Things Will Pass
Pacific Coast Jazz, 2024
8/10
The esteemed composer and arranger Hyeseon Hong leads her 19 piece jazz orchestra through 9 originals that mesh American jazz with Korean influences for a very unique East swings West experience.
“Road To Hana” starts the listen with bouncy keys from Broc Hempel, well timed brass and plenty of adventurousness that enters the rich climate, and “Memoirs Of Ladies” follows with Jeff Davis’ thumping drums adding much to the busy versus soft gestures that use the winds in soothing ways.
“Run Away” lands in the middle and showcases Aubrey Johnson’s bright pipes amid the layered brass and animated gestures, while “Waltzing With Dad” in an intimate moment of sublime beauty via the mature piano and Evan Gregor’s meticulous bass.
Close to the end, “Night Climbing” is a more minimal exercise of soulful and dynamic sax prowess in a cautious environment, and “We Will Meet Again” exits with the horns and winds meeting at a cozy place of timeless jazz.
Rich Perry’s tenor sax adds much appeal to this well thought out record, and the no lack of grooves, swingin’ fun and moody bouts makes every track here memorable.
Travels well with: Paul Kendall- My Shining Hour; Randy Weinstein- Harmonimonk