A gorgeous composition propelled by ravishing cello, flourishing flute, and dynamic piano work, “Universal Connection: Junko” is a memorable new track from San Francisco-based project OHNomad. The alias of classical composer Owens Huang, OHNomad embrace the power of connection within the creation of music. Specifically, Huang names each of his pieces after a friend, with emphasis on their heritage and identity.
“Junko, an elder in Japan and a masterful architectural designer, spent her life weaving structures and building a business empire with quiet strength,” he says of the inspiration for this standout track. “In recent years, she returned to tradition—gracefully donning the kimono at official gatherings, including a jazz concert we once shared. I remember her eyes, soft yet resolute, and the delicate wrinkles that speak of time, of storms weathered. In her presence, I see the essence of a woman who has lived through Japan’s great rise and fall, and still stands rooted in the deep soil of her culture— dignified, unwavering, and profoundly moving.”
This personal focus on Junko — and ultimately, Huang’s focus on universal interconnectivity and how “nothing in this world stands alone,” — melds with fantastic performances from the trio of flutist Ann Kuo, cellist Keina Satoh, and pianist Chi-Jo Lee. Casting a spell with its structural movements between elegance and intensity, the track moves with ardent allure — navigating from soothing introspection into an expressive emotion by the one-minute turn; there, layers of Lee’s emotive piano characteristics shine, while a bass-y reverberation ushers into Satoh’s ghostly cello aspect. Kuo’s flute work sends enjoyably chills throughout, as well. The outstanding songwriting and trio of talented performers make “Universal Connection: Junko” a moving, unforgettable success from OHNomad.
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The track is also featured in the genre-based, best-of Spotify compilation Rainy Days and Late Night Drives.
We discovered this release via MusoSoup.
