Self Portrait

Released 1999

Click on a title below to hear audio samples. (Real Player required).

1. Two Flowers on a Stem
2. The Butterfly Dream
3. All I Want
4. Two Flowers Behind a Mist
5. Amazing Grace
6. Come Sunday
7. Chinese Sorrow Song for Paul Robeson
8. The Procession/Woman Shaman of Alishan
9. Two Flowers on a Stem (reprise)
10. My Little One from Faraway
11. You'll Never Walk Along

Asian Improv Records proudly presents Self-Portrait (AIR 0050), the first solo recording by pianist Jon Jang. Self Portrait showcases Mr. Jang's original and creative musical voice as well as re-affirms his stature as a major figure in establishing Asian American creative music as an essential form of expression. This album captures Mr. Jang in fine form performing both new compositions and pieces that have come to be associated with him. Self Portrait also marks Mr. Jang's return to Asian Improv Records, his first recording in 10 years for the label he co-founded in 1987 with fellow musician Francis Wong.

The music on Self Portrait combines traditional Chinese songs, compositions by, among others, Duke Ellington, and Mr. Jang's original works. Each track on this highly personal and self-exploring album marks a significant event or figure in Mr. Jang's life: "Two Flowers on a Stem" is dedicated to Mr. Jang's mother and his wife, Joyce, "Woman Shaman of Alishan" is for poet Genny Lim, and "The Procession" speaks to the funeral service denied to Mr. Jang's father, Dr. James Jang, by the Glendale Cemetery in southern California because he was Chinese American. Lyrical, introspective, soulful, and triumphant, Self Portrait is a fitting way to celebrate this significant milestone for both Jon Jang and Asian Improv Records.

Self Portrait features Jon Jang on piano.