We are delighted to feature pianist Hyuna Park.
Growing up in a small port city of Masan in the south East of Korea, Hyuna was first immersed in music from a young age. “I grew up around my mothers music school so I would have to say she is my main influence! I started with classical then started improvising. It was until after graduating from high school that I got to hear jazz”.
Hyuna knew from this point forward that she wanted to study jazz so she decided to move to New York.
“I wanted to study jazz and whoever I met recommended moving to New York. I went to Queens College to study for 2 years and it was amazing. There was so much to learn and I was challenged in numerous ways particularly learning English concurrently. But what I learned from my professors was invaluable. I think getting into the swing feel was most challenging (and still is!). Upon graduating I met many fantastic musicians who continue to help me learn. In essence, my butt never stops getting kicked!”
Hyuna was the winner of the international women of jazz award in 2018.
“I was confused initially as I was in a category with vocalists but the judges liked my version of “the Girl from Ipanema” and I performed with my trio at the 2018 international women in jazz festival. Although there have been many incredible women in jazz, we are still fighting to be acknowledged as equally strong and professional musicians as men.
Hyuna has tried to incorporate her Korean heritage into her style today using Korean grooves and rhythms “not only are there so many rhythmic variations, the respective space between the beats reminds me that the silence can be a beautiful tool in music.”
So what has Hyuna been listening to this month? “Herbie Hancock, mulgrew Miller, SF Jazz collective, joe Henderson’s big band album. Also some Korean traditional form “Sanjo” by the legendary Gayageum player Sung Geumyeon. Her playing really has so much swing and groove with her Janggu accompanist. “
Hyuna has just arrived in Banff to participate in a jazz workshop and will be playing at Birdland theatre on thanksgiving night “I’m looking forward to celebrating a traditional American holiday with a touch of Korean influence. Why not give it a little twist? After all this is New York!”
“My experience with Keyed Up! has been fantastic, I was lucky enough to meet bassist Rob Duguay who invited me along to Keyed up gigs. I remember walking into a restaurant in midtown and Bruce Barth was playing with his trio. Their music enlightened all those who heard it and you could see the reaction to people’s pleasure at such incredible live jazz music. Giving this elegant excitement to visitors from all over the world as well as those occupying the city shows the importance of Keyed Up!”