Jason Kao Hwang: “Human Rites Trio” – Jason Kao Hwang is a composer and violinist who explores some interesting and exciting terrain with regards to human communication and interaction on his new release, Human Rites Trio. The trio is made up of Jason Kao Hwang on violin and viola, Ken Filiano on bass, and Andrew Drury on drums. The disc opens with the two parts of “Words Asleep Spoken Awake,” taking us through different spaces, sometimes the various instruments in agreement, sometimes a conversation taking place which leads to some understanding. There is a good drum solo at the end of the first part. And the second part begins in a state of excitement, with nearly a loss of control. Chaos surrounds us, our needs and confusion pouring from us to add to it. Suddenly a single voice – or at least a single desire, felt by all – emerges, and things move from this new point, soon veering into a stranger, more mechanical realm. As “Conscious Concave Concrete” begins, it is all about the rhythm. But it soon finds this quieter place, drawing us in through its pauses, through what it leaves unsaid as much as by what it says. It then builds from there, featuring an excellent lead on bass. All of this album’s tracks take us in unexpected directions. This album was released on July 1, 2020. - Michael Doherty, Michael's Music Log    Read Full Review at his site