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Jihye Lee: Daring Mind

By Jack Bowers
March 31, 2021
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Korean-born composer

Jihye Lee

composer / conductor

" data-original-title="" title="">Jihye Lee is a musician who knows her own mind, whether it be relentless, unshakable, revived, dissatisfied or Daring, as on her second recording for Motema Records. In 2018, Lee earned the prestigious BMI

Charlie Parker

saxophone, alto
1920 - 1955

" data-original-title="" title="">Charlie Parker Composition Prize for "Unshakable Mind," one of nine diverse themes presented here. Another, "I Dare You," is loosely based on

Wayne Shorter

saxophone
1933 - 2023

" data-original-title="" title="">Wayne Shorter's response when asked, "What is jazz?" It is a question Lee must also address, as her music is not only thematic but, in many ways, more closely allied to chamber music than to more traditional big-band jazz. As Lee points out in the liner notes, she is not "a traditional swing band style composer." She comes closest perhaps on "Why Is That," a shuffling blues whose groovy rhythmic patterns flow directly from the jazz playbook.

It is interesting to note that Lee says she was "dissatisfied" while writing that piece, as though she should have been writing something deeper and more consequential—whereas fans of big-band jazz may well see it as the most satisfying work on the album. It does swing, a pleasant counterpoint to what comes before and after. That is not to imply that anything Lee writes is less than proficient. Her compositions are neatly drawn, with melodies, harmonies, rhythms and counterpoint well within the boundaries of accepted custom, and dissonance kept for the most part at arm's length. And there must be a reason why Lee is winning awards. Even so, it is up to the listener to decide whether her intricate and essentially exploratory themes can elicit repeated approval.

As any scrupulous big-band composer must, Lee sets aside blowing space on every number, even though most of the soloists are unnamed. Guest trumpeter

Sean Jones

trumpet
b.1978

" data-original-title="" title="">Sean Jones is an exception, showcased on the gospel-inspired anthem "Struggle Gives You Strength" and (with trombonist

Alan Ferber

trombone

" data-original-title="" title="">Alan Ferber) on the sunny opener, "Relentless Mind." The brisk alto sax solo on "Why Is That" is by

Ben Kono

saxophone, tenor
b.1967

" data-original-title="" title="">Ben Kono or

Rob Wilkerson

saxophone, alto
b.1973

" data-original-title="" title="">Rob Wilkerson (take your pick). Some listeners may take to Lee's music like ducks to water; others may find that water too cool and choppy to suit their taste. Either way, Lee is securely at the helm, inflexibly steering the ship toward her chosen destination. Those who choose to board may find the voyage predictably turbulent yet unexpectedly rewarding.

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Track Listing

Relentless Mind; Unshakeable Mind; Suji; I Dare You; Revived Mind; Struggle Gives You Strength; Why Is That; Dissatisfied Mind; GB.

Personnel

Jihye Lee

composer / conductor

Sean Jones

trumpet

Alan Ferber

trombone

Ben Kono

saxophone, tenor

Adam Birnbaum

piano

Quensin Nachoff

saxophone, tenor

Mike Fahie

trombone

Rob Wilkerson

saxophone, alto

Brian Pareschi

trumpet

John Lake

trumpet

Alex Norris

trumpet

Nick Grinder

trombone

Jennifer Wharton

trombone, bass

Sebastian Noelle

guitar

Evan Gregor

bass, acoustic

Mark Ferber

drums

Additional Instrumentation

Jeremy Powell: reeds; Carl Maraghi: reeds; Mark Patterson: trombone # 2,5; Haeun Joo: piano (2, 5, 8).

Album information

Title: Daring Mind | Year Released: 2021 | Record Label: Mot��ma Music

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