News
points in Time receives Four Stars and editor’s Pick from Downbeat
“Points in Time by John Yao and His 17-Piece Instrument is more than a hard-swinging recording from an ace large ensemble led by a forward-thinking composer-arranger (and distinguished trombone voice). It’s also a commemoration of tandem anniversaries currently at the forefront of Yao’s memory: his arrival on the New York jazz scene 20 years ago, and the 10 years that have passed since he released his first big band album, the acclaimed Flip-Flop. Inspired by these two milestones, the album is informed by a number of professional and deeply personal experiences that have marked his two decades as a bandleader and sideman in the Big Apple. The music reveals the major strides Yao and his collaborators have taken since Flip-Flop made the JY-17 a widely known entity in the lineage of the iconic Vanguard Jazz Orchestra. . . .” – Ed Enright, DownBeat
What others are saying
“A fascinating work that shows how vibrant, exciting, and innovative orchestral jazz can sound today.” – Jacek Brun, Jazz Fun
Yao reminds us that big band jazz still has something to say—and that sometimes, the biggest statements come from the most personal places.” – Tim Larsen, Jazz Views
Now Available
Points in Time celebrates memorable personal and musical moments from Yao’s two-decade experience in NYC.
It’s been 20 years since trombonist, composer, arranger and bandleader, John Yao arrived in New York City; 10 years have passed since the release of his first big band album, the exuberant Flip-Flop. He’ll celebrate that tandem anniversary with Points in Time, the long-awaited follow-up by John Yao & His 17-Piece Instrument (JY-17). While the album arrives as a commemoration of those two significant dates, the music it contains is deeply informed by a number of professional and personal milestones that have marked that two-decade journey.
Released on July 11, 2025, via See Tao Recordings, Points in Time is enriched and invigorated by a wealth of experiences that Yao has enjoyed since Flip-Flop heralded the arrival of “a strong compositional voice and effective band-leader able to use his 17-piece band to paint across a wide spectrum and infuse his complex writing with a thoughtful balance of audacity, structure, humor, and sonic might” (All About Jazz).
For the album’s repertoire, Yao culled favorite tunes from throughout his discography, revising small-band compositions in vibrant new big band arrangements. He also showcases the new pieces he’s penned over the intervening years, including works premiered during the “Big Band & Beyond” concert series that the JY-17 hosted at Greenwich House Music School in the wake of Flip-Flop’s release.
Upcoming Shows
John Yao & His 17-piece Instrument
July 28 at Terraza 7 Cafe, 7-9:30pm
August 11 at Terraza 7 Cafe, 7-9:30pm
September 15 at Terraza 7 Cafe, 7-9:30pm
2025 Guggenheim Fellow in Music Composition
I am incredibly excited to share that I have been awarded a Guggenheim Fellowship in the field of Music Composition. It's an honor to be a part of the 100th class of fellows across 53 different fields. Thank you to the John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation for this amazing opportunity and to everyone who has supported and believed in me over the years. I can’t wait to get started on this new project! More to come . . .
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Purchase original works and arrangements for big band
I am thrilled to share that many of my original works and arrangements for large jazz ensemble are now available directly through my site. Included is the music from “Flip-Flop” as well as arrangements by different composers in a variety of styles and skill levels. I am always adding new charts, so please check back and see what’s new. If you don’t find anything you like, feel free to contact me.
New Arrangements
Original works
For the past two decades, John Yao has established himself as one of the premier trombonists, composers, and arrangers on the New York City jazz scene. Yao’s lyrical soloing and expressive, round tone, combined with his relentless drive to push the boundaries of harmony and rhythm, have established him as a unique and forward-thinking jazz talent. He has been called “one of New York’s elite trombonists and is also a first-class, ambitious, and witty composer and leader . .” (Lucid Culture) and his compositions are described as “boldly diverse, Yao's compositions cut across the swath of contemporary jazz's field” (All About Jazz). Yao has earned wide acclaim. In April 2025 he was appointed to the 100th class of Guggenheim Fellows in the field of Music Composition. In 2023, Yao earned a place in both the Rising Star Trombone and Rising Star Big Band categories in the DownBeat Critics Poll. He has built an extensive body of work, collaborating with ensembles and performers worldwide and releasing six recordings as a bandleader—each showcasing his bold, boundary-pushing compositions for both small groups and big bands.