TJG Residency Commission '26 premiere Jonathan Paik Catch Me Weeping in Reverent Awe

The Jazz Gallery presents the premiere of Jonathan Paik’s 2026 Residency Commission, Catch Me Weeping in Reverent Awe. The available information identifies Paik as the artist behind the commission, but does not specify the performing lineup or whether the work will be played solo or with an ensemble. This is a new work premiere rather than a standard bill, placing the focus on Paik’s composition and improvisational approach.

Los Angeles-born and New York-based, Paik is a pianist, keyboardist, improvisor, and composer whose work has been described as “improvised music facing every direction.” He leads the quartet FUGITIVE, is one half of the electronic duo BUSBOY, and regularly performs with Alfredo Colon’s quintet, Victor Solano’s SUNDATE, and Jahnvi Madan’s quartet. His playing has also been heard with David Binney, Joe Morris, Charles Altura, Charles Downs, and Alfredo Colon. The Jazz Gallery has noted that Paik’s music honors both his Korean American heritage and the tradition of Black American piano masters; it has called FUGITIVE “firespitting.”