Trumpeter Jun Iida's Debut Album ‘Evergreen’ Embarks on a Cultural and Musical Journey

Rising star trumpeter and composer, Jun Iida, has announced the release of his debut album, ‘Evergreen.’ The CD, which will be released in January on Origin Records, is already generating buzz for its fusion of modern jazz with a global influence.

A Cultural Tapestry Through Music

The album features a rich mix of Iida's original compositions along with his own creative twists on less mainstream works. Infused with his personal cultural experiences, 'Evergreen' combines contemporary jazz with elements of blues, pop, hip-hop, soul, and classical music, creating a sound that is both fresh and distinctive.

With a life journey that includes living in Seattle, St. Louis, Pittsburgh, Cleveland, and Los Angeles before recently settling in New York City, Iida's diverse musical styles reflect the varieties of music he's encountered along the way. However, the album is not just influenced by these American cities.

Iida's Japanese heritage also plays a significant role in his music. His mother, a talented koto player, deeply impacted his love for music, exposing him to everything from classical to traditional Japanese songs.

The Formative Years

Born in St. Louis, Iida's early years were filled with the music of classical composers like Brahms and Tchaikovsky, as well as jazz legends such as Louis Armstrong. His mother's diverse musical taste, alongside his upbringing in a Japanese household, meant that Iida grew up in a world where both Western and Eastern musical traditions blended harmoniously.

Starting piano lessons at the age of five and picking up the trumpet at nine, Iida's proficiency and passion for music only grew through his years. Moving from city to city exposed him to new sounds and scenes, each impacting his musical development.

Musical and Personal Development

His formal education in classical music at the Cleveland Institute of Music, jazz studies at Case Western Reserve University, and a degree in aerospace engineering have provided him with a unique perspective on music composition and performance.

While living in Los Angeles, Iida became an integral part of the local jazz community, playing at various prominent venues and making significant connections with other musicians, including the well-respected pianist and arranger Josh Nelson, who played a key role in shaping his jazz artistry.

The Album: A Confluence of Influences

For the recording of 'Evergreen,' Iida brought together musicians from various regions, including Masami Kuroki on guitar, Jonathan Richards on bass, drummer Xavier Lecouturier, and New York vocalist Aubrey Johnson. The inclusion of these talents helped bring Iida’s musical vision to life, particularly with Johnson's vocal performances which complement the trumpet as if it were a 'second horn'.

The album navigates through personal tributes such as 'Song for Luke,' a heartfelt ballad for a friend lost to cancer, to cultural homages with tracks like 'Akatombo' and 'Shiki No Uta'—songs that reflect his Japanese roots, the latter arranged with a jazz flavor enriched with nuances of hip-hop.

'Evergreen' not only alludes to Iida’s time in Seattle but also symbolizes the timeless, ever-renewing nature of music and art. ‘Gooey Butter Cake’ celebrates his St. Louis origins, while originals like 'My Anguish in Solidarity' and 'Holding on to Autumn' showcase Iida's ability to address both societal issues and seasonal transitions with musical eloquence.

The album will also feature a reinterpretation of Sonny Rollins’ and Elmo Hope’s 'Bellarosa' and a compelling duet version of 'Love Theme from Spartacus.'

Available on January 19, 2024, 'Evergreen' is poised to be a significant entry in the world of jazz, encapsulating Jun Iida's journey across continents and cultures, through the universal language of music.

debut, jazz, heritage