Introspection
You & Me, 2023
8/10
The debut from a talent who is well versed in melodic and harmonic gestures, the pianist, composer and educator Eunmi Lee brings along some of New York City’s finest for these 7 modern jazz tracks.
“Gimmick” opens the listen with bright brass and a tenor sax solo from John Ellis alongside Lee’s warm piano playing, and “Suspicion” follows with a chamber appeal and dreamy presence that benefits from Matt Clohesy’s precise double bass plucking.
Halfway through, “Narcissism” flows with timeless and cozy jazz ideas that showcases Ari Hoenig’s excellent drumming, while “Mr. Weird” is a full throttle big band tune that emits booming brass. “Azure” exits the listen, and contains much intimacy via the fluid strings and subdued horns.
Originally from South Korea but now living in NYC, Lee is quickly making a name for herself in the area of contemporary jazz, as evidenced by this diverse and accomplished first album.
Travels well with: Antonio Adolfo- Bossa 65; John Daversa- The Art Of Duo: Volume One