Album Notes

Bio

Jazz pianist Jiyoung Lee was born and raised in Taegu, Korea(the third largest city in the country). She started playing piano at age 5; learning a vast volume of classical literature. She majored in statistics in her undergraduate while playing in several rock, pop bands. With quick ears, well-trained technique and some private lessons, she began playing professionally. It was 2000 Fall when she moved to United States pursuing Masters degree in jazz performance from University of North Texas. While at UNT she has played with numerous guest artists including Jimmy Heath, Slide Hampton, Airto Moreira, Rich Perry, Harold Jones, Jiggs Wigham, Ari Hoenig, Keter Betts, Jim Snidero, Jim Rotondi, Jimmy Cobb and many more.
She played for the school’s renowned One O’clock lab band from 2003 Fall to 2004 Spring and her own composition AWJ is featured as the first track of Lab 2004 album (available from UNT website). AWJ also earned an Honorable Mention from Gil Evans Commission for International Association of Jazz Educators in 2005.
After finishing the program, Jiyoung toured with the late Maynard Ferguson. For about 10 months she has performed in various jazz clubs and festivals over 35 states.
Currently Jiyoung resides in Seoul, Korea leading her own group. She teaches in several different schools including DongDuk Woman’s University, Seoul Institute of Arts, Baekseok University. She teaches subject such as Ensembles, Sight singing/Ear Training and applied lessons.

About the CD

After appearing on several albums as a sideman, finally Jiyoung Lee’s debut album Confession is released. 10 of her originals are selected and recorded; Confession showcases her seasoned composition skill. Influenced by classical composers such as Chopin, Debussy and Ravel as well as modern jazz composers, her tunes are harmonically rich while melodies are strong and memorable. She writes in different meters.
Her playing is more impressive. Strong command over the instrument combined with her brilliant harmonic and rhythmic sense made her not-so-easy tunes sound so smooth.
It contains various styles. Opening track I Wish I Could Remember is modern, straight-8th rhythm of jazz, more like a European style with a beautiful melody combined with rich harmonies underneath. New Tune and Already But Not Yet are written over rock-ish beat. Blues and Strategy are straight-ahead jazz. (Bonus track) Cross The Line is fusion-ish with her brilliant playing on electric keyboard. It is a well-recorded and professionally produced album that sounds fresh and never boring.