Jacob Chung

Jazz saxophonist Jacob Chung moved from Toronto to New York City in 2022 to study with Vincent Herring, whose advocacy for Jacob’s musical potential led to a record deal for Jacob’s sophomore album The Sage (2024) with the Cellar Music Group label. Featuring both Herring and drummer Joe Farnsworth, The Sage was named one of the best Canadian jazz releases of 2024 (Peter Hum, Ottawa Citizen), building on the momentum of Jacob’s 2022 debut album Epistle which was received with critical acclaim for its embodiment of the spirit of jazz; “A bunch of swingers that know the history without the baggage, they zip the ears open with a delightful sound that uplifts while it makes you smile” (Chris Spector, Midwest Record).

In 2024, Jacob sought the guidance of Grant Stewart at the Tribeca Jazz Institute, where he connected with the likes of Chris Byars, Eric Alexander, Ari Roland, and Ken Peplowski, all whose mentorship has launched Jacob into maintaining an active NYC performance schedule at The Django, Ornithology, Smalls, Mezzrow, Dizzy’s Club, Nublu Classic, Brvsh Cul7ur3, and other clubs. Since moving to NYC, Jacob has performed with Ken Peplowski, the John Pizzarelli Big Band, Peter Washington, Richard Cortez, the Mingus Big Band, Pasquale Grasso, Ari Roland, Joe Farnsworth, and is a regular member of Erena Terakubo’s Sextet. Jacob has performed twice at the Kennedy Center for Performing Arts in Washington D.C., first in 2023 with the prestigious Betty Carter Jazz Ahead program and most recently with vibraphonist Chuck Redd in 2024. Jacob was also awarded “Outstanding Soloist” in Downbeat Magazine’s 2024 Student Music edition.

Jacob tours Canada and the US as both bandleader and sideman. In October 2024, Ken Peplowski invited Jacob to play at the Oregon Coast Jazz Party in Newport, Oregon alongside Randy Brecker, Terell Stafford, Dion Tucker, Katie Thiroux, and Chuck Redd. Jacob also played at the 2023 Burlington Jazz Festival in Vermont with the Betty Carter Jazz Ahead program, and most recently in Philadelphia with the Tyler Henderson Quartet at Chris’ Jazz Café. Jacob’s bands have played at several major Canadian venues and festivals including Frankie’s (Vancouver), Hermann’s (Victoria), The Rex Hotel (Toronto), The Jazz Bistro (Toronto), TD Toronto Jazz Festival, TD Markham Jazz Festival, and the Toronto International Film Festival.

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