Pyeng Threadgill

Biography

Pyeng Threadgill is an American vocalist, songwriter, and producer known for her eclectic blend of blues, jazz, soul, and folk influences. Born on November 14, 1977, in New York City to renowned jazz composer Henry Threadgill and dancer/choreographer Christina Jones, Pyeng was immersed in a creative environment from an early age. She attended Oberlin Conservatory of Music, where she studied classical music and graduated with a BA in Music, later receiving a Mellon Fellowship to study music in Brazil. Her early exposure to avant-garde dance and theater, combined with her formal musical education, laid the foundation for her genre-blurring artistry.[2][7]

Threadgill's career began in earnest in the early 2000s, marked by the release of her debut album 'Sweet Home: Pyeng Threadgill Sings Robert Johnson' in 2004, which reimagined Delta blues classics with a contemporary, soulful twist. She continued to evolve her sound with albums like 'Of The Air' and 'Portholes To A Love & Other Short Stories,' the latter inspired by literary works and earning her a New York Foundation for the Arts award in music composition. Her projects often explore themes of ancestry, identity, and empowerment, as seen in her multimedia album 'Head Full of Hair, Heart Full of Song,' which delves into the cultural significance of Black hair and self-expression. Threadgill is also a respected educator, voice and movement teacher, and has performed internationally at major festivals and venues.[1][2][4]

Known for her 'New Porch Music,' Threadgill crafts intimate musical journeys that fuse folk, jazz, Afro-electronic, and improvisational elements. Her work is characterized by a commitment to storytelling, healing, and social reflection, making her a unique voice in contemporary American music. She continues to inspire audiences with her innovative approach and dedication to artistic exploration.[1][4]

Fun Facts

• Pyeng Threadgill released her debut album and gave birth to her daughter in the same month, describing it as a transformative period in her life.[1]
• She is the recipient of a New York Foundation for the Arts (NYFA) award in music composition for her innovative work blending music and storytelling.[1][4]
• Her multimedia project 'Head Full of Hair, Heart Full of Song' uses interactive poetry and video installations to explore Black hair rituals and identity.[1][4]
• She was a featured artist in the acclaimed music documentary 'Retour A Goree' alongside Youssou N’Dour, performing at the Montreux Jazz Festival.[4]

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Henry Threadgill - Her father, a Pulitzer Prize-winning jazz composer and bandleader, provided early musical inspiration and exposure to avant-garde jazz. (General influence; not specific albums) [1977–present]
• Christina Jones - Her mother, a dancer and founding member of Urban Bush Women, influenced Pyeng's appreciation for performance and interdisciplinary art. (General influence; not specific albums) [1977–present]

Key Collaborators

• Elias Meister - Guitarist in her 'Lost & Found' project band. (Lost & Found Experience) [2020s]
• Allison Miller - Drummer in her 'Lost & Found' project band. (Lost & Found Experience) [2020s]
• Ksenia Vasileka - Bassist in her 'Lost & Found' project band. (Lost & Found Experience) [2020s]
• Amma Whatt - Vocalist in her 'Lost & Found' project band. (Lost & Found Experience) [2020s]
• Youssou N’Dour - Featured artist in the music documentary 'Retour A Goree' and performed together at Montreux Jazz Festival. (Retour A Goree (documentary)) [2007]
• Marc Cary - Guest artist collaborations. (Live performances) [2000s–2010s]
• Urban Bush Women - Collaborated as a guest artist with the dance company. (Live performances) [2000s–2010s]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Close To Me (Of The Air)
2. Phonograph Blues (Sweet Home: The Music Of Robert Johnson)
3. Wishing Well (Of The Air)
4. It's Late (Of The Air)
5. Ambrosia (Of The Air)
6. Power Trip (Of The Air)
7. Jitterbug Waltz (Of The Air)
8. Love In Vain Blues (Sweet Home: The Music Of Robert Johnson)
9. Before Day (Of The Air)
10. Inner Lining (Of The Air)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia
• MusicBrainz

Tags: #blues, #jazz-blues, #soul-blues