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.

1 jan 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 avant-garde and free jazz. Renowned for his unconventional and improvisational violin technique, Hwang's music transcends traditional boundaries, blending elements of rock, country, and even gypsy jazz. His innovative approach to the violin is showcased in his chamber opera, "The Floating Box: A Story in Chinatown," which premiered in 2001 and was released in 2005. Hwang's work often features deeply personal and culturally rich narratives, challenging aesthetic norms and cultural assumptions. Whether performing with his long-standing New York-based acoustic trio or exploring free improvisation, Hwang's music is a journey into a unique sound world that captivates and inspires.