Nyys Jazz Lineage

Lineage is a powerful statement from Nyys Jazz, the acclaimed big band of the New York Youth Symphony, led by trombonist, composer, and educator Michael Thomas. Recorded in 2025, this album captures seventeen of the New York region's finest young jazz musicians performing with remarkable confidence, swing, and expressive depth.Drawing from the rich history of big band jazz while embracing contemporary voices, Lineage features music by legendary composers such as Duke Ellington, Thad Jones, Wayne Shorter, Neal Hefti, and Joe Henderson, alongside modern works by Linda May Han Oh and a new commission by emerging composer Ariel Sha Glassman. Two original compositions by Grammy-nominated trombonist and composer Alan Ferber further connect the album's past and present.Throughout the recording, open improvisation and tightly crafted ensemble writing place the spotlight on the individuality of these young musicians, whose performances display maturity well beyond their years. The result is a vibrant, forward-looking big band album that honors tradition while affirming jazz as a living, evolving art form.Produced by Michael Thomas and John Kilkenny, Lineage is both a celebration of legacy and a compelling glimpse into the future of jazz.