Jeong Lim Yang: Synchronicity

SUNNYSIDE RECORDS (RELEASED JANUARY 31, 2025

As she sat and listened to violinist Mat Maneri, pianist Jacob Sacks and drummer Randy Peterson at various Brooklyn clubs, bassist Jeong Lim Yang longed for a day when she would get a chance to record with them. That chance came in 2024 with the session that resulted in Yang’s eighth recording titled Synchronicity. The title track captures the definition of synchronicity — the simultaneous occurrences that bring delight or make one sit up and take notice. The simultaneous occurrences that converge on the opening track are the longing lines of Maneri, the resonant pulse of Jeong and the undulating rhythms of Peterson weaving around the tonal clusters delivered by Sacks. That type of synchronicity continues throughout the remaining six tracks. “Ordinary Waltz” is best described as a quirky waltz that juxtaposes Maneri’s melodic violin line with freer sections from the trio of Yang, Sacks and Peterson. “Morning Glory” shows the softer side of the ensemble as they dissect a melody reminiscent of “Edelweiss” from The Sound of Music. Maneri takes the lead over Yang’s solid walking bass line on “Salad for Lunch,” a modern day tune with the melodic, harmonic and rhythmic charm of a Herbie Nichols’ composition. The somber, Chopin-like “Weeping Dream” provides an opportunity for the musicians to stretch their classical muscles. The synchronisitic performance continues with the reflective sound of “Stimmung” and a heartfelt take on “Body and Soul” called “Body Nor Soul.” Every tune on Synchronicity is filled with a sense of intuitive interplay between players who find ways to make their own personalities shine while creating a cohesive group sound. Think a modern-day Modern Jazz Quartet! This is probably what Yang envisioned when she sat and listened to Maneri, Sacks and Peterson, and their coming together is well worth the wait!

BOTTOM LINE: The simultaneous occurrences that happen when bassist Jeong Lim Yang performs with violinist Mat Maneri, pianist Jacob Sacks and drummer Randy Peterson will bring you delight, making you sit up and take notice. Coincidentally, the words in italics are the definition of title of this recording — Synchronicity.