EUNMI LEE: “INTROSPECTION” CD REVIEW

Composer/pianist Eunmi Lee moved to the United States from South Korea shortly before the outbreak of COVID-19. She had completed her Bachelor’s in Jazz Piano from Zuyd University in Maastricht, Holland, and five months after graduation, she joined the Master’s program at NYU. Her self-released debut album, “Introspection”, features seven original compositions scored for ensembles ranging from string trio (with guitar and bass clarinet) to full big band.  She has enlisted some of New York City’s finest jazz musicians (including trumpeter Tony Kadleck, saxophonists Jon Gordon and Remy LeBoeuf, bassist Matt Clohesy and drummer Ari Hoenig) to realize her scores, which combine elements of chamber music and jazz. Her music tends toward the subtle, with refreshing instrumental colors and simple melodies instead of blaring horns and reused cliches. Guitarist Vinicius Gomes plays a critical role in Lee’s settings. Time and again, he leads the ensemble by playing Lee’s original melodies over the horns. Gomes also acts as one of the album’s major soloists, along with Lee’s piano, John Ellis’ clarinet, bass clarinet and tenor sax, and Alan Ferber’s trombone. Lee supplied her own liner notes for the album, in which she details the circumstances and inspirations behind each piece. Those who prefer to listen to the music first, and read the commentary later may discover that their impressions of the music may differ from the composer’s. Of course, there is nothing new to that discovery, as “program music” written during the 19th century does not always correspond to the music’s “story”. While she is still at an early stage in her career, Eunmi Lee has already developed a unique musical voice and a highly personal approach to music composition and improvisation. With the proper support of her talent, she is certain to develop into one of the greatest musicians of her generation. 

 

Scroll to Top