JEN SHYU'S FERTILE LAND, FERTILE BODY
Close Up154 Orchard St, New York 10002
Jen Shyu brings Fertile Land, Fertile Body to Close Up. Rather than a fixed band, the work is an evolving interdisciplinary project, described as a multilingual ritual opera that joins ancient and original music with dance and projection. Its concerns include motherhood and loss, environmental toxicity, climate change and fertility. The billed title identifies the work, but no performers or specific formation are listed for this presentation.
Born in Peoria, Illinois, to Taiwanese and East Timorese immigrant parents, Shyu is a multilingual vocalist, composer, producer, multi-instrumentalist and dancer. Her musical history includes performing with, or singing music by, Sumi Tonooka, Nicole Mitchell, Val Jeanty, Ikue Mori, Linda May Han Oh, Anthony Braxton, Wadada Leo Smith, Mark Dresser, Francis Wong, Jon Jang, Vijay Iyer, Tyshawn Sorey, Kenny Barron, Reggie Workman, Bill Frisell and Immanuel Wilkins. Ben Ratliff of The New York Times called her concerts “the most arresting performances I’ve seen over the past five years,” describing her as “open, instinctual, almost fearless.” The Nation has called her “one of the most creative vocalists in contemporary improvised music.”
Close Up offers a focused jazz experience in a sleek, minimalist space on Manhattan's Lower East Side, where the sound system and acoustics bring every note into sharp relief. The venue features a small back room that invites close connection with the performers, creating a setting where music is the main event and distractions are minimal. Shows run six nights a week with multiple sets, encouraging a deep dive into the music rather than a casual night out. A bar serves Latin American-inspired bites and cocktails, complementing the listening experience without overwhelming it. The crowd tends to be attentive, drawn by the artist-driven programming that blends classic jazz traditions with fresh, innovative sounds. This is a place to settle in, listen closely, and savor the evolving jazz scene in a refined yet approachable environment.