Oracles [CD]

Born from personal relationships, Sung's compositions bring the masters vividly to life: "A Little Bird Watchin'" swings with Jimmy Heath's mischievous wit and lasting wisdom; "Positively C.T." crackles with Clark Terry's indomitable spirit, showcasing the top-notch trumpet section in 'Clarkisms' and flugelhorn-trumpet sleight of hand; "Wayne's World" reaches for Wayne Shorter's mighty cathedrals of sound as it dances between playful riffs, soaring melodies, and soulful grooves; while "Mr. Virtuosity" stands as tall as Ron Carter's towering bass legacy. "Pianism," a piano concerto inspired by Sir Roland Hanna's urging Sung to not forget her classical roots, celebrates the keyboard mastery of Barry Harris (keeper of Bud Powell's legacy and the bebop flame), Kenny Barron (a modern master of melody), and Herbie Hancock (transcendence personified), with Hanna presiding over the entire work in an intro and reprise which evokes his noble and generous spirit. Alongside these originals, Sung's arrangements of Terry's "Samba Da Gumz," Shorter's "Diana," Carter's "R.J.," Horace Silver's "Peace," and her own "Convergence" complete an album of stunning range and cohesion. But this deeply personal and momentous album is no jazz history lesson; rather, it is a powerful musical statement standing against the prevailing push towards isolation and division. Sung's richly layered work invites listeners to participate in the living continuum and community of Jazz as they experience the masters speaking through this music dedicated to their humanity and profound artistry. Their masterful mentorship helped Sung persevere through rites of passage to find her authentic self, and Oracles encourages the listener to do the same with joy and freedom. Oracles is created with the support of the John Simon Guggenheim Foundation, which awarded Sung a Fellowship in 2021 (additional support comes from the New York State Council on the Arts). The pivotal spark for exploring big band came from another organization known for pioneering new opportunities: Jazz at Lincoln Center. In 2016, it commissioned Sung to write a big band arrangement of McCoy Tyner's "Four By Five" for the Orchestra (she performed it with the ensemble, which was recorded and released on the 2017 Blue Engine live album A Handful of Keys). Now ten years later, that experience of composing for large ensemble has come full circle. It is therefore fitting that the brilliant leader of the JLCO, Wynton Marsalis, wrote the liner notes for Oracles, saying: "Helen Sung is a shining example of the heroic journey to self-realization through the art of Jazz. As a soloist, arranger, composer and bandleader she [Helen] has developed an expansive vocabulary that encompasses the richness, virtuosity, freedom and humanity that defines the best jazz... The little details that define our music are well represented and attended to with care and intelligence. That's why this is a great listen... All you have to do is check it out."