Jihye Lee Orchestra - Infinite Connections (2024) [Hi-Res]

The Award-winning contemporary jazz composer/conductor Jihye Lee explores her Korean ancestry, in this dynamic cycle of large-ensemble works fusing traditional Korean rhythms with dynamic orchestral jazz arranging. Co-produced by Darcy James Argue, this profound meditation on womanhood and humanity includes features by trumpeter Ambrose Akinmusire and outstanding percussion Snarky Puppy’s Keita Ogawa.

Brooklyn-based composer, arranger, conductor, and 2022 Toulmin Fellow Jihye Lee presents the world premiere of her new work Infinite Connections, performed by her 18-piece jazz orchestra. This personal trilogy of works will showcase the bonds between Jihye, her mother, and her grandmother in celebration of one of the most fundamental connections in the human experience: that of a mother and child. Branching out from the mother-child relationship, the Jihye Lee Orchestra will explore all of the different, infinite connections between humans and the universe around them across nine compositions. Inspired by the traditional Korean rhythms that she fell in love with while on her creative journey to learn about her roots, Lee brings her ancestors’ music and philosophy into the jazz world to create an unconventional sound that reminds us of our harmonious kinship.

Ben Kono, alto, piccolo, flute
David Pietro, alto, flute, alto flute
Jason Rigby, tenor, flute, clarinet
Jonathan Lowery, tenor, flute, clarinet
Carl Maraghi, baritone, bass clarinet
Brian Pareschi, trumpet, fluegelhorn
Nathan Eklund, trumpet, fluegelhorn
David Smith, trumpet, fluegelhorn
Stuart Mack, trumpet, fluegelhorn
Mike Fahie, trombone
Alan Ferber, trombone
Nick Grinder, trombone
Jeff Nelson, bass trombone
Alex Goodman, guitar
Adam Birnbaum, piano
Matt Clohesy, bass
Jared Schonig, drums

Recorded at Power Station at BerkleeNYC on October 17 & 18, 2023
Recording and Mixing Engineered by Brian Montgomery
Mastering by Randy Merrill at Sterling Sound, NJ
Produced by Darcy James Argue, Jihye Lee