SELECTED PRESS QUOTES

“John Yao is one of New York’s elite trombonists and is also a first-class, ambitious, and witty composer and leader . . .” Alan Young, Lucid Culture

“His tone is robust, clean, fluid and deft, recalling J.J. Johnson. While his music is complex, modernistic and updated, full of counterpoint, it’s very accessible and so much fun.” Michael G Nastos, Hot House Jazz Magazine

“Boldly diverse, Yao's compositions cut across the swath of contemporary jazz's field…” Franz Matzner, All About Jazz

“At times angular and broken, other times linear and swinging, he offers a broad view of the possibilities of jazz composition. His writing is creative and full of surprises . . . John Yao is on his way. He’s definitely on his way. And I’m definitely ready to hear more.” Jim McNeely, Vanguard Jazz Orchestra

“. . .we may be living through a golden age for trombone players in the world of jazz. Add another name to their ranks – John Yao.” Jeffery Siegel, Straight No Chaser – A Jazz Podcast

“Yao’s blend of the inside and the outside ultimately yields considerable rewards.” Alex Henderson, Jazz Inside NY Magazine

“. . an evolving artist who continues to grow at a rapid pace.” Dan Bilawsky, All About Jazz

“John Yao makes it clear he’s not content to stand still. “Jeff Potter, Downbeat

“John Yao is one of New York’s elite trombonists and is also a first-class, ambitious, and witty composer and leader . . . a tuneful, epically-inclined, cinematic trombonist.”” Alan Young, Lucid Culture

“Yao’s trombone is nice and warm but it can also be cutting, as on the contemplative “Reflection”, morphing into slightly off-kilter decisiveness.” Elliot Simon, New York City Jazz Record

“Yao’s compositions skirt the line between structured chaos and freely improvised unity.” Bob Pomeroy, Ink 19

“Yao’s [big band] compositions are wildly complex and his arrangements are imbued with the freedom of a smaller ensemble, verging on the avant-garde.” Ron Netsky, Rochester City Newspaper

Praise for Off-Kilter

Featured in Hot House Jazz, Winning Spins June 2022

New York City Jazz Record, Recommended New Releases June 2022

“John Yao’s Triceratops may be Off-Kilter, but is remarkably on point.” Dan Bilawasky, New York City Jazz Record

"Off-Kilter is right on target, modern music for adventurous minds. John Yao's Triceratops is quite alive, playing with fire, with joy, spirited interactions that jump out of the speakers.” Richard Kamins, Step Tempest

“[Yao] is a very skilled soloist but his compositions stand out for their knowing balance of intricacy and communicative energy, as if he is fully aware of the element of dance as well as the presence of intellect in the aforesaid references. Off-kilter and on target.” Kevin Le Gendre, JazzWise

“Off-Kilter is a more composed and arranged affair than its 2019 predecessor, How We Do, and is a bold statement brimming with inventiveness, as well as an impressive constant cycle of new melodies.” Matt Micucci, Jazziz

“From start to finish, this music is not merely complex but fascinating . . .” Lynn Bayley, Art Music Lounge

“Trombonist John Yao has one of the most distinctive voices in the New York jazz scene. His music has a translucent logic that can go completely off the rails in a burst of humor. Yet he can be just as poignant.” Alan Young, Lucid Culture

“His expansive writing strikes a balance between intricate structures and open space for improvising, challenging these skilled musicians while offering them plenty of harmonic freedom and opportunity for interaction.” Troy Collins, Points of Departure

“You can hear Yao’s love of big band harmonies in the way he has arranged the horn parts, lacing through the space like a bright, red, harmonic ribbon.” Dee Dee McNeil, Jazz Journalist Musical Memoirs Blog
“Yao's compositions balance this construction/deconstruction with a casualness that hides the complexity of his music. “ Marc Corroto, All About Jazz

“The compositions are at once daringly complex yet expansive and open, challenging these gifted players while offering limitless space in which to venture and discover.” Jeremy Smith, Last Row Music

Praise for How We Do

“Yao’s compositions hold the kind of steady, swinging cadence of classic Blue Note bop, but with a definite post-bop edge in their spikey harmonies.” Jackson Sinneberg, Downbeat

“John Yao’s Triceratops is a three-horned marvel of musical wit and wonder. How We Do is a sharp statement brimming with excitement and surprise. This one strong and wily beast of a band.” Jazz Journalist Dan Bilawsky, All About Jazz, Jazz Times

“Yao’s line up meets the challenge of composing and arranging for a horn-only quintet with aplomb. The music swings, lopes and races forward. All five of the bandmembers share command of their instruments and a likeminded sense of joy that makes the album feel like an amusement park ride: energetic, exciting, yet safe.” Franz A. Matzner, All About Jazz

“A wonderful racket that neither requires a space craft or a trip to the church basement to enjoy, envelopes are pushed nicely here and a good time is on tap for all jazz progressives.” Chris Spector, Midwest Record

“On How We Do, John Yao’s Triceratops one-ups its prehistoric namesake, not only wielding its three horns with staggering power and monumental beauty, but speaking in one eloquent voice as well. “ Patrick Brutus, Jazz Chill Blog

“It’s refreshing at will until the coda, jubilant and irresistible.” Vincent Cotro, Jazz Magazine in France

