Trombonist Michael Wang (Yu-Wei Wang) is a distinctive voice and rising talent in the international jazz scene. Born in Taiwan and raised in the United States, Wang's musical journey began with a full scholarship to the prestigious Berklee College of Music from 2012 to 2017. His time there laid a solid foundation for a career marked by both technical mastery and a deep understanding of jazz tradition.
Following his graduation, Wang relocated to New York, immersing himself in the city's vibrant jazz community. He quickly established himself as a versatile and in-demand collaborator, performing with celebrated ensembles and artists. His resume includes notable appearances with the Mingus Big Band, as well as collaborations with luminaries such as Frank Lacy, Slide Hampton, Valery Ponomarev, and the big bands of Josh Evans. These experiences cemented his reputation as a formidable sideman and a musician capable of navigating complex and dynamic musical environments.
As a bandleader and composer, Wang has made significant contributions to the contemporary jazz landscape. In 2020, he released his debut album, 《Bone of the Wang Vol. 1》, which showcased his original compositions and unique improvisational style. He followed this with the 2023 release, 《My Influences》, a quartet project featuring a new wave of Taiwanese jazz talents—pianist Hsu Yu-Ying , bassist Liu Yu-Jia , and drummer Huang Zi-Yu . The album is a testament to his artistic vision and his commitment to bridging the gap between traditional jazz and new audiences.
Wang's influence extends beyond his performance and compositions. He is an active member of the Taipei Jazz Orchestra (TJO) and dedicates his time to mentoring the next generation of musicians as an instructor for the Taipei Youth Jazz Orchestra (TYJO). His prominence was further recognized when he was invited to perform at the prestigious NTCH Summer Jazz Festival in 2024. Through his work, Michael Wang continues to expand his influence as an artist dedicated to both preserving and evolving the jazz idiom.
