John Yao and His 17-piece Instrument (JY-17 for short) is the long-standing passion project of trombonist and composer John Yao featuring his original compositions/arrangements which explore the boundaries of harmony, color, texture and rhythm.  The 17-piece ensemble is comprised of New York City’s finest jazz musicians including members of Grammy- award winning ensembles such as the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra and the Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra, both of which Yao has been a regular substitute for many years.  Yao’s compositions and arrangements are post-bop, experimental and aim to explore new sounds for big band.  TheMidwest Record proclaims JY-17 debut album Flip-Flop (See Tao Recordings) “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”. Downbeat says, "[Flip-Flop] showcased Yao's unpredictable compositions and inventive arrangements, which spring from tradition while pointing toward future portals." 

Press

"[Flip-Flop] showcased Yao's unpredictable compositions and inventive arrangements, which spring from tradition while pointing toward future portals." - Jeff Potter, Downbeat=

“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

“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