Jon Jangs Contribution to Asian American Arts Practice - Essay Example

Introduction The essay will examine the contributions made by two Asian American artists; Francis Wong and Jon Jang. The latter is a modern day pianist while Wong is a saxophonist. There is no doubt that American music draws its influences from different parts of the world. In light of these, Asian influences have made their mark in the current music landscape. As a matter of fact, there are plenty of Asian immigrants who have infused their Chinese traditions with modern American culture. Examples include Jang's 'Temple of the Drum.' (Jon Jang, 2002) Jon Jang's contribution to Asian American Arts Practice Before one can analyze Jang's contribution, it is necessary to understand his background; this facilitates an appreciation of his influences. Jang began his musical journey one year before he turned twenty. At that time, he was trying to familiarize himself with basic piano skills. Shortly after, he joined a Music School called Oberlin Conservatory where he sharpened his piano skills and learnt how to compose songs. This artist completed his studies after three years and received a degree in music. It is also worth noting that the artist was born in America; specifically in Los Angeles and was subsequently raised in California. However, Jang still stayed in touch with his Chinese roots. He draws from his experiences as an immigrant Asian American but at the same time acknowledges the issues addressed in other forms of music such as social injustice in African American musical expressions. (Jon Jang, 2002) During his performances in San Francisco, Jang highlights some of the hidden facts about China town. This was especially because the Festival had been organized as a way of paying homage to the efforts made by Alice Yu in China town. Jang has an amazing way of showing his appreciation and respect for historical times that may have been forgotten or those ones which had never been mentioned before. This is because he unearthed some songs like Reparations now and Tiananmen at a Jazz Orchestra. (Jon Jang, 2002) Despite intensive tutoring, one should understand that Jang was able to step out of the confines of conventional music. He created his own style based on jazz inspirations from America. He also fused this with folk songs from China and some political and social issues prevailing at the time. Some enthusiasts have called Jang's music 'two flowers on a stem' because they believe he has stayed true to his traditions yet at the same time has encouraged creativity through improvising his dual cultural identities. (Jon Jang, 2002) Jang's creativity has been employed by numerous entities in the world of classical music. For instance he did some work for The Library Congress, thereafter; he did some compositions for Chanticleer and Kronos quartet. Some of his compositions have also been presented in theatres; he wrote a composition for 'The Woman Warrior'. (Jon Jang, 2002) In an effort to complement his contributions to the Asian American musical scene, Jang has received an award from his former conservatory. He has also received a Golden ring award and has also been nominated severally by Cal Arts. Furthermore, Jang has been appreciated by the Ford Foundation for the immense contributions he made to American music. One cannot cover all the events that Jang has participated; in his capacity as a pianist, Jang has been to; -Europe -Canada -South Africa -The US One of the major highlights of these tours was his performance at the Arts Alive Festival in South Africa. While performing, Jang collaborated with Max Roach. Jang has also had the pleasure of performing in the London Royal Festival. Additionally, he has been to Berlin, Zurich and Milan in his capacity as an artist. Paul Robeson has appreciated Jang's work and so did the president of the Republic of China. There are also numerous collaborations done by this highly versatile artist. The major artist he has worked with is Max Roach. He has also joined forces with David Murray, James Newton and Maxine Hong. (Jon Jang, 2002) Not only has Jang done some practical work in music, he has also served as an educator. He went back to his former Conservatory to provide consultancy services. Also, the artist has guided young students in the University of California. He taught most of them about the contributions made by Asian American artists. There is no doubt that Jang still holds on to his roots because he lives in an area that is quite near China town. Additionally, he has taken his daughter to an alternative school that allows Chinese language immersion. (Jon Jang, 2002) His diversity is also expressed in several other non-musical engagements. For instance, apart from working in The University of California, he is a fellow in Stanford University where he has talked about diversity in Arts practice. Additionally, he has also contributed as an educator at Berkeley and Irvine Colleges in California. While performing these duties, he has informed people about the issues of Asian influences in music. (Jon Jang, 2002) Source: Jon Jang (2002): To the Max; http://www.jonjang.com/ accessed on 2nd June 2008 Source: Jon Jang performances (2002): Jon Jang Biography, retrieved from http://www.jonjang.com/ accessed on 2nd June 2008 Contributions made by Francis Wong to Asian American Arts practice Francis Wong is one of the most instrumental contemporary artists in the current musical scene. Wong is a saxophonist and a composer too. He is the leader of his band. Furthermore, the artist has also engaged in some non- musical roles by founding the Asian Improvarts. He has been quite instrumental in introducing Asian folk songs in the classical music scene. (Bay area Improvisers Network, 2007) There are numerous contributions made by Francis Hwang in the Asian American artistic experience over the last decade. For instance, he has done some collaborations with the former mentioned artists; Jon Jang. One of the songs he did with Jang was called 'Are you Chinese'. Furthermore, Wong has recorded eighteen other musical pieces with some notable personalities such as Glenn