Hwang, Jason Kao: Myths of Origin

2025. szeptember 24., Hegedüs Zsuzsanna

Released July 7, 2025

Read at jazzma.hu

(google translation from Hungarian)

Never forgotten. I have to start my album review with the title of the last track. Because this album invites us to realize how many languages ​​God uses - including the language of music - to tell us how protected we are in every moment of our lives.

Incredibly impressive, dramatic compositions are heard.

The opening song alone gives you goosebumps. At first, we may find the cacophonous atmosphere astonishing, and then we realize: how many times have we felt this way when things have turned upside down in our own little lives or in the big world. And Jason does nothing but use his own brave and unique toolkit, in this case drums, violins, violas, electric guitar and bass guitar, to remind us of our frailty and how precious these moments are. Jason's disturbing concept, his free themes that run throughout the concert and the indescribable improvisational skills of the entire band, and sound effects - e.g.: rasping, creaking, whining, wailing - thanks to which our attention becomes completely unwavering! A mystical madness, a completely unknown world is revealed to us through Hwang's work, but at the very end, the resolution arrives through the "familiar" music and applause, which are an integral part of the piece here! After listening to the entire audio material, we are deeply touched by the state of order! Because Hwang uses a system of specially designed body gestures that are connected to the score. The result is a spontaneous musical flow, in which behind the feeling of infinite freedom there is an incredibly great order and director. It made us realize: no matter what happens, there is a place for it in our world! And God never lets go of the hands of his creatures, his daughters and sons. This music was born during a difficult time for everyone, the pandemic. And now, listening to the concert, let us really feel this period, with its full weight. Where, in whom and in what did we find support during this period? Where did we find freedom behind our limitations? As Edith Eva Eger's book "The Decision" says about the inner They are about freedom, getting out of prison, and processing pain and trauma. Likewise, this piece by Jason is a testament to the fact that while we cannot change the past, we can choose how we live, and that difficulties can teach us instead of embitter us. Jason's audio, which is one big story, with its completely free-form toolkit, goes far beyond fears. Ultimately, the listener is overcome by a completely familiar feeling under the influence of this live concert recording: a symphony of beauty that transcends everything.

Jason's music, which transcends cultural, religious, and ethnic boundaries and musical differences, tells a surprisingly universal story. It is a melting pot where jazz, funk, blues, and world music traditions create a unique language that transcends any affiliation or genre. For me, the audio is relevant to every stage of life, even today. It highlights the importance of conscious choice and how preserving our childlike nature, focusing on beauty, remaining open, lively, and curious can help us overcome life's difficulties.

Jason Kao Hwang's composition "Myths of Origin" was performed in one continuous flow. Nevertheless, Jason made the tracks listenable separately for the convenience of the audience: "I did not insert any real pauses in these number designations. In order to depict the uninterrupted experience of the music, the track titles are read vertically, like verses. " - the Artist informs us.

I recommend, dear Reader, to listen to the recording in one go and let yourself be carried away by this extraordinaryness!