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Jon Jang: Self Portrait
ByJang also tackles “Amazing Grace” while exhibiting his appreciation for Gospel and the Blues. With Ellington’s “Come Sunday”, Jang’s effective if not signature style utilization and execution of tremolo and surging crescendos enables the listener to grasp the underlying melody as if he were indeed asking for the listener’s participation. At times, Jang eludes the obvious yet renders many of these pieces from an equidistant or inward approach which represents one of the many distinguishing factors he possesses as an accomplished technician coupled with an acute and supremely inventive ear as an arranger. Jang jazzes it up on “The Procession/Woman Shaman of Alishan” as he once again injects a systematic view of Western musical forms with Oriental underpinnings.
Self Portrait is indeed a stirring profile of this extremely gifted musician and one of the most memorable jazz-related solo piano performances in recent memory yet the music transcends categorization! Jon Jang’s worldly and comprehensive approach should provide glistening entertainment to a vast audience. There are no barriers or boundaries to be found on Self Portrait as the shackles of restraint become undone along with any comparisons or stereotypical aspects of music in general! The message may be that simple! Highly recommended! * * * * *
Jon Jang; Solo Piano:
Web: www.asianimprov.com
Personnel
Jon Jang
pianoAlbum information
Title: Self Portrait | Year Released: 2000 | Record Label: Asian Improv Records
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