Traditional Korean music meets contemporary jazz with Hyowa Project alongside Seoul-based Haegeum player Jieun Kim.
Hyowa Project: Hailing from Leeds’ contemporary jazz scene, Hyowa Project blends traditional Korean music with classic rock fusion and modern UK jazz. Founded by visionary guitarist and composer Hyo Jung, our quartet consists of Hyokyung Jung (guitar), Joe van der Meulen (tenor saxophone), Fergus Leach (bass), and Louis Berthoud (drums). Over the past three years, we have crafted a distinctive sound that pays homage to our diverse influences, drawing from robust rhythmic foundations and eccentric harmonies. As representatives of the Korean traditional fusion jazz genre, we seek to create a dialogue between cultures through music. Our debut EP, Blue On Saucer and single Dido Chil Chae have garnered attention, including recognition from Emily Pilbeam on BBC Introducing West Yorkshire.
We are thrilled to announce that they have upcoming releases collaborating with Jieun Kim that showcase their evolving sound.
Jieun Kim: She served as the principal Haegeum player of the Seoul Metropolitan Youth Korean Traditional Orchestra. She has received numerous awards, including the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Award, and has held three solo recitals. Jieun Kim is expanding her musical horizons through collaborations across various genres, including traditional, popular, jazz, and contemporary music. She has been invited to perform at the Festival Fur Koreanische Neue Musik at the Konzert Haus Berlin, Germany. She has been invited to various countries such as Italy and the United States to promote Korean traditional music worldwide.
Support by special guest jazz vocalist Angel Wong
Angel Wong: Born and raised in Hong Kong and Guizhou, Angel Wong is a singer-songwriter who draws influences from a multitude of cultures, genres and musical idioms, marrying her background in classical music with her current exploration of jazz music in a pop/singer-songwriter package.