Dive into the avant-garde realm of jazz with "Conjure," the captivating 2019 album by Jason Kao Hwang and Karl Berger. Released on October 1, 2019, via True Sound Recordings, this 53-minute journey is a testament to the duo's mastery of free jazz and avant-garde genres. The album features eight tracks: "Prophecy," "Silhouettes," "Beyond Reach," "Vanishing Roots," "Faith," "Below Zero," "Water Finds Water," and "Arise." Each piece is a unique blend of improvisation and composition, showcasing the deep musical connection between violinist Jason Kao Hwang and pianist-vibraphonist Karl Berger.
"Conjure" is a mesmerizing exploration of sound and space, where Hwang's violin seamlessly melds with Berger's keyboard work. The album opens with "Prophecy," setting the stage for an ethereal and intimate experience that continues throughout. Tracks like "Silhouettes" and "Vanishing Roots" highlight the duo's ability to create hauntingly beautiful melodies, while "Beyond Reach" and "Faith" push the boundaries of traditional jazz. The album concludes with "Arise," leaving the listener with a sense of awe and wonder.
Hwang and Berger's collaboration is a meeting of minds and talents, with each musician bringing their unique perspective to the table. Hwang, a Chinese American violinist, and Berger, a Munich-born pianist and vibraphonist, have created an album that is both refined and innovative. "Conjure" is not just an album; it's an experience that will captivate jazz enthusiasts and newcomers alike. So, grab your headphones and prepare to be transported to a world of sound where the only limit is your imagination.
Jason Kao Hwang is a pioneering Chinese American violinist and composer who has carved out a unique niche in the world of experimental music. Born in 1957, Hwang is renowned for his unconventional and improvisational jazz violin technique, which he employs to create intricate and emotionally resonant compositions. His work often draws from a rich tapestry of influences, including jazz, classical, and traditional Chinese music, resulting in a sound that is distinctly his own.
Hwang's compositions are narrative landscapes, inviting the audience on transformational journeys through sound. His chamber opera, "The Floating Box: A Story in Chinatown," premiered in 2001 and was released in 2005, showcasing his ability to blend storytelling with innovative musical structures. He has been recognized multiple times by the El Intruso Critics and the Downbeat Critics’ Poll, cementing his status as a leading figure in avant-garde and free jazz.
As an educator and artist-in-residence at various institutions, Hwang has also dedicated himself to teaching and lecturing, sharing his unique perspective on music and culture. His ensembles, such as his trio with electric guitarist Anders Nilsson and drummer Michael T.A. Thompson, are known for their adventurous fusion sessions, where musical influences never sit still. Whether performing with a mixed ensemble of jazz, classical, and Chinese instruments or exploring the depths of improvisational soliloquies, Jason Kao Hwang continues to push the boundaries of what music can be.
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