Jason Kao Hwang: Sing House

Jason Kao Hwang stirs the melting pot with several stylistic approaches to his music. His contribution to the Asian stream has manifested itself well enough. His immersion in free jazz with an impressive voice for the unusual, adds a daring, eclectic presence.

Hwang has worked with the members of his group in different conglomerations. The understanding between them is seen in their interaction which takes off in free flight on No Such Thing. Hwang sets the head before Steve Swell sweeps in with distortions that soon shape into swinging, burnished lines. The body soon splinters as Hwang breaks loose and shatters the mould. Statis is not the key and Chris Forbes sparkles with melodic lines that are later shattered into a maelstrom. The sands of time and mood turn constantly on the hub of surprise.

The lines between composition and improvisation continue to intertwine on Inscribe. To expect otherwise would be to miss the core of the music. The impetus is the atmospheric flow between the two and the seamless injunction of space. Swell's propulsive trombone is churned by the skittering undercurrent of Andrew Drury's drum set, Hwang glides over the rhythm, then dips into quick, haunting abstractions. Time and momentum are embraced by melody and free injunction into a well crafted whole.

Composition and improvisation become compelling, and mesmerising, bedfellows on yet another excellent outing from Hwang.

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