Jazz Pianist Nam to Hold Concert
By Bae Keun-min
Staff Reporter
Music is often called a universal language that connects people of different cultures. No other truth is dearer than this to Nam Kyung-yoon.
The jazz pianist went to the United States to study when he was 14. Because his English was poor, Nam had no friends at middle school and was even picked on. Schoolmates called him ``mute.''
This situation made Nam turn to the piano. He had hated learning the piano when he was in Korea, calling it a girl's stuff. But since high school, he has played the piano anywhere and everywhere he had the chance, to find solace.
The piano unexpectedly presented Nam with new friends, confidence and even a new direction in life. The 28-year-old, known as John Nam outside the nation, blossomed into a promising, young jazz pianist.
``Playing piano gave me chance to be acknowledged by schoolmates,'' Nam said in an interview with The Korea Times last week in Seoul, ahead of his upcoming concert. ``Music made me connect to people, and I want to show the world my love and passion for it.''
Although his affection for music grew, Nam went to the College of Engineering at the prestigious Cornell University as his parents opposed his plan to become a professional musician.
But, Nam gradually took more music classes at Cornell as he looked to change his major. He then went on to study jazz at the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, performing with 50 different bands during weekends while in school.
``When I was replaced by other pianists or when clubs where I performed were closed, I was frustrated,'' Nam said. ``But I have no regrets for my career as jazz pianist and composer.''
After graduating from Michigan with a master's degree, Nam focused on performing in Detroit and New York for two years until 2006. His efforts started to pay off when he became the first Korