I Am Not a Virus Jordan VanHemert, Rob Smith, Lisa Sung, Kazuki Takemura

• 1 The Path Ahead 09:28
• 2 Autumn Song 10:10
• 3 I Am Not a Virus 08:42
• 4 Justice for the Unarmed (Black Lives Matter) 07:38
• 5 The Moment 07:35
• 6 Sea of Tranquility 08:26
• 7 Arirang Interlude 01:29
• 8 Arirang 07:50
• Total Runtime 01:01:18

Info for I Am Not a Virus

"I Am Not a Virus" from composer Jordan VanHemert and Big Round Records, is a collection of contemporary music uniquely fitting for this unprecedented juncture in human history. Called an "excellent outing" by jazz historian Scott Yanow, the collection of lively, piano-driven jazz band performances takes inspiration from a wide swath of timely subjects—everything from the coronavirus pandemic to racially charged police killings and the resulting Black Lives Matter protests of 2020. Featuring tight horn arrangements and energetic percussion, VanHemert’s compositions are sophisticated yet distinctly approachable. Alongside these original works is his arrangement of the traditional Korean Arirang— through his reharmonization of the Korean melody in an American jazz style, VanHemert meditates on his own Korean-American identity. Compelling music composed with purpose, I AM NOT A VIRUS is a must-listen for 2021—and beyond.

Scott Yanow writes: "For this excellent outing, VanHemert is joined by trumpeter Rob Smith, pianist Lisa Sung, bassist Kazuki Takemura, and drummer Andy Wheelock, performing six of his originals plus his transformation of a traditional Korean melody. While not an overtly political statement, VanHemert takes the current situation (including the pandemic, racist killings by police, and the Black Lives Matter protests) as an inspiration for some of his compositions."

Jordan VanHemert, saxophone
Rob Smith, trumpet
Lisa Sung, piano
Kazuki Takemura, bass
Andy Wheelock, drums

Jordan VanHemert
is a Michigan-based saxophonist and composer lauded for his skill as a modern jazz improviser. VanHemert’s music—including his new album I AM NOT A VIRUS—is deeply informed by his political consciousness, employing his distinctive compositional voice to address issues of race and social justice.

VanHemert’s works speak directly and intentionally to modern listeners, daring to touch on controversial themes like the Black Lives Matter protests and the Coronavirus pandemic. Critics recognize VanHemert’s music as being profoundly relevant; noted jazz journalist and historian Scott Yanow recently praised VanHemert’s debut release as “quite impressive,” stating that his piece “Autumn Song” “could eventually become a standard.”

VanHemert proudly asserts his Korean-American identity through his music, sometimes reharmonizing traditional Korean melodies into a contemporary jazz idiom. As the world grapples with racism and xenophobia—embodied by the unjust hostility toward Asian-Americans in the midst of a global pandemic—VanHemert fights back with the unflinching musical retort, I am not a virus.

VanHemert serves on the faculty at Hope College as Assistant Professor of Music Instruction in saxophone and jazz studies. He is also the Music Director of the Holland Concert Jazz Orchestra, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to jazz advocacy, education, and performance. As an active composer, VanHemert has fulfilled commissions for ensembles across the country, including works for the Zenith Saxophone Quartet, Friends University Vocal Jazz Ensemble, the Bradley University Jazz Ensemble, Greenhill (TX) School Flute Choir, and many others. He holds degrees from Central Michigan University, the University of Michigan, and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

"By reharmonizing the theme and turning it into jazz, he expresses his Korean-American identity, making a passionate statement full of both longing and hope." — Scott Yanow, Jazz Journalist/Historian

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