The Xiaobao He Recording Project

Xiaobao He is a composer and jazz guitarist that was incarcerated at Sing Sing Correctional Facility for 15 years and is currently in federal ICE custody after his release from Sing Sing in 2024. Xiaobao is known for writing exquisitely crafted melodies for chamber ensembles, and was a beloved member of the Sing Sing musical community. Decoda has championed Mr. He’s music over the past several seasons, premiering a number of his works across the country.

Over the course of the 2023-24 season, Decoda artists collaborated with Xiaobao He to produce a portrait concert and professionally record the musical compositions he created over the past ten years while incarcerated at Sing Sing Correctional Facility. These compositions comprise three suites for chamber ensembles ranging in size from trios to octets, and span a variety of musical genres, from classical to jazz to contemporary instrumental.  Mr. He’s compositions draw influences from his own life as an incarcerated person in the American justice system as well as from other contemporary American artists including jazz legend John Coltrane, poet Mary Oliver, and Decoda’s own Brad Balliett. 

Xiaobao He repeatedly referenced this period of focused work on his musical endeavors as a highlight of his life, and a lifeline during a difficult time of uncertainty. This recording will make Mr. He’s compositions available to the public for the first time, while simultaneously bringing attention to incarcerated artists, and providing inspiration for other artists in similar circumstances.