Published by
The San Diego Union-Tribune
The San Diego Union-Tribune
How many female role models did Helen Sung have when she began her transition into jazz at the University of Texas at Austin, where she earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in classical piano performance in 1993 and 1995, respectively? In a word, none. How many female role models did Sung have when she earned a full scholarship to the inaugural class at the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz in 1995? Again, none, which is surprising given that her excellent new album, “Quartet+,” pays heartfelt tribute to such stellar artists — all pioneering pianists — as Mary Lou Williams, Carla Bley, G…