily settles into a stable 3/4 time signature before decelerating into an atmospheric expanse of synthesizers and Fender Rhodes. A sparkling bass solo transitions into a daring flute and piano duet. This bold choice eschews traditional sequential soloing in favor of simultaneous interaction. The piece concludes by revisiting the melodic percussive quintuplets of the intro, bringing the journey full circle.
Rhythmic Architecture and Group Dynamics
In ‘Fritz The Cat’, Guy Pek (NL/B) takes his place behind the drums. This project marks the first professional collaboration between the percussionist and his father, Jeroen. Guy Pek, who began his career at age fifteen and has toured with acts such as Grenadeers and Fire Horse, provides swinging accents within a 4/4 signature. The lyrical and innovative bass playing supports a 15/4 theme following a sublime piano solo. A creative transition leads to a flute solo underpinned by spectacularly frivolous bass work. The vocals, positioned deeper in the mix, remain free and organic.
From its opening moments, ‘Plop A Tous’ drifts into view with a banjo-like fade-in that immediately establishes a dreamy, psychedelic haze. While the atmosphere remains rooted in a uniquely jazz-oriented space (complete with a Joe Zawinul-esque touch), guest Daniel Vitalij provides a grounding weight to the low end. The interplay between flute, bass, and Onno Witte’s kinetic percussion lends the track remarkable depth, punctuated by meticulously layered, inventive vocal arrangements. Finally, a spatial flute solo closes the distance, offering the raw, breathing intimacy of a live room recording.
Family Virtuosity and Emerging Talent
‘Chasin On Hot Heels’ highlights the virtuosity of Liam and Guy Pek, showcasing the Pek family legacy. Syncopated rhythms and rapid breaks are filled with unison flute and vocal lines. The advanced intervals are performed with immense verve.
The first bars of ‘Me Boys And Me’, set in 6/8, create the impression of listening to Daevid Allen’s Gong before further exploring unison flute and vocal themes. Witte’s detailed cymbal work is noteworthy here. The rhythm section is anchored by the young German bassist DaniVito (GER). Coming from a musical family and having worked at the prestigious Dierks Studios, DaniVito belongs to a new generation of talent. His playing is characterized by a deep groove and virtuoso improvisations. The finale stands as a highlight where the vocals move to the foreground, accompanied by the grand piano before a restrained coda.
Atmospheric Explorations and Technical Mastery
On ‘Flujo’, Thomas Pol returns on cello, opening with a symphonic and mysterious aura. This leads into a richer arrangement with added vocal harmonies, proving that complexity and atmosphere can coexist. The title track, ‘Space and Gravity’, begins with a dark synth carpet followed by a tight rhythm and an exquisite bass line. The overall soundscape and rhythm of the piece bring Weather Report’s Mysterious Traveller to mind, even if it does not mimic it directly. Jeroen and Liam Pek return to their signature unison form. Following the melodic passage, a vocalized piano solo ensues. Pabst eventually breaks free into an uninhibited exploration, culminating in a welcome Latin infused fade out.
Technical Execution and Conclusion
The closing track, ‘Laff Box’, showcases the ensemble as a tight unit. They execute Jeroen Pek’s intricate compositions with playful perfection, alternating fixed themes with improvisational prowess. Onno Witte and Guy Pek perform as a drum duo while DaniVito maneuvers through the structure like an architectural acrobat on bass. From an engineering perspective, the album avoids overproduction. The sonics are natural and dynamic, ensuring every instrument remains distinct. Space and Gravity is not background music. It demands attentive listening and rewards the listener with a mystical world where fantasy and experiment are organically interwoven. It is an exemplary work of boundless creativity.
Space & Gravity is released by ZenneZ Records on vinyl and digital platforms