Longing
You & Me, 2024
8/10
The Korean jazz vocalist Hyeonseon Baek brings his tenor to this excellent debut, where some of New York’s best progressive musicians are in attendance.
“Caravan” opens the listen with Kevin Hays’ emotive piano leads into the expressive singing and Lucas Pino’s skilled sax, and “Black Narcissus” follows with soaring singing amid Linda May Han Oh’s well timed bass plucking and a distinct dreaminess.
The title track arrives in the middle, and showcases the mesmerizing keys alongside poetic and pretty singing, while “Lush Life” is particularly intimate and rich, as Baek’s inimitable voice glides over the eloquent piano.
Close to the end, “Peace” burns slow and powerfully amid the meticulous piano and subtle drumming from Jochen Rueckert, and “West 4th St (Eng)” exits with charming vocal scatting and a lively rhythm section that makes for an infectious energy.
A great first outing, Baek’s voice illuminates the 4 originals and 6 standards with a soulful and timeless jazz appeal.
Travels well with: Mark Winkler- The Rules Don’t Apply; Audrey Silver- Oklahoma