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Kihong Jang: They Brought A New Kind of Music To Me
ByJang's relaxed improvisations unfold easily without fuss or pretense. Lagging a touch behind the beat, his single note lines never hesitate, or pause to regroup and reach for more ideas. The upshot, particularly on the title track, as well as Yoo's compositions "Genealogy" and "Goldfish, Goldfish!," is a quiet, subtly soulful authority. A fair amount of heat from Yoo and Miner moves in Jang's direction. During Jang's tune "Leslie," Yoo's comping maneuvers politely but firmly around the guitarist, applying a modicum of pressure without crowding him. While Miner consistently walks with just the right degree of weight and emphasis throughout the record (he distinguishes himself as a soloist as well), there's something special about the genial momentum generated by him and Jang.
The sense of continuity that is integral to Jang's playing is also at the forefront of Yoo's efforts. And not unlike the guitarist, her lines are trim and deceptively persistent. In the title track she generates interest by stressing select notes, making them sparkle and shine a little more than the others. She engenders a kind of courtly, swinging movement on Jang's "Flamingo." Yoo's clarity of expression during "Genealogy" is seasoned by slightly edgy changes in emphasis.
Miner's and Wormworth's pilotage of the pace of each track is truly a stroke of good fortune for Jang and Yoo. They are the ideal bass and drums team for straightforward jazz that amiably simmers instead of carrying-on to make a point. Equally adept at brushes and sticks, Wormworth doesn't command much space, yet he's always present in a supportive role. The conventional ride cymbal rhythms during Jang's "Goldfish, Goldfish!" solo, small, barely audible, and in synch with Miner's walking line, make a genuine impression.
They Brought A New Kind Of Music To Me is a satisfying and consistently enjoyable recording. And it's not a stretch to anticipate Jang's growth and continued development (and Yoo's as well) in the future.
Track Listing
They Brought A New Kind of Music To Me; Goldfish, Goldfish!; Flamingo; Leslie; Genealogy; Goldfish, Goldfish! (alt).
Personnel
Kihong Jang
guitarKihong Jang: guitar; Jinjoo Yoo: piano; Neal Miner: bass; Jimmy Wormworth: drums.
Album information
Title: They Brought A New Kind of Music To Me | Year Released: 2018 | Record Label: Gut String Records
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