John Yao and His 17-piece Instrument (JY-17 for short) features the diverse compositions of trombonist, composer and arranger John Yao.  Established in 2014, 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 over a decade and have had a profound influence on his compositional style.  “At times angular and broken, other times linear and swinging, he offers a broad view of the possibilities of jazz composition,” says Jim McNeely of the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra.  In celebration of his birthday month of August, the JY-17 will perform the music of jazz legend Charlie Parker.  The band will premiere several new arrangements that will put a new spin on Bird’s music.