The Great Leap Forward was a band formed by former bIG fLAME member Alan Brown, when his previous band split up in 1987. Great Leap Forward was essentially a solo project, although various musicians were added for live performances. The sound was more melodic and danceable than his earlier band, still with overtly political lyrics. After three 12" EP's on Ron Johnson Records, that label's collapse led to a move to Communications Unique for debut album Don't Be Afraid Of Change, which largely comprised tracks from the three Ron Johnson singles. A final 12" single (Heart and Soul) was followed by the LP compilation Season 87-88 and the CD compilation Great Leap Forward before Brown called it a day in early 1990. A mini-LP, Tolerance & Respect had been planned for a Spring 1990 release but was shelved.

In 2007, Alan Brown has been recording new Great Leap Forward material, and has also joined Sarandon, playing bass guitar.

Discography

Singles

• Controlling The Edges Of Tone EP (Apr 1987, Ron Johnson, ZRON20 [12"])
• A Peck On The Cheek (Nov 1987, Ron Johnson, ZRON27 [12"])
• Who Works The Weather? (Apr 1988, Ron Johnson, ZRON34 [12"])
• Heart and Soul (Nov 1989, Communications Unique, 12CU002 [12"])

Albums

• Don't Be Afraid Of Change... (Apr 1989, Communications Unique, CULP1 [LP])
• Season 87-88 (compilation) (1989, Communications Unique, CU003 [LP])
• Great Leap Forward (compilation) (1989, Communications Unique, CU004CD [CD])

External links

• Fan site with good information on Ron Johnson Records