News
New big band Album
coming soon. . .
In early 2024, John Yao and His 17-piece Instrument recorded a ton of new music up at Oktaven Studios in Mount Vernon, NY. After three whirlwind days in the studio, 17 musicians recorded 16 songs, essentially two albums worth of music. For the last several months, I have been working on the tracks and now I am currently in the mixing phase of the first project. I’m thrilled to share this news and can’t wait to share the final tracks when they are ready. In the meantime, below are a few links to videos of live performances of songs that will be on the upcoming album. Please enjoy and stay tuned for more news about the official release date.
New JOHNYAO.COM STORe
I am thrilled to share that many of my original works and arrangements for large jazz ensemble are now available directly through my site. Included is the music from “Flip-Flop” as well as arrangements by different composers in a variety of styles and skill levels. I am always adding new charts, so please check back and see what’s new. If you don’t find anything you like, feel free to contact me.
New Release
Off-Kilter available now
John Yao, Compositions and Trombone | Billy Drewes, Alto and Soprano Saxes
Jon Irabagon, Tenor and Soprillo Saxes | Robert Sabin, Bass | Mark Ferber, Drums
Here’s what the press is saying about Off-Kilter:
“This three-horned beast of a band first came to notice with 2019’s How We Do, a dynamic, boundry-pushing date . . John Yao’s Triceratops may be off-kilter, but is also remarkably on point.” - NYCJR, Dan Bilawasky
“Trombonist and composer, John Yao, vividly captures a sense of risk-taking and improvisational invention to create this boldly unpredictable album.” – Musical Memoirs, Dee Dee McNeil
“Off-kilter and on target.” - Jazzwise, Kevin Le Gendre
"Off-Kilter" is right on target, modern music for adventurous minds. John Yao's Triceratops is quite alive, playing with fire, with joy, spirited interactions that jump out of the speakers. “ - Stem Tempest, Richard Kamins
Fueled by his passion, talent and relentlessly hard work, John Yao has spent almost 20 years cementing his place on the New York City jazz scene as a composer, arranger, trombonist and educator. He has been called “one of New York’s elite trombonists and is also a first-class, ambitious, and witty composer and leader . .” (Lucid Culture) and his music described as “boldly diverse, Yao's compositions cut across the swath of contemporary jazz's field (All About Jazz). In 2023, Yao earned a place in the Rising Star Trombone and Rising Star Big Band categories in the Downbeat Critics Poll. His creative hunger for exploring the boundaries of harmony and rhythm in his compositions/arrangements and as a trombonist have established him as a unique musical talent and forward-thinking jazz talent. Enjoy the site. Enjoy the music. Stay tuned for more...