Compassionate tribute to heroic doctors, nurses, and frontline workers Jason Kao Hwang, Andrew Drury, Ken Filiano – Jason Kao Hwang Human Rites Trio 

By   Dick Metcalf, editor, Contemporary Fusion Reviews 

June 19, 2020 

   

Compassionate tribute to heroic doctors, nurses, and frontline workers Jason Kao Hwang, Andrew Drury, Ken Filiano – JASON KAO HWANG HUMAN RITES TRIO:   Anyone who reads my reviews on a regular basis will know that when it comes to improvised music, I consider Jason’s violin/viola work to be right up there at the TOP!  He’s joined by Ken Filiano (bass) and Andrew Drury (drums) in a most compassionate tribute to doctors, nurses and frontline workers on this sensitive (and very accessible) album.  Though I didn’t see any LIVE videos for performances from the current album, you’ll want to to SUBSCRIBE to his YouTube channel, where you’ll find many other intriguing performances. 

The densely-packed “Conscious Concave Concrete” will hold you totally spellbound… the interplay between the bass and drums during the intro serves as a perfect setup for the strains of Jason’s viola at about the 2:52 mark… DJ’s will be playing sections of this 9:31 gem on a regular basis, I predict! 

Andrew’s drums on the 9:44 closer, “Defiance“, serve as a wonderful counterpoint to the intensity that Jason and Ken present on this piece… despite the title, the song brings a real sense of hope for our disastrous times. 

Of the six (long) performances, it is (without question) the rich, thick tones and flawless recording on “Battle for the Indelible Truth” that made it my choice for personal favorite… the piece will bring listeners to full-tilt awareness! 

I give Jason and his bandmates a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED rating, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) score of 4.99 for this highly engaging sonic experience.   Get more information on Jason’s BandCamp page for the album.     - Rotcod Zzaj

Read at Contemporary Fusion