INTO THE LIGHT MUSIC OF KOREA 3

The critically-acclaimed duo Miyeon and Park are artists of structured improvisation based on jazz, contemporary and classical Korean music. They have been actively performing since the mid 90's.They have released numerous albums. -with Kang Tae Hwan(a.sax),Satoh Masahiko(pf),Lauren Newton(voice),Otomo Yoshihide(gt,elec), Simon Nabatove(pf),Wadada Leo Smith(tp).... Notably, their duo album "Queen and King" was awarded top 10 in 21st century's Korean Jazz music by "Jazz People" magazine in 2005, "Dreams From The Ancestor" in 2008 was awarded the Best Crossover Album and the Best Instrumental Album in the Korean Music Awards in 2009, and "生"(Saeng) in 2010 was newly released.They both studied classical and contemporary music composition in Joongang University. In addition, they also studied Korean traditional Pansori, Shaman music and Samulnori. Then, They went on to incorporate these components into the European Contemporary and Jazz music to pioneer the new style of music. The pianist of the duo, Miyeon, with sensuous and delicate touch, has a great ability in not only composing but arranging also.

Heo Yoon-Jeong is an active Geomungo soloist and composer. Her talents cut across various musical genres, expanding the possibilities of Geomungo and Korean music by bringing together different genres ranging from traditional music, impromptu music, and contemporary music. She learned the Geomungo Sanjo under the living treasure, Han Kap-deuk and she has since been designated as an official successor of the Intangible Asset #16. 

Baramgot is a dedicated Korean music group founded in 2004 under the direction of Won Il. They intend to create new style of music that especially emphasizes each player’s improvisational skills.Baramgot quickly obtained reputation as one of the most important Korean music groups by improving and reinterpreting Korean traditional instruments, which had already acquired their own unique tone colors in the course of their long history. One of their recent works is the reinterpretation of Sinawe (Korean traditional improvisational music) into various contemporary styles, and it has been recognized as the most creative and important achievement in Korean contemporary music scene.

The group was founded by three roommates KIM Yoo-sik(Guitar), Yang Young-ho(Bass) and Nam Kwang-hyun(Drums), graduate student from M.I which renowned music school in Hollywood. They released totally 3 albums with participation in numerous jazz festivals under the name of Acid Rain. Especially their 3rd album "Focus and Wide" blossomed into great world music album as a consequence of long collaboration with Korean traditional musicians. Escaping from general disposable project between Jazz and Korean traditional music, they've fruited with continuous efforts mutually.

Tori Ensemble is a world music project ensemble which originally was founded in 2007 by HEO Yoon-jeong(geomun-go) and other Korean traditional artists such as KANG Kwon-soon(jeongga), MIN Young-chi(daegum, janggu) and American free jazz artists Ned Rothenberg(clarinet, saxophone), Satoshi Takeishi(percussion), Erik Friedlander(cello). They perform in Korea and abroad actively as Tori Ensemble, which now consists of 4 Korean Traditional Musicians by scouting LEE Suk-joo(piri), and TORI Project, American free jazz artists in 2010.The word Tori derives from saturi (meaning dialect), a musical term denoting “local style” in Korean traditional music. The group aims to pursue a new sound that can internalize a variety of Tori in traditional music, as well as harmonize with other Toris in world music. . The term also suggests the great diversity of Korean regional music and stylistic tendencies that is found in countryside with a small geographical size. Such diversity is reinterpreted by artists who embrace traditional music as well as jazz, reflecting composed and improvised creations. It especially focuses on improvisation as an important aspect of Korean traditional music and attempts to create a unique language through Asian intuition and musical idiom. The music of Tori Ensemble based on Korean musical traditions, will offer a fresh, new sound to audience. Tori Ensemble will offer an experience that broadens the appreciation of the music audiences worldwide by presenting an “ancient” tradition within a modern setting.