Jo-Yu Chen: Obsession (2011)

Dan Bilawsky

Senior Contributor since 2010

Jazz fan, music educator and writer.

Recent articles (594 total)

Published: March 28, 2012

Japanese musicians get most of the ink when jazz sights turn to Asian-born wonders, but pianist Jo-Yu Chen is proof that Taiwan has its fair share of homegrown talent. Chen has been making waves over the past few years, self-releasing her Sam Yahel Sam Yahel

keyboard -produced debut, joining the fold as a Steinway Artist and, most recently, signing with Sony Music Taiwan.

On Obsession, she shows no signs of slowing down, on a something-for-everyone program that can keep people guessing about who the real Jo-Yu Chen actually is. Her outré interests come to the fore on "Walking In B's Shoes," which bookends some loose and playful communication with angular lines. Bassist Christopher Tordini Christopher Tordini
and Chen are partners in crime on Ornette Coleman Ornette Coleman
b.1930
sax, alto 's "Blues Connotation," supporting each other's statements while drummer Tommy Crane Tommy Crane
provides kaleidoscopic shifts in groove beneath them. Chen uses her solo piano cadenza as an opportunity to blend serenity and uncertainty, building on the mystery that's embedded in the compositional DNA of Coleman's work.

While that personality may appeal to some, it's only one of many that crop up. Chen the balladeer surfaces on "I Fall In Love Too Easily," "Waiting For The Spring Breeze"—a Taiwanese folk song that comes off like a Randy Newman Randy Newman
b.1943
piano film score piece—and "Cry Me A River," which is dubbed a bonus track and has drummer Tyshawn Sorey Tyshawn Sorey
b.1980
drums replacing Crane. Odd-metered originals ("Sunday Rain" and "Obsession"), cheery swing (Cole Porter Cole Porter
1891 - 1964
composer/conductor 's "Everything I Love"), funky Gershwin ("Summertime") and brooding, organic fare ("Baby, You Are Fired!") further the impression of Chen as Jo-Yu of all trades and master of most.

Chen's background in classical music informs her touch and technique, but her music is worlds away from its play-by-the-rules playbook. She values space and seduction over speed, and her selflessness helps to create a truly balanced trio scenario, as opposed to the many "piano with bass and drum backing" performances that pass for balanced ensembles these days. While Chen's arrival on a major label will likely raise her profile in the near future, her talent, drive, originality and willingness to follow her own course will serve her well in the long haul.

Track Listing: Baby, You Are Fired!; Sunday Rain; Everything I Love; Waiting For The Spring Breeze; Obsession; Walking In B's Shoes; Tears; I Fall In love Too Easily; Blues Connotation; Summertime; Cry Me A River.

Personnel: Jo-Yu Chen: piano; Chris Tordini: bass; Tommy Crane: drums (1-10); Tyshawn Sorey: drums (11).

Record Label: Sony Music Taiwan
Style: Modern Jazz