Jason Kao Hwang: Edge

A dramatic fanfare introduces No Myth, then Filiano locks into an undulating bass line for Bynum and Hwang's doubling on the theme. Hwang slashes and slides, duets with Bynum, then turns it over to the blazing horn. Filiano flies a cappella, and Drury solos with the others suspended. Hwang plucks a marching rhythm on "Threads, while Bynum blows through any notion of order. After a brief respite, the rhythm returns with Bynum growling low thunder, and Hwang storms over the rhythm section's tumult.

Rising from a knotty riff, Parallel Meditations flies on Hwang's breathtaking solo trajectory. Bynum dances over the changes, while the Drury and Filiano continue shoveling coal on the fire. The postmodern, pastoral "Grassy Hills has a sullen quality. Filiano takes the first solo, followed by Bynum's searching variations. The slower tempo lays bare his melodic sense, and Hwang approaches his moment in the spotlight as a cry worthy of Billy Bang.

With a flurry of recordings, Jason Kao Hwang stands poised to break through both as an original composer and interpreter of considerable skill.

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