Established in 2004, Republic of Korea's annual Jarasum Jazz Festival is said to be one of the biggest jazz events worldwide. Since 2012, numerous Polish jazz artists have had the opportunity to show their music on its stages - and now the festival returns the favor by bringing some top Korean performers to Poland.
On 15.10.2024 all local jazz enthusiasts gathered up to see not one but two special concerts performed by Korean musicians at ZAMEK Culture Centre in Poznań.
Suh Soojin and the Coloris Trio: Textures, Colors and Movement
The first to perform was Coloris Trio, captivating everybody with their glamorous sound. Soojin Suh on percussion, Jaehun Kang on piano and Hoo Kim on bass, delivered a very picturesque performance, playing with different sounds and textures.
“The concert took me to a completely different world! Full of colors, textures, moving images. The social and emotional issues were perfectly portrayed by the musicians through sounds.”
- says Agnieszka Wrzalik, one of the spectators
Leadership Through Percussion
Unlike traditional jazz ensembles, where the pianist or bassist often leads, Soojin’s percussion-centered compositions gave the trio a distinct edge. Her powerful rhythms allowed Kang’s piano and Kim’s bass to shine. The trio created a rhythm-driven, captivating experience that showcased their unique musical chemistry.
Musical Highlights
The performance ranged from serene to intense, with standout moments including “Uncertainty of Life”. It is an ever-changing piece created in the times of Covid19 pandemic, which reflects life’s unpredictability. The trio’s ability to blend energy and introspection into their music is certainly outstanding.
BANDO: Exploring Korean Identity
The second half featured a performance of the band BANDO, merging modern jazz with traditional Korean sounds. Gina Hwang on geomungo (a traditional Korean plucked zither with both bridges and frets), Sinmun Lee on guitar, Sungwan Kim on saxophone and Soojoon Kim on percussion took the audience on a musical journey through rivers, rice fields and mountains showcasing the beauty of the Korean Peninsula.
“Thanks to the BANDO group, I was able to return to Korea. It was wonderful to be taken on this beautiful journey by the musicians.”
-shares Agnieszka Wrzalik after the performance of BANDO
Pieces like “East Sea of the Mist” and “The Deep River Flows Silently” evoked Korea’s natural landscapes, blending the old with the new in a powerful cultural exploration.
Bonding with the Audience and a Special Sanjo Show
Right from the beginning BANDO members presented an amazing crowd work. They made the audience feel connected and included by explaining the inspiration behind each song, making popcultural references (like mentioning “Gangnam Style” by PSY), sharing personal experiences and speaking… little Polish!
The evening ended with a special performance of Korean traditional music called Sanjo, during which BANDO members taught the Polish audience the custom of chuimsae cheers, energizing the crowd and creating a joyful atmosphere. The performance, marked by strong audience interaction, was a shared journey of musical discovery and connection—truly a dream performance that was rightfully honored by standing ovations for the musicians.
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