Taiwanese jazz ensemble ZY THE WAY continues to redefine cultural storytelling with their latest single, Sun in the East 東方之日. Drawing from the Classic of Poetry (Shijing 詩經), a 3000-year-old anthology compiled by Confucius, the group breathes life into timeless verses, blending them seamlessly with the contemporary sounds of jazz. This is the third single from their upcoming debut album, Then And Now 溯, an ambitious project that bridges ancient Chinese literary heritage with modern musical expression.
In Sun in the East 東方之日, ZY THE WAY explores themes of love and longing, evoking the passionate intensity of a tryst beneath the radiant eastern sun. Celestial imagery is woven throughout, mirroring the glow of a lover’s beauty and the heat of their connection. The band’s arrangement balances reverence for the poetry’s origins with a vibrant, modern groove, creating a piece that feels simultaneously classic and cutting-edge.
ZY THE WAY’s innovative approach invites listeners into a rich tapestry of melody and rhythm, reimagining ancient texts for contemporary audiences. Their music is as much about preserving cultural legacy as it is about forging new paths in jazz. With Sun in the East 東方之日, they remind us that art knows no temporal boundaries—it connects past, present, and future.
As the release of Then And Now 溯 draws near, Sun in the East 東方之日 serves as a powerful example of the band’s mission to share their music with the world, ensuring that the beauty of these ancient words continues to inspire and resonate.