PRAISE FOR PRESENCE

“. . . the title track is a model vehicle for Yao’s lyrical soloing and expressive round tone. Yao’s most searching release to date, the album is marked by greater openness and ensemble elasticity.” Jeff Potter, Downbeat

“Yao, a clear rising star with a lot to say, never says the same thing twice on Presence.” Dan Bilawsky, All About Jazz

“Progressive stuff for progressive ears, Yao is on a collision course to meet tomorrow head on . . .” Chris Spector, Midwest Record

“Adventurous, searching and yet accessible.” George Harris, Jazz Weekly

“The actual ode to his friend, “M Howard,” is eight minutes of complicated sadness that Yao imparts like a champ.” Eric Saeger, Hippo Press

“. . . a tight, swinging straight-ahead effort. . .” Phil Freeman, Stereogum

“Such good music, such strong compositions, such a good ensemble, Presence has all the ingredients to please and challenge an active listener. . . it gives one hope in the face of tragedy, inspiring us to continue to move forward.” Richard Kamins, Step Tempest

“Presence, is aptly titled, as he makes his presence felt right from the get-go . . .” Jeffery Siegel, Straight No Chaser Podcast

“. . . contemporary jazz in an imaginative and meaningful way with each musician displaying the subtlety and chops this music demands. Recommended.” John Neudorf, Sea of Tranquility

PRAISE FOR FLIP-FLOP

Best Jazz Albums of 2015 Patriot Ledger

“It’s always cool to find a big band that really kicks and Yao’s 10 original tunes here are endlessly surprising, his arrangements always riveting.” Jay Miller, Patriot Ledger

“[Flip-Flop] showcased Yao’s unpredictable compositions and inventive arrangements, which spring from tradition while pointing towards future portals.” Jeff Potter, Downbeat

“Hold on tight for one of the wildest rides ever to shake up the big band genre.” Ron Netsky, Rochester City Newspaper

“Flip-Flop...not your grandfather’s big band. “ Elliot Simon, New York City Jazz Record

“At times angular and broken, other times linear and swinging, he offers a broad view of the possibilities of jazz composition.” Jim McNeely, Vanguard Jazz Orchestra

“Boldly diverse, Yao's compositions cut across the swath of contemporary jazz's field, utilizing the big-band format to amalgamate a surprising range of styles and periods—sometimes within a single composition . . .perhaps most appealingly of all, it's anyone's guess where he will take us next.” Franz Matzner, All About Jazz

“John Yao is one of New York’s elite trombonists, and . . . is also a first-class, ambitious and witty composer and leader of his own all-star large ensemble, John Yao’s 17-Piece Instrument.” Alan Young, Lucid Culture

“A must set for big band fans that want to hear something that takes the form in to the future, this blows the ears open in a mighty way.” Chris Spector, Midwest Record

“At times burnished and melodious, at others loose and strident, it forms a colorful tapestry that is never less than alluring.” Jack Bowers, All About Jazz

". . . quality straight-ahead jazz featuring exemplary writing and soloists. Yao's angular melodies build forcefully throughout his 10 original compositions." James Rozzi, Jazziz Magazine

“Yao not only puts a fresh coat of paint to big band sounds, but redoes the foundation and expands a few rooms. Exciting through and through.” George Harris, Jazz Weekly

“[Yao’s] intention is making music that involves the musicians, giving them a variety of avenues to display their talents. . .” Richard Kamins, Step Tempest

“John Yao is one of New York’s elite trombonists and is also a first-class, ambitious, and witty composer and leader . . . the album is big, bright, brassy extravaganza. But it’s also full of unexpected dynamics, dips and rises, imaginative voicings and occasional sardonic humor.” Alan Young, Lucid Culture

“Yao allows himself plenty of up front time and it's well worth hearing what a world-class trombonist can do on that very difficult but extraordinarily rich instrument." Karl Ackerman, All About Jazz

“While Yao’s style is not retro, he knows where the music has been and has a developing vision of where he wants to take it.” Barry Bassis, Epoch Times

“His “17-piece instrument” is what trombonist-composer John Yao calls the big band that plays his bold, adventurous, imaginative pieces.” Bob Bernatos, Just Jazz

“Yao's compositions are wildly complex, and his arrangements are imbued with the freedom of a far smaller ensemble, verging on the avant-garde. “ Ron Netskey, Rochester City News paper

“It’s as interesting and unique as it sounds.” Carl Weinschenk, Daily Music Break

“Flip-Flop...not your grandfather’s big band. “ Elliot Simon, New York City Jazz Record

PRAISE FOR IN THE NOW

“[A] resourceful young trombonist whose recent debut, In the Now (Innova) shows him to be a smart- composer bandleader besides.” Nate Chinen, New York Times

“Spirited and well-executed, In the Now bristles with energy.” Franz Matzner, All About Jazz

“. . . incorporate(s) an insistently swinging Jazz Messengers vibe while also stepping into the free-rider zone at times.”

- Bill Milkowski, Jazz Times

“Wow. Trombonist John Yao’s debut album, and it is damn strong. An album for old and new school jazz fans alike, and a terribly promising sign that this is Yao’s debut album. I’m already looking forward to what comes next.” David Sumner, Bird is the Worm

“Trombonist John Yao's new quintet album, In the Now blends vivid tunefulness, clever composition and inspired teamwork. It’s accessible, but it’s also cerebral, and there’s also considerable wit here.” Alan Young, Lucid Culture

“For the more courageous swinger.” George Harris, Jazz Weekly