Linda May Han Oh

Linda May Han Oh is a bassist and composer on the progressive end of jazz, and Erin Gee is a new-music conceptualist expanding the palette of the human voice. As of this week, each is also a recipient of the prestigious Herb Alpert Award in the Arts.

On Acrobats, singer Jo Lawry is aided solely by the rhythm team of Linda May Han Oh on bass and Allison Miller on drums. Rather than a reduction, the format opens up possibilities.

The bassist and bandleader was born in Malaysia to Chinese parents, but as a toddler she moved with her family to Australia. Her album weaves in her family's stories — and even their languages.