In What Language?

Released in 2003, 'In What Language?' is a landmark collaboration between pianist Vijay Iyer and poet/performer Mike Ladd. Commissioned by the Asia Society, the work is a song cycle inspired by the experiences of people of color in international airports post-9/11. Sonically, it represents a pivotal moment in Iyer's career where his interest in complex Indian rhythmic cycles and mathematical structures merged with the narrative urgency of hip-hop and spoken word. The album features a stellar ensemble including Rudresh Mahanthappa and Dana Leong, blending jazz improvisation with electronic production. Critically, it was hailed as a 'new paradigm for 21st-century opera,' praised for its ability to tackle heavy social themes without sacrificing musical rigor. It stands as a definitive document of the 'New York jazz' scene's response to globalization and the surveillance state, marking Iyer as a leading intellectual voice in contemporary music.