Jo-Yu Chen’s third album, “Stranger” featuring guitarist Kurt Rosenwinkel, has been released internationally on Okeh Records with Sony Music on Feb 14, 2014. She is  the first Taiwanese jazz artist to be signed to a major record label, and has also joined the distinguished international roster of Steinway Artists.

A native of Taiwan, New York-based pianist and composer Jo-Yu Chen began her formal musical training on piano at the age of five. Later, at the age of nine she also began studying the oboe. Despite picking up a new instrument, she always remained deeply committed to the piano. After moving to New York City to study oboe and piano  at the prestigious Juilliard School, she discovered a diverse musical scene thriving in the heart of the city and decided to take the leap from classical music to jazz.

This adventure began when Chen enrolled in the New School to study Jazz for two years. During that time, she studied with some of today’s great jazz piano masters, including Jason Moran, Sam Yahel, and Kevin Hays. While there, her talent was quickly recognized.

In 2009, Chen self-released her first record as the band leader.  Entitled “Obsession,” it is a trio album co-produced by Chen and Sam Yahel. She chose to round out her trio with bassist Christopher Tordini and drummer Tommy Crane, two highly in-demand fixtures in the NYC Jazz community. Along successful release of her album, she went on to perform at the most prestigious concert halls in her homeland, including the National Concert Hall in Taipei. Her performances generated great  buzz in the press and were well-received by the audience.

Chen’s first self-released trio album, “Obsession,” was officially released by Sony Music in May 2011.  The followup album, entitled “Incomplete Soul,” was released in September 2011.