Studying classical piano at the High School for Performing and Visual Arts in Houston, Helen Sung had little knowledge of the music being developed on the other side of the school, from Robert Glasper, Jason Moran and Kendrick Scott. In college Helen would embrace improvisation, study at the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz, eventually winning the Mary Lou Williams Piano Competition in 2007, and going on to study and play with heroes, including Clark Terry, Wayne Shorter, Ron Carter, the Mingus Big Band, and playing, composing and arranging for The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, to the delight of Wynton Marsalis, who wrote the glowing liner notes for this recording.
With Oracles, Helen brings it all for us to enjoy in a large setting, with original tributes to Clark Terry, Ron Carter, Jimmy Heath and Wayne Shorter, alongside engaging pianism salutes to Barry Harris, Kenny Barron and Herbie Hancock. Whether soloing, sectioning or stop timing, this recording is alive with syncopated punctuation that defines and demands more than one listen.
Hear a track from Oracles each weekday morning @8:20 AM, another feature made possible by the members of
WBGO!
Mon-"Convergence "
Tues-"Positively C.T."
Wed-"Wayne's World"
Thurs-"Pianism I: Barry Harris"
Fri-"Pianism III: Herbie Hancock"
