""To make a really good sound, we should share each other's mind," said the band, and that is exactly what happens here."
Gonzo, 03-1-2017Musical sounds from natural materials, such as a hard bamboo stick plucking strings made of twisted silk, have been heard in Korea ever since the seventh century. It is the sound of the geomungo or six-string fretted zither, a central instrument in their tradition, with a role comparable to that of the piano in the West. Yoon Jeong Heo, the leader of Black String is a specialist on the geomungo. Singer Youn Sun Nah is full of praise for her: “Heo shines even brighter because she carries the weight of tradition.”
World-music band, Black String, was founded in 2011 as part of government sponsored Korea-UK cultural exchange program titled "UK Connection" project. The band consists of Yoon-jeong Heo (Geomungo), Aram Lee (Daegum&Yanggeum) and Jean Oh( Jazz guitar). The band made its debut at Jarasum International Jazz Festival (Korea) and London Jazz Festival( UK) in 2012 collaborating with UK artists; Tim Garland (Saxes), John Turville (Piano/Keys), Asaf Sirkis (Drums) and Gwilym Simcock (Piano). Since then the band is expanding their musical horizon by teaming up with prominent Korean artists such as Min-su Kang (Janggu&Vocal), Dong-jin Shin (Drums&Percussion) and Bora Kim (Vocal).
Black String aims to seek a new sound that can internalize a variety of musical expression in traditional music, as well as harmonize with other expression in world music.
The new sound will be reinterpreted by artists who embrace traditional music as well as jazz, reflecting composed and improvised creations.
It especially focuses on improvisation as an important aspect of Korean traditional music and attempts to create a unique language through Asian intuition and musical idiom.
The music of Black String based on Korean musical traditions, will offer a fresh, new sound to audiences. And Black String will offer an experience that broadens the appreciation of the world music audience by presenting an ancient tradition within a modern setting.
Especially the leader of Black String, Yoon-jeong Heo is interested in expanding the possibilities of Geomungo and bringing together different genres ranging from Korean traditional music, contemporary music and improvisation as a master of Geomungo. Furthermore, she is a founder and a leader of world music project band Tori Ensemble which was selected at the 2010 PAMS Showcase and got invited to 2010 WOMEX(opening concert), 2011 WOMAD UK, 2012 WOMAD AU, and 2012 WOMAD NZ. Black String is another attempt after her Tori Ensemble.
"To make a really good sound, we should share each other's mind," said the band, and that is exactly what happens here.
Gonzo, 03-1-2017
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