Lilac Hill
Self-Released, 2020
8/10
A supremely talented pianist and lyrical composer, Sukyung King offers us 5 original compositions here, as Ethan Helm, Paul JuBong Lee, Luca Alemanno and Jongkuk Kim are on hand to help shape these very articulate and expressive tracks.
The title track starts the album with Helm’s proficient saxophone prowess as Kim’s piano acrobatics flow well alongside the frisky percussion on the free jazz opener, and this creativity follows to the calmer but no less impactful “Stargazers”, where each players respective talents are showcased in the 8 minutes of modern swing jazz.
The EP exits with the highly adventurous “Summer Days”, where Helm’s sax work is unparalleled and Lee’s meticulous guitar anchors the playful climate as Kim handles Rhodes, while “California” finishes the listen on a very high note, as an initially calm, almost meditative demeanor builds into bass plucking and brass dynamics that few others could replicate.
A native of Korea who now resides in Brooklyn, Sukyung Kim has a history studying classical music, but these days her work is firmly planted in jazz, and Lilac Hill is an exceptional debut and a sure sign of more greatness to come.
Travels well with: John Finbury- American Nocturnes- Final Days Of July; Kenny Kotwitz & The LA Jazz Quintet- When Lights Are Low