Album Review of
Things Will Pass

Written by Robert Silverstein
January 1, 2025 - 6:14pm EST
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Pacific Coast Jazz chalks up another winner with Things Will Pass, the 2024 release by the NYC-based Hyeseon Hong Jazz Orchestra. The 9-track, 60 minute album is a fine example of modern day big band jazz. All instrumental, save for one vocal track, the album verifies Ms. Hong to be a gifted composer and producer and she receives able assistance from co-producer Matt Panayides, who also released his own jazz-guitar trio album in 2024 as well.

Start to finish Things Will Pass presents a good vehicle for Ms. Hong’s 19-piece jazz orchestra. Musically, while delving into the realm of American big band music, the album also bends in several influences from her native Korea, especially on track 2 “Memoirs Of Ladies”. Among the musicians featured here are sax master Rich Perry, a jazz veteran that played with Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra. Perry is just one of the many players on this well-rounded jazz orchestra. A vocal track here called “Run Away” features NYC based features singer Aubrey Johnson.

Save for some interludes featuring traditional Korean music influences, the album lands squarely in the realm of traditional instrumental American big band jazz. Despite composing the music, Ms. Hong mainly serves in the capacity of big-band leader. Things Will Pass is well presented and performed making it a splendid choice for fans of the timeless sound of mainstream big band jazz orchestras.

 

RMR: Why do you call your new album Things Will Pass? When and where was it written and recorded, and how did you assemble the wide range of musicians?

HYESEON HONG: I chose the title Things Will Pass because it reflects the belief that all hardships are temporary. It’s a message of hope and resilience. The compositions were written over several years, inspired by personal experiences, travels, and emotions. The album was recorded in New York City, and the musicians are people I’ve worked with for over a decade. Many of them are part of my trusted circle, and I also brought in new talent based on recommendations and substitutions.

 

RMR: Tell us about your background coming from Korea. Were you always influenced by jazz in Korea, and who are some of your biggest influences and favorite albums?

HYESEON HONG: Growing up in Korea, I was an art student with a love of stage theater, but I decided to pursue classical composition at music college. My interest in theater music brought me to NYC. While I grew up listening to jazz, I wasn’t initially exposed to much jazz orchestra music. Writing for jazz orchestras became a focus later in NYC. Artists like Maria Schneider, Gil Evans, and Thad Jones influenced me, along with Ennio Morricone, Rachmaninoff, Scriabin, and Bartók. Favorite albums include  Miles Davis' Sketches of Spain and Miles Ahead, Maria Schneider’s Evanescence, UMO jazz Orchestra with Kenny Wheeler's One more time, Wynton Kelly's last trio session, Pat Metheny’s Letter from Home.

 

RMR: How many albums have you recorded and released and what are some of the differences between them, both compositionally and stylistically?

HYESEON HONG: Things Will Pass is my second album. My first, EE-YA-GI (Stories), also featured a large jazz orchestra. Before coming to NY, I recorded a few other projects, such as works for saxophone quartet and large ensembles. Stylistically, I’ve grown more interested in developing simple motifs and exploring the stories behind the dramas in my music, sometimes incorporating lyrics for singers. I also aim for diversity in styles within my compositions.

 

RMR: What instruments do you play on Things Will Pass and what do you compose your music on? Do you consider yourself more of a big band leader or conductor on this album?

HYESEON HONG: My role is as a composer and conductor. I recorded some percussion and keyboard sounds for the album. I primarily compose at the piano.

 

RMR: Are there Asian influences on Memoirs of Ladies? What is your favorite style of Korean music and who are some rising artists in the Korean jazz scene in 2025?

HYESEON HONG: Memoirs of Ladies is a tribute to the strength and grace of women, with subtle Asian influences in its melodic contours and harmonies. I used the sounds of the wooden flute, which I learned as a child, and a Korean string instrument called the gayageum. I spent time with traditional Korean musicians, which enriched my understanding of these instruments. Vocalist Sunny Kim, based in Australia, and drummer Jond Dae Oh are some exciting talents in Korean jazz.

 

RMR: How about the lone vocal track, “Run Away”? It seems to blend genres.

HYESEON HONG: “Run Away” is an emotional and dynamic piece that blends jazz and musical theater elements. I aimed to create music with a theatrical perspective, drawing on my experience working with songwriters and actors.

 

RMR: What was it like working with co-producer Matt Panayides, and how did you get signed by Pacific Coast Jazz? Matt also plays on “Run Away,” right?

HYESEON HONG: Before discussing the co-producer, I must highlight our main producer, Matt Vashlishan, who is a seasoned musician and the leader of the Phil Woods Big Band. His expertise unified our ensemble and ensured a cohesive performance. He has also collaborated with the WDR Big Band, adding depth to this project. Matt Panayides was fantastic to work with—he has a great ear for detail and brought a collaborative spirit. Pacific Coast Jazz appreciated the unique vision in my compositions, leading to a fruitful partnership. Matt’s guitar work on “Run Away” added a fresh texture to the ensemble.

 

RMR: Are you planning shows, new compositions, and recordings? What are some of your musical plans for 2025?

HYESEON HONG: Absolutely! I’m planning performances to share Things Will Pass with live audiences. Our next concert is on March 2nd at DROM NYC, where we’ll perform music from the album and premiere new pieces for my next project.