Renowned saxophonist and composer Jordan VanHemert’s latest album, Survival of the Fittest, is set to release on May 16, 2025, through Origin Records. This marks his fifth album as a leader, blending personal reflection with the timeless appeal of post-bop jazz. VanHemert leads a stellar sextet, featuring jazz luminaries such as trumpeter Terell Stafford, trombonist Michael Dease, pianist Helen Sung, bassist Rodney Whitaker, and drummer Lewis Nash. The album, which resonates with themes of adversity and resilience, offers listeners an intimate yet universal exploration of human strength and perseverance.
Survival of the Fittest: A Journey of Adversity and Resilience
The inspiration behind Survival of the Fittest stems from a deeply personal event in VanHemert’s life. After his sudden termination from a university director of jazz studies position due to budget cuts, VanHemert channeled his emotions and confusion into music. "The only way I was able to make sense of it was through the music I wrote, which brought me comfort," says VanHemert. "My hope is that in sharing this journey, people will find something they can relate to, as it's part of the human experience to go through difficult times."
Despite the heavy inspiration, the album never succumbs to anger or self-pity. Instead, it serves as an uplifting antidote, offering moments of both intensity and serenity. The album opens with the resolute energy of “Here and Now,” signaling determination, and closes with the triumphant “Survival of the Fittest,” embodying hope and celebration. These tracks are bookends to a collection that captures a vast range of emotions and experiences, ultimately transforming VanHemert’s personal story into something universally relatable.
Emotional Depth Through a Range of Musical Landscapes
Survival of the Fittest is a dynamic exploration of musical contrasts. Tracks like “Mourning Comes Again,” which was inspired by the tragic Atlanta spa shootings of 2021, express sorrow and contemplation, while “Tread Lightly” offers a buoyant, groove-laden counterpoint, showcasing the skill of drummer Lewis Nash. VanHemert further contrasts this emotional spectrum with the powerful, hard-driving rendition of the classic “Softly, As in a Morning Sunrise” and the serene “Sea of Tranquility,” offering a balance of energy and calm.
Additionally, the album brings together poignant renditions of iconic pieces like Duke Ellington’s “Come Sunday,” a hymn of hope and struggle, and “Milyang Arirang,” a traditional Korean murder ballad reinterpreted with beauty and grace. These tracks are powerful examples of how VanHemert blends personal history with musical tradition to create a universal narrative of resilience.
An Album Inspired by a Japanese Proverb: “Fall Down Seven Times, Stand Up Eight”
The theme of resilience is encapsulated in an old Japanese proverb, "Fall down seven times, stand up eight." This mindset is woven throughout Survival of the Fittest, with nine tracks instead of the expected ten—a symbolic extra stand to remind listeners of the hidden strength within them. Through each note and rhythm, VanHemert encourages both personal and collective growth, turning adversity into an anthem of survival.
Jordan VanHemert: A Unique Voice in Jazz
Born in 1988 in Cheongju, South Korea, and adopted into an American family in Holland, Michigan, Jordan VanHemert’s musical journey began at the age of 11 when he picked up the alto saxophone. His early interest in jazz was fueled by a Charlie Parker album gifted by his grandfather and a deep dive into the local library’s CD collection. This self-guided exploration of jazz eventually led VanHemert to earn degrees in music education and jazz performance, culminating in a doctorate from the University of Illinois–Urbana-Champaign.
Throughout his career, VanHemert has seamlessly woven his Korean heritage into his music, reflecting both his cultural identity and his experiences as a Korean American. This connection to his heritage was most evident in his first album, I Am Not a Virus (2021), which addressed the racial scapegoating of Asian Americans during the COVID-19 pandemic. His subsequent albums, including Nomad (2022) and Metamorphosis (2023), continued to explore the intersection of jazz and Korean traditions.
What's Next for Jordan VanHemert?
Currently serving as the Director of Jazz Studies at Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, VanHemert remains a vital figure in both the educational and performance realms of jazz. With Survival of the Fittest, he once again proves his capacity to blend personal storytelling with deep musicality, inviting listeners to find solace, strength, and hope through his transformative compositions.
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