Traditional Singer Jang to Hold Concerts
By Han Sang-hee
Staff Reporter
Jang Sa-ik, a Korean traditional singer, will hold concerts in Seoul, Busan, Daegu, Daejeon and Gwangju for the first time in two years.
The 59-year-old singer recently released his sixth album ``Flower Viewing,'' and fans will have the chance to listen to some of his new songs at the event.
``Flower Viewing'' is also the title of the concert and the main track of his new album.
Jang, who made his debut as a singer when he was 46, is famous for fusing Korean traditional music, particularly pansori, with elements of jazz and pop.
His previous five albums represent Jang's contemplative perspective toward life and death, which is also portrayed in his song ``Father.'' The song is about the experience and emotions he had after he buried his father, while other songs like ``The Road to Heaven'' and ``The Grave'' also express the nihility of life and death.
The performance will be presented in three sections, the first being a stage that carries tales of life and death. The second section will be a showcase of new numbers from his new album, along with trademark songs such as ``Father,'' ``Wild Rose'' and ``The Car.'' Jang will offer his own interpretation of already famous pop songs to fans during the last session with numbers like ``Evening Primrose,'' ``Along Goes the Spring Day'' and ``Marketeer.''
``(Jang's) songs, which carry the life of his own and also ours, wish for the better. In other words, his songs act as a support to those who are going through a difficult time in their lives,'' performance organizers said.
Many of the singer's songs are based on famous poems including ``Flower Viewing,'' and this will add to the already poetic and emotional atmosphere of the event.
Jang will perform with the help of various musicians, both classical and traditional. The Solists, an a capella group will also join Jang to offer intensity to the already heartwarming songs.
Jang started out his musical career as a taepyeongso, or a traditional double reed wind instrument player before he turned to singing. His voice is far from smooth, but rather coarse yet unique. Last year, Jang successfully finished a tour of the United States, which was prepared to console the victims of the Virginia Tech shooting and their families. He performed at New York, Chicago, Los Angeles and Washington D.C.
The tour will start Nov. 8 and continue through December. Tickets for the concert cost from 20,000 won to 80,000 won. For more information about venues and dates, call (02) 396-0514 or send an email to soripan36@naver.com.