Album information

Commitment The Complete Recordings – 1981/1983

Jason Kao Hwang, Will Connell Jr., William Parker, Takeshi Zen Matsuura

BEST REISSUE 2010 - ALL ABOUT JAZZ - NEW YORK

Commitment - Live in Germany, 1983

In some ways, Commitment was typical of many bands of their time. Between 1978 and 1984, they enjoyed a modest success by the subterranean standards of the Lower East Side. They struggled for gigs during the waning years of the New York loft scene, enjoyed higher profile gigs at several Kool Jazz Festivals, made one short European tour, and recorded one LP. But their music is more significant than this story might indicate. Hwang was among the first improvisers to emerge out of the Asian American movement. His presence in the band as composer and improviser makes Commitment one of the first Afro-Asian free jazz ensembles. The presence of Asian American, African American, and Asian musicians in one band was almost unprecedented in the New York lofts, and their fusion of elements from Asian and African American cultures was unique - Ed Hazell

This recording has been waiting to be released for long 27 years. “Live in Germany, 1983” session is also available on double LP. Enjoy this magnificient session.

This release contains an extensive essay written by Ed Hazell, including interviews and incredible photos.

  • Will Connell, Jr. : flute, alto saxophone, bass clarinet, wood flutes
  • Jason Kao Hwang : violin, viola, bird calls
  • William Parker : string bass
  • Takeshi Zen Matsuura : drums

Commitment The Complete Recordings – 1981/1983
double CD - € 18,00
(shipping worldwide € 3,00)

CD 1:

  1. Mountain Song 3’31”
  2. The Web of Forces 6’33”
  3. Famine 5’07”
  4. Grassy Hills, the Sun 10’03”
  5. No Name 11’00”
  6. Ocean 10’38”
  7. The Pathway 6’25”
  8. Diary for One at Night 21’58”

CD 2:

  1. Continuous 22’33”
  2. Grassy Hills, the Sun 16’16”
  3. Whole Grain 9’48”

This record has been made possible by generous support of UAB "Garsu pasaulis".

NoBusiness Records NBCD 14/15, 2010, edition of 1000 CD’s

  • Tracks 1 through 5 on CD1 was recorded in stereo October 13 and 14, 1980 in New York City and originally released by Flying Panda Records.
  • Tracks 6 through 8 on CD1, and entirety of CD2 was recorded live in Germany, May 20th, 1983 and has never been released before.
  • Design by Oskaras Anosovas
  • Producers: Ed Hazell and Jason Kao Hwang
  • Executive producer – Danas Mikailionis
  • Co-producer – Valerij Anosov

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