Sol Jang Trio: 19-29

Sol Jang is a South Korean pianist and composer based in Arnhem in the Netherlands. She studied classical music in Korea before moving to Philadelphia to pursue her love of jazz. She gained a bachelor's degree at the University of the Arts, followed by a master's degree in the Netherlands. Her group started as the Sol Jang International Project and has now evolved into the Sol Jang Trio. They perform regularly throughout Europe. She has gained widespread recognition: in 2023 her project LAVISH won the Erasmus Jazz Prize and in 2024 she won the Women in Jazz Festival Award and the Halle Jazz Prize.

Joining her in this international trio are Dutch bassist Jort Terwijn and German drummer Max Hering. Both are band leaders in other projects. The album 19-29 reflects her experiences across Korea, the United States and the Netherlands. In addition to the music, it uses spoken words (in Korean) and ambient sounds to help in this depiction. There are 10 tracks, all composed by Jang.

The melodic piano, ambient noise and arco bass of "Intro" open the album before leading briefly into spoken voice. Jang shows her deftness of touch, using the middle and high registers in the flowing piano of "Arnhem." Hering's fine brushwork is to the fore as Terwijn subtly increases the pace before combining with Jang to close this assured composition.

Subway sounds bookend "Subway in Seoul." Bass and drums intersperse with heavy piano chords that gradually build into an improvisation. The pace changes, eventually moving into a repeating-note pattern over the ambient sounds. This works well and forms a useful part of the narrative. "Philadelphia" affords the fleet-fingered Jang some long runs before moving into improv. Terwijn and Hering provide a tight inventive groove before Hering moves into a neat solo.

"Mindstorm" is a contender for the standout track. A repeating piano pulse and memorable melody lead into an expressive bass-led section before Jang explores the melody further in a vibrant solo. "Things I Used To Know," the other contender, opens with a charming piano melody that hints at sadness; this twice leads to three heavy rhythmic pulses. Cascading arpeggios flow over neat work from Terwijn in a track that overflows with creative ideas. Elsewhere there are spoken word tracks over improvisations, dedicated to "A Friend" and "My Father."

Exploring personal themes of home, belonging and identity, Jang blends musical narratives with her innovative and distinctive piano playing. She effortlessly moves between melody and improvisation and is well supported by the highly responsive Terwijn and Hering. With originality, energy and passion, this album is an intriguing listen and presents a solid and promising platform for future development.