"My Anguish in Solidarity" is an original composition by Japanese-born trumpeter Jun Iida, written as a direct response to incidents of police violence against Black Americans. The piece channels personal anguish into a socially conscious statement, standing as one of the most emotionally charged works on Iida's debut album. Composed in a sonata-like structure with distinct sections, the tune incorporates odd meters to create a sense of tension and unease, supported by piano and Fender Rhodes textures. This formal and rhythmic approach gives the piece an edgy, contemporary character that sets it apart from more conventional jazz writing. The composition first appeared on Iida's debut leader album Evergreen, released on OA2 Records in 2023 and recorded in November 2022 at Tritone Recording in Los Angeles. The recording features Aubrey Johnson on wordless vocals, Josh Nelson on piano and Fender Rhodes, Masami Kuroki on guitar, Jonathan Richards on bass, and Xavier Lecouturier on drums, with the track running over eight minutes. Iida's body of work on the album reflects his peripatetic life across St. Louis, Seattle, Los Angeles, and New York, blending contemporary jazz with blues and other influences. The tune remains tied to its original recording, with no known cover versions to date.
