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Not Even Close by John Yao

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Album Title: Points In Time
Label: See Tao Recordings
Released: 2025

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About the Album

For “Points in Time,” his first big band recording in a decade, composer/trombonist John Yao draws upon both modern and classic large ensemble jazz styles in a relentlessly compelling way. Yao’s impressive resume includes subbing stints with the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, which plays every Monday at the famed Village Vanguard. Several of his VJO colleagues still play with Yao and appear on this record as part of the 17-piece Instrument, including saxophonists Billy Drewes and Rich Perry, trumpeter Nick Marchione, and drummer Andy Watson. “Not Even Close” was written by Yao for his quintet in tribute to VJO co-founder Thad Jones and recorded on his debut album, “In the Now.” In the big band arrangement, the dazzling interplay between the sax and brass sections is reminiscent of Thad’s classic “Little Pixie.”

Tracks

Upside; Not Even Close; Triceratops Blues; First Step; The Other Way; Early Morning Walk; Song For Nolan; Finger Painting.

Personnel

Additional Personnel

Billy Drewes, Carl Maragi: saxophones. Nick Marchione, David Neves, David Smith: trumpets & flugelhorn. Nick Vayenas, trombones.

Reviews

• Points In Time by Jack Bowers
• Points In Time by Pierre Giroux

Date featured

August 12, 2025

This song appears by permission of the contributing artist and/or record company. It is for personal use only; no other rights are granted or implied.

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