Listen to the notes that are not played.
Jo-Yu Chen's Incomplete Soul may be somewhat autobiographical. A quest for the lost chord, a harmonic balance of lyrical imagery that is delicate yet intoxicating. A classically trained pianist that began a personal search for her own voice through jazz beginning in 2007. What sets Chen apart immediately is the delicate balance of a formal classical training from Julliard combined with her continued growth as a jazz pianist. One genre never overwhelms the other. A fresh and uniquely innovative sound performed effortlessly.
In a brief conversation with Chen she expressed her love for the Romantic classical music and given the spatial jazz sensibilities on display here you have a modern twist on Schumann meets Keith Jarrett. The tune "Tipsy Cat" is a slightly whimsical abstract of subconscious inspiration following an intense period of work resulting in a lyrical dynamic tension that is intriguing and oddly mysterious. Bassist Christopher Tordini and drummer Tommy Crane merge their talents with Chen in filling space with subtle nuance to paint a more complete sonic image. The title piece "Incomplete Soul" is a wonderful exploratory of Chen's musical DNA. Chen achieves a harmonic fusion of stirring melody and lyrical finesse. Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of Chen as a composer is that nothing is written with a preconceived subject in mind. Chen's music is the epitome of the organic Jazz trio. "Black Forest" is a stunning piece of texture and vitality yet minimalist in nature. A zen like less is more impressionistic feel again pulled off effortlessly with the aid of Tordini and Crane. Chen expressed certain reservations at presenting two Taiwanese pop songs and one Chinese traditional song and here is where true artistry shines through. Chen's innate gift of composition allowed her the ability to place her own interpretation on these pieces thus adding to the ebb and flow and overall richness of texture in this release.
The modern jazz piano trio has at times become stagnant and sadly predictable. If Incomplete Soul is a subconscious autobiographical self portrait then it can be described as work of subtle beauty with direction and purpose. A stunning release.
Jo-Yu Chen Trio has now raised the bar for the modern jazz piano trio.
Tracks: Wandering Songstress; Chess; Incomplete Soul; Improv 1; Black Forest; Love Letter; Tipsy Cat; Departure; Improv 2; Dreamer; Follow Me; Improv 3; Red Bean.
Personnel: Jo-Yu Chen: piano; Christopher Tordini: bass; Tommy Crane: drums; Andy Lin: erhu (1)
