Journey of Han CD

“Journey of Han” finds pianist and composer John Chin—an established force in the New York jazz scene and a GRAMMY-nominated sideman—exploring identity, heritage, and belonging through a deeply personal jazz narrative shaped by his experiences as a Korean American. Joined by fellow Asian American musicians Jeong Lim Yang and Jongkuk Kim, Chin crafts a thoughtful, emotionally rich album inspired by the Korean concept of han, weaving themes of resilience, cultural fusion, and the “hidden heritage” of feeling like a perpetual outsider. Blending influences from the full spectrum of jazz history with echoes of Chopin, Ravel, and Rachmaninov, the album unfolds across two acts that move from longing and urgency to reflection and renewal, culminating in a cyclical structure that mirrors its thematic journey. Journey of Han stands as a powerful celebration of diversity, representation, and the evolving voice of Asian American artistry within jazz.