TJG Residency Commission '26 premiere Jonathan Paik Catch Me Weeping in Reverent Awe
The Jazz Gallery1160 Broadway, New York 10001
The Jazz Gallery presents the premiere of Jonathan Paik’s Catch Me Weeping in Reverent Awe as a TJG Residency Commission ’26. The bill identifies Paik and the new work, but does not confirm the ensemble or instrumentation for this performance. It is a chance to hear a newly commissioned piece at a venue whose programming supports new compositions and collaborations.
Los Angeles-born and New York-based, Paik is a pianist, keyboardist, improvisor and composer. The Jazz Gallery describes him as the founder and leader of the “firespitting quartet” FUGITIVE, one half of the electronic duo BUSBOY, and a regular member of groups led by Alfredo Colon, Victor Solano and Jahnvi Madan. His playing has also been heard with David Binney, Joe Morris, Charles Altura and Charles Downs. Paik says his music seeks to honor his Korean American heritage and “the great tradition of Black American piano masters,” while “unconditionally” lifting up the music and people around him. Other projects point to a practice that moves between original writing, free improvisation and electronics, but the specific sound and personnel of this premiere remain unannounced.
The Jazz Gallery offers a focused listening room experience on the fifth floor of a Midtown office building, where the audience gathers to hear progressive jazz performed by emerging and established artists. The space is designed to highlight the music without distractions: seating is arranged to bring listeners close to the performers, fostering a direct connection with the sound. There is no food service, but a bar is available, and ticket prices are modest, encouraging accessibility. Shows typically run from 7 to 11 pm on select nights, featuring multiple sets that invite deep engagement rather than casual socializing. The venue’s commitment to artistic growth is evident in its support for new compositions and collaborations, making an evening here a chance to witness jazz as a living, evolving art form in a setting that respects both the musicians and the audience.