Linda May Han Oh

Biography

Linda May Han Oh is a GRAMMY award-winning jazz bassist and composer, widely recognized as one of the most innovative voices in contemporary jazz. Born in Malaysia and raised in Boorloo (Perth), Western Australia, Oh began her musical journey playing piano, bassoon, and electric bass before focusing on upright bass in 2002 at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts, where she graduated with first-class honors. She later moved to New York City, completing her master's degree at the Manhattan School of Music and quickly establishing herself in the city's vibrant jazz scene[4][6].

Oh's career has been marked by collaborations with leading jazz artists such as Pat Metheny, Kenny Barron, Joe Lovano, Dave Douglas, Terri Lyne Carrington, Steve Wilson, Geri Allen, and Vijay Iyer[1][2][3][4]. She has released several critically acclaimed albums as a leader, including 'The Glass Hours' (2023) and 'Aventurine,' showcasing her bold bass lines, compositional prowess, and genre-blending approach. Her style draws on jazz, free jazz, and contemporary classical influences, characterized by fluidity, instinctive interplay, and a deep commitment to musical storytelling[3][5].

Linda May Han Oh's legacy includes numerous awards, such as the 2022 Deutscher Jazz Preis, multiple Jazz Journalists Association Bassist of the Year honors, and a Grammy for Best Jazz Instrumental Album for 'New Standards Vol. 1' with Terri Lyne Carrington in 2023[3]. She is also an influential educator, serving as an associate professor at Berklee College of Music and contributing to the Institute for Jazz and Gender Justice. Her impact extends to inspiring a new generation of musicians through her teaching, mentorship, and groundbreaking performances worldwide[3][4].

Fun Facts

• Linda May Han Oh was the model for the bassist character Miho in the Pixar film 'Soul' and performed on the film's soundtrack[3].
• She was the first woman to top DownBeat magazine’s International Critics Poll for Bass[3].
• Oh received an honorary doctorate from the Manhattan School of Music in 2024[3].
• Her album 'Sun Pictures' was inspired by her travels through Australia and features a blend of Australian and New York musicians[5].

Associated Acts

• Les Ingénues
• Fabian Almazan Trio - double bass
• Anthony Branker & Imagine - double bass
• Anthony Branker & Imagine - electric bass guitar
• Linda Oh Trio - eponymous

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Jay Anderson - Studied with him during her master's at Manhattan School of Music (Graduate studies, master classes) [2006-2008]
• John Riley - Faculty mentor at Manhattan School of Music (Graduate studies) [2006-2008]
• Phil Markowitz - Faculty mentor at Manhattan School of Music (Graduate studies) [2006-2008]
• Dave Liebman - Faculty mentor at Manhattan School of Music (Graduate studies) [2006-2008]
• Rodney Jones - Faculty mentor at Manhattan School of Music (Graduate studies) [2006-2008]

Key Collaborators

• Pat Metheny - Bassist in Metheny's band (Touring and recording) [2016–present]
• Terri Lyne Carrington - Frequent collaborator, including 'New Standards Vol. 1' (New Standards Vol. 1 (2023), Institute for Jazz and Gender Justice) [2019–present]
• Dave Douglas - Sideman in Douglas's quintet (Dave Douglas Quintet recordings and tours) [2012–present]
• Joe Lovano - Performed and recorded together (Live performances, studio sessions) [2010s–present]
• Fabian Almazan - Collaborator and band member (Linda May Han Oh's albums, Almazan's projects) [2012–present]
• Steve Wilson - Performed and recorded together (Live performances, studio sessions) [2010s–present]
• Geri Allen - Performed and recorded together (Live performances, studio sessions) [2010s]
• Vijay Iyer - Performed and recorded together (Live performances, studio sessions) [2010s–present]

Artists Influenced

• Berklee College of Music students - Associate professor and mentor in bass department (Classroom teaching, master classes) [2019–present]
• Institute for Jazz and Gender Justice participants - Faculty member, mentor, advocate for gender equity (Workshops, mentorship, advocacy) [2019–present]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Portal
2. Compassion (Compassion)
3. Brilliant Waters (Lucent Waters)
4. Prelude: Orison (Compassion)
5. Roy Allan (In Common 2)
6. Overjoyed (Compassion)
7. Arch (Compassion)
8. See You Again My Friend (Spindrift)
9. Maelstrom (Compassion)
10. Spindrift (Spindrift)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia
• MusicBrainz

Tags: #jazz, #post-bop