yean kim (jazz vocalist)
When did you start singing?
I started singing at the age of 24.
How did you fall in love with jazz?
I remember I first took interest in jazz listening to Ella Fitzgerald's live album Ella in Berlin. The way she played with the melody and expressed so much emotion captivated me. That was the moment I realized how powerful jazz can be as a form of storytelling.
What’s the jazz scene like in Korea?
The Korean jazz scene has grown significantly over the past few decades. Pioneers like Park Sung-yeon, known as the godmother of Korean jazz, played a crucial role in introducing and popularizing jazz in Korea. She founded Korea's first jazz club, Janus, in 1978, which became a pivotal venue for both aspiring and professional jazz musicians. Today, cities like Seoul host numerous jazz clubs and festivals, reflecting a vibrant and diverse jazz community.
Please share what a jazz band with a vocalist is like.
A jazz band with a vocalist is all about chemistry and synergy. The vocalist often leads the storytelling, but the musicians play a crucial role in setting the mood, providing texture, and even interacting with the vocalist in spontaneous ways. It’s an intimate dialogue between the voice and the instruments, with improvisation at its heart. When it clicks, it’s pure magic.
How’s the NY jazz scene compared to Korea’s?
New York City is often considered the epicenter of the jazz world. With historic venues like the Village Vanguard and Blue Note, the city boasts a rich jazz heritage. The scene is characterized by a high concentration of talented musicians, a variety of jazz styles, and a plethora of performance opportunities. The competitive environment fosters innovation and excellence, attracting artists from around the globe.
While both Korea and New York have vibrant jazz scenes, New York's long-standing history with jazz and its status as a cultural melting pot contribute to a more extensive and diverse jazz community. Korea's jazz scene, though younger, has shown remarkable growth and a unique fusion of traditional Korean elements with jazz, offering a distinct flavor to the genre.
Where was your favorite club that you performed at?
I love Diva Janus and Club Evans in Seoul, Korea. They both have an intimate atmosphere and a deep appreciation for jazz. Each performance there felt like a conversation with the audience.
Your favorite jazz standard
The Nearness of You—it's the very first jazz standard I fell in love with, and it still holds a special place in my heart.
Favorite jazz musicians
Pianist Bud Powell, Billie Holiday, and Coleman Hawkins. Their artistry continues to inspire me every day.
Any advice for aspiring jazz vocalists?
Do not give up. Jazz can be intimidating at first with its complexity and improvisational nature, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. Find your voice, study the greats, and don’t be afraid to take risks. Most importantly, stay true to your emotions and let your passion shine through in every performance.
