Trio Hopes to Be Jazz Messengers
By Han Sang-hee
Staff Reporter
Forming a group requires much in common, such as musical preference, background and style. But for the Amsterdam Jazz Trio (AJT), it seems flexibility and understanding each other were all it took.
``The performances differ depending on who you're playing with. For us, we are very similar in terms of musical preference and also personality,'' Kim Sung-su, doublebassist, told The Korea Times during an interview.
The band met and formed the AJT two years ago at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam, a music conservatory and prestigious school for aspiring musicians in Amsterdam, Netherlands.
``The school is quite big and as a new student, it can be a bit overwhelming because everybody plays so well. But everyone is different and they have their favorite styles, and then you find someone that fits you naturally,'' Nissen explained.
``We were jamming, which is playing impromptu, and we realized that we were similar both emotionally and musically,'' Kim added.
For Kim, who worked with popular rock bands like the Shin Jung-hyun Band before leaving for Amsterdam in 2001, it must have felt different to being home in Korea.
``I played the electric bass when I was working here, and then I started to enjoy jazz, especially acoustic sounds, so I switched to double bass. I started to learn to play the instrument about a year before I left for Amsterdam, and practically started from there. I miss home, especially the food! But so far, the journey has been great,'' he said.
The difference between American and European jazz, according to Kim, was that the latter being more emotional and melodious, whereas American jazz is more rhythmic.
When asked if there were any difficulties along the way, Kim said ``Of course.''
``There were troubles, but we are very good at listening to one another. When we have problems, we work them out and try to understand each other. Performing is not just about playing music, but also being able to work with band members. I am very happy and satisfied with the trio,'' he said.
The past two years have been busy, but the trio agreed that it was great traveling and meeting new people, not to mention trying different food. Comprised of former model and current guitarist and leader of the group Rasmus Nissen from Denmark, Kim from Korea and drummer Kaspars Kurdeko from Latvia, the AJT has visited Korea to perform for local fans for the first time.
``We played in Pohang and it was great. Fans were really enthusiastic. We had a connection with the audience in the first minute,'' Kurdeko said of his band's performance.
``Traveling is great, especially Korea, and especially the food! It's amazing. Here you get small dishes, like soup and kimchi. A little of everything you need in the meal,'' Nissen said, who added that he knew how to make kimchi himself.
Kurdeko also mentioned the time when he tried a pepper and found himself in tears, not being so fond of spicy food.
Is one of the band's goals to win a Grammy?
``A Grammy wouldn't be so bad actually,'' Kurdeko laughed.
``If we create good music, these things will come by themselves, it's not the goal for us. We (want) to make imprints in people's (hearts). Just a little thing they can take back home with them,'' he added.
``We all have different backgrounds and so we have different inputs in our national ways and that will always make (the trio) interesting,'' Nissen said.
For Kim, it was more than just making good music. He wanted to open the ears of Koreans and introduce them to his band's music.
``Basically, I hope they enjoy our music, and we'll try to get closer to the public. We would like to be (jazz) messengers,'' he said.
The group will play Monday at the Shinsegae Culture Hall in Jukjeon, Gyeonggi Province. For more information, call (02) 749-1300.