John Yao & His 17-piece Instrument at Terraza 7

John Yao & His 17-Piece Instrument delivers a bold, modern take on big band jazz—fusing swing, Latin grooves, and adventurous writing with one of NYC’s most dynamic ensembles. Performing original compositions including works from their upcoming album "Points in Time" released on July 11, 2025 on See Tao Recordings

7-7:30pm - Rehearsal Set
7:45-9pm - Performance

About the Band:
John Yao and His 17-piece Instrument (JY-17 for short) is the long-standing passion project of trombonist and composer John Yao featuring his original compositions and arrangements which explore the boundaries of harmony, color, texture and rhythm...

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John Yao & His 17-Piece Instrument delivers a bold, modern take on big band jazz—fusing swing, Latin grooves, and adventurous writing with one of NYC’s most dynamic ensembles. Performing original compositions including works from their upcoming album "Points in Time" released on July 11, 2025 on See Tao Recordings

7-7:30pm - Rehearsal Set
7:45-9pm - Performance

About the Band:
John Yao and His 17-piece Instrument (JY-17 for short) is the long-standing passion project of trombonist and composer John Yao featuring his original compositions and arrangements which explore the boundaries of harmony, color, texture and rhythm. The 17-piece ensemble is comprised of New York City’s finest jazz musicians including members of Grammy- award winning ensembles such as the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra and the Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra, both of which Yao has been a regular substitute for many years. The band’s debut album Flip-Flop was released in 2015 and received critical acclaim. DownBeat says, "[Flip-Flop] showcased Yao's unpredictable compositions and inventive arrangements, which spring from tradition while pointing toward future portals." Yao’s compositions and arrangements are post-bop, experimental and aim to explore new sounds for big band. “At times angular and broken, other times linear and swinging, he offers a broad view of the possibilities of jazz composition,” says Jim McNeely of the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra. In 2016, Yao founded the Big Band & Beyond Concert Series which featured the premier of new works for the JY-17 as well as a six-month residency at the ShapeShifter Lab in Brookyln, NY.

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