| Jazz |
Evidently, Tracy Yang possesses a strong classical culture to the point where, at times in her work, one might almost have the impression of listening to Mussorgsky. Those who have often listened to him know what I am talking about. Nonetheless, we are indeed in a grand jazz ensemble. Here is what Tracy Yang explains about her work:
“OR symbolizes the operating room, embodying a dream I once had of working in this environment and marking a transformative journey from radiography to artist. Leaving my beloved medical field was a difficult decision. Yet, I felt that something was missing in my life, pushing me to follow the rhythm of my heart. Jazz was the force that brought me to the United States in 2013 and set me on the path to becoming a jazz composer. Over the past ten years, I have sought to piece together the fragments of my existence, explore various possibilities, and realize many new dreams. It has been the most beautiful and meaningful chapter of my life. During the days I was recording OR, I felt as if I was entering my operating room alongside my dedicated team. This marks an important milestone in this transformative journey and integrates my two beloved worlds into this new realm. After completing the session, on my way back, I felt a sense of accomplishment and freedom, as if I could finally spread my wings and fly.”
It is likely that Tracy Yang has retained from her medical studies a great precision in details. Being also a photographer and videographer, I would tend to say that for this artist, the soundscape is as important as the melodic content. Indeed, we find ourselves in a cinematic universe with calm and radiant periods and others that plunge us into a full storm or chaos. Tracy Yang, originally from Taiwan, has established herself as a composer, musician, and multidisciplinary artist in New York over the past decade. Recognized by the Charlie Parker jazz composition prize, she has also been honored with grants from respected institutions such as New Music USA, the New York Foundation for the Arts, and Pathways to Jazz. She has collaborated with renowned ensembles such as The Army Jazz Ambassadors, BMI/New York Jazz Orchestra, SWOJO (Seattle Women’s Jazz Orchestra), and the Taipei Jazz Orchestra. In addition to her musical achievements, Yang’s expertise extends to the world of dance, where she collaborates with prestigious dance institutions, including Martha Graham, ABT, Paul Taylor, Limón, Mark Morris, and the Juilliard School, to name a few.
Therefore, one must approach this work with a very open mind, as it is the sum of all the experiences of this artist. The musical arrangements are particularly impressive, managing to make this magnificent orchestra sound with a sensitivity of poetic dimension. A beautiful and long work that commands respect and will suit those among you who love large musical ensembles, jazz enthusiasts, or even classical music fans. Strangely, this artist uses all the musical codes, handling them with extraordinary dexterity. It is in such cases, for example, that I tell myself that I have a very beautiful job, which allows me to slide this album into the pile of our “Indispensable” albums. Tracy Yang is also the conductor who masterfully directs these excellent musicians.
Thierry De Clemensat
USA correspondent – Paris-Move and ABS magazine
Editor in chief Bayou Blue Radio, Bayou Blue News
PARIS-MOVE, August 6th 2024
Follow PARIS-MOVE on X
::::::::::::::::::::::