Description

Jazz Pianist/Composer/Arranger Jinjoo Yoo is a dynamic performer with a unique voice. Hailing from Seoul, South Korea, Jinjoo currently resides in New York and collaborates with different projects and leads her own group as well. As a leader or a sideman, she has toured/performed internationally, including performances in the United States, United Kingdom, Italy, Greece, Spain, Poland, Hungary, and South Korea. 

Enjoying singing and playing instruments from her youth, Jazz captured her attention soon after starting University in South Korea. It didn’t take long for her to fall in love with Mary Lou Williams, Teddy Wilson, Bud Powell, Sonny Clark, Jimmy Rowles, Billie Holiday, Carmen McRae, and so on. Since then, she has immersed herself in music by listening to jazz greats’ albums.

Jinjoo thinks that her music should be able to describe this world, either beautiful or ugly, and the way she feels while observing it. Her original tunes bring stories and emotions of curiosity, joyfulness, tragedy, gratitude, and melancholy. In 2018, she released her Debut Album <I’m Curious>(Gut String Records) as a leader, where she presented her point of view on music. This album features two of incredible jazz artists: Neal Miner, one of the most sought-after bassists in New York Jazz Scene, and the legendary drummer Jimmy Wormworth that has a long history and playing credentials with a host of historic jazz figures. 

This time at Birdland, Jinjoo will present her new favorite rhythm section: Daniel Duke on bass and Keith Balla on drums. Her long-time bandmate and collaborator, Kihong Jang(guitar) will be featured as a special guest.

Jinjoo will present her recent originals as well as her arrangements on jazz classics including compositions of Elmo Hope, Bud Powell, Tadd Dameron, and Herbie Nichols.