JOHN CHIN, a revered pianist and composer, has been a fixture on the New York jazz scene since 1998. Known for his eclectic style, he blends jazz, pop, and Western classical traditions, creating a unique sound that ranges from bluesy jazz roots to avant-garde abstraction. His technical mastery and improvisational brilliance are often highlighted, whether in fast, Tatum-esque runs or deep, emotional reflections that challenge harmonic and melodic conventions.

Chin’s discography includes the albums Blackout Conception (2004), Undercover (2014), Fifth (2016), Anything Mose! (2021), Sun of Music (2023), and his most recent work, Journey of Han (2024), which explores themes of identity, cultural fusion, and resilience, particularly reflecting his Korean-American heritage. He is described as a “prolific composer and heavy-duty improviser” with the ability to surprise audiences by veering from traditional jazz to modern abstraction. His Grammy-nominated work with René Marie on Sound of Red further solidified his reputation as a versatile and innovative artist.

Chin’s latest trio work, Journey of Han, featuring Jeong Lim Yang on bass and Jongkuk Kim on drums, highlights his skill in navigating both traditional and modern styles. His ability to move from the bluesy roots of jazz to hypermodern abstraction, transcending clichés, has been praised by audiences and critics alike. Described by LA Weekly as an artist who “pulls real magic out of his eclectic bag,” Chin continues to push the boundaries of jazz while celebrating diversity and cultural contributions within the broader jazz community.