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North Country Blue

Seungyoung Hong

Label: Hong Records
Released: 2026
Duration: 39m
Views: 162

Tracks

Almost like being in love; Opus OP; The very thought of you; All the things you are; Nocturne; Hop, skip, and a jump; Corcovado; North Country Blue; Tip Toe

Personnel

Album Description

North Country Blue (2026)

Seungyoung Hong and Paul Meyers Duo

Bassist Hong shows two of his originals in this set: “Opus OP” based on the chords of Oscar Pettiford’s legendary workout “Tricotism,” with some great bluesy solos from both. Hong’s other composition is the bassist’s lush and haunting ballad “Nocturne” featuring unexpected modulations and evocative chord changes, with some floating solo work from the composer.

Paul Meyers contributes the album’s title song, “North Country Blue.” The duo’s performance is swinging and grooving, but has an open, laid-back vibe that communicates a feel that brings us out of the city and close to the Canadian border. Hong’s solo has note-bending bluesy flavor, and Meyers shows off his command of the fretboard. Another Meyers original is “Hop, Skip and a Jump,” giving off some Monkish flavor and allowing the composer to stretch a bit in his solo lines – Hong’s bass playing on the bridges and in his solo is great.

The standards in this collection provide some truly beautiful moments. Meyers masterful handling of Jobim’s classic “Corcovado” shows why he earned that respect; Hong’s bass solo over a vamp provides a great ending. The duo gives an updated performance of Jerome Kern’s “All the Things You Are” with Meyer’s twisting intro and solos that crisply navigate Bauer’s new ideas on the chord changes. “The Very Thought of You” is a bit of a feature for Meyers, who truly does it justice in terms of his lyricism and inventiveness. “Almost Like Being in Love” is with Meyers keen awareness of the tune’s voice-leading, Hong’s solo remarkable in its clarity and every note played for a reason. Few people realize that the roots of “Tip Toe” are in a very rarely heard earlier 1960 five-horn recording. The duo finishes this set by returning to the tune’s small-group origins

This recording session will hopefully be about recognition. Paul Meyers is one of the great active virtuoso guitarists, and his musicianship is, in my opinion, vastly under-recognized. As for Seungyoung Hong, his Crane School students and the wider audience will realize that he is not just an excellent teacher, but that he is a world-class musician who teaches.

Enjoy the Seungyoung Hong-Paul Meyers duo!

Album uploaded by Seungyoung Hong