The Far East Side Band: Caverns

Album Description

Jason Kao Hwang's innovative album, The Far East Side Band: Caverns, is a masterful blend of free jazz and avant-garde sounds. Released on 1 January 1994 through New World Records, this 46-minute album is a testament to Hwang's unique experience as an Asian-American artist. The album features a talented ensemble, including Yukio Tsuji on shakuhachi, percussion, and voice, and Sang Won Park on kayagum and voice, all brought together by Hwang's visionary compositions.

Throughout the album's four tracks - Caverns, Palmistry, Early Hour Vision, and Still Water, Movement, Memories and Ice - Hwang's creative process shines, defying conventional categories and embracing his distinct cultural perspective. The result is a rich tapestry of sound, with intricate textures and rhythmic highlights that evoke a sense of sonic exploration.

As a composer and electric violinist, Jason Kao Hwang's work is characterised by its narrative landscapes, where sonic beings embark on transformational journeys. This album is no exception, with each track offering a unique and captivating soundscape. With its release, The Far East Side Band: Caverns has become a landmark album in the free jazz and avant-garde genres, showcasing Hwang's innovative spirit and his ability to craft music that is both deeply personal and universally relatable.

January 1, 1994

About Jason Kao Hwang

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.