Horiuchi, Fred Ho and a Wong's band; the Great Wall. He has also formed a composer's workshop made up of eight members. As if this is not enough, there is also another band called the light- it is made up of three members who owe it all to Wong's efforts. The most notable feature about Wong's contributions to Asian American practice is the fact that he is quite fond of mixing Jazz with Chinese traditional music called taiko; where taiko basically means drum beats. Wong also uses a variety of Chinese traditional music instruments. However, Wang has also incorporated other American influences in his work. For instance, he places a lot of importance on the saxophone which is largely an American feature. He drew these influences from American artists such as David Murray, Sonny Rollins and John Coltrane. All the latter performers happen to be African American and this is a similarity he shares with counterpart Jon Jang. Part of the reason why his music is considered contemporary could be because of the style he acquired from Coltrane. However, there are also other different American artists that inspired Wong. They included Jim Pepper who happens to play the same instrument that Wong does but is of Persian American origin. Other music lovers like Philip Elwood have shown a lot of interest and respect for Wong's work. The latter enthusiast has even called Wong's work exceptional in his generation. (Bay area Improvisers Network, 2007) As mentioned earlier, Wong has done a lot of work outside the music circles; most of it is related to Asian American art. For instance, he has worked together with a performer and poet called Genny Lim. To add to the diversity in his work, Wong has collaborated with Sachiko Nakamura who specializes in choreography. Furthermore, some Roster artists such as World of Tales and a Mime Troupe in San Francisco have also contributed to this artist's accomplishments and collaborations. Some of the areas that this artist has toured include; Hong Kong Europe Canada US Francis Wong is a role model as he has received awards from a Residency program. Also, he has been acknowledged by the Rockefeller Foundations as a leader for the next generation. Besides these, he was also awarded a grant by an Asian Cultural Center in Oakland. The latter award allows enthusiasts to meet some of the artists and composers of modern day Asian American music. (Bay area Improvisers Network, 2007) Jazz music is one of the most distinct American styles. It originated from the black Americans back in the nineteenth Century. However, when one examines the genre thoroughly, they realize that there are also other influences from places such as Africa and Europe. On top of these, the past two decades have seen the emergence of Asian American influences in Jazz music. The contributions made by artists such a Francis Wong have enriched this genre through Asian traditions and expressions. (Bay area Improvisers Network, 2007) Wong as one of the latter mentioned artists has shown their diversity and unity through the types of instruments used. Besides this, he has tried fusing those instruments with modern ideas. But the most outstanding feature about Wong is the fact that he tries to express his current political, cultural and personal perspectives through his style. The artist takes pride in the fact that he has a mixed heritage and is therefore quite willing to show it. But despite all these influences, one must not forget that most artists like utilizing jazz or instrumental music to express their personal ideologies. This issue has resulted in a lot of innovation as one of the major platforms for expression for Wong. Source; Bay area Improvisers Network (2007): Francis Wong, retrieved from http://www.bayimproviser.com/ accessed on 2nd June 2008 Conclusion One cannot underestimate the influences put forward by the latter mentioned two artist in Asian American arts practice. The first artist discussed was Jon Jang. This artist has participated in musical and non musical events that have shaped the Asian American musical scene. For instance, he has highlighted the forgotten past of China town. He has also fused some Chinese folk songs into his compositions. This pianist was also responsible for teaching emerging music students in a number of Universities and Colleges about the importance of Asian American music. Some of the awards he received lay testimony to the greatness of his work. Jang has also been honored by attending a number of international events. He has performed in front of the Chinese president. Perhaps the best example of how Asian and American influences take precedence in this artist's life is through his personal choices. He lives just near China town and even decided to take his child to a Chinese school. The other artist discussed in the essay is Francis Wong. He is a saxophonist who has also drawn numerous influences from African American Jazz and other types of American jaz. However, he forged his own style by introducing drum beats called taiko. These are distinctly Chinese. Also, the kind of musical instrument he uses shows that he has a mixed heritage since he mostly plays the saxophone which is an American feature. Wong's musical accomplishment re depicted in the Asian society he formed and the band he has created. He has also received awards for the efforts he made to Asian American music through from Rockefeller wards and others. The artist has tried using his music to bring out social and political perspectives prevailing at his time. The latter two artists both have different ideologies and styles. However, there are two distinct similarities between them. First of all, they both fuse Asian and American influences in the process of innovation. Secondly, they use their music to express their own ideologies and principles. Reference Jon Jang (2002): To the Max; http://www.jonjang.com/ accessed on 2nd June 2008 Jon Jang performances (2002): Jon Jang Biography, retrieved from http://www.jonjang.com/ accessed on 2nd June 2008 Bay area Improvisers Network (2007): Francis Wong, retrieved from http://www.bayimproviser.com/ accessed on 2nd June 2008 Read More