welcome to Meg Okura's Pan Asian Chamber Jazz Ensemble!

New York Times
“Ms. Okura’s vibrant, Eastern-influenced, jazzy score and the playing of her musicians were the most sophisticated parts of the work” (Roslyn Sulcas)

All About Jazz
“… (some of) the best jazz New York has to offer.” (Elliot Simon)

Down Beat Magazine
"... mixes a classically trained mastery of strings, piano and drums with quick-witted compositional twist performed with high energy." (Jennifer Odell)

New York Sun
“The group delivers exactly what its name promises… the group found a common ground in '60s-style modality, occasionally reminiscent of John Coltrane and McCoy Tyner's Eastern explorations.” (Will Friedwald)

All About Jazz
“…elegantly intertwine(s) elements of classical, jazz and world folk into a new sound…by presenting precisely played ethnically inspired original compositions in an exciting modern jazz context.” (Elliot Simon)

New York Times
“…(Meg Okura ) is equally comfortable playing classical chamber music, rock and everything in between.” (Stephen Holden)

Boudica’s Music Reviews
“…very original and fresh. …It is relaxing, it is invigorating. It never disappoints; rather it draws your attention throughout the entire production. The compositions are complex, the skill of the musicians is without question.”

Chris Ruel’s Instrumental Music Reviews (www.chrisruel.com)
“…a phenomenal new album with the Pan Asian Chamber Jazz Ensemble that showcases her stunning compositional skills that integrate stylistic elements from multiple genres of music within individual arrangements. …deeply moving emotional projection from Romantic era…as well as other elements from jazz, contemporary, and popular music spanning from Joe Venuti to Gershwin to Coltrane to Hancock and beyond. …The vision is radical but the flawless execution and inspired delivery make it seem natural. …Meg Okura defies convention by breaking through all boundaries with her revolutionary vision that is redefining our understanding of and perspective on modern music. …The music is refined, sophisticated, emotional, progressive, and hip all at once. …This is the future of instrumental music.” (Chris Ruel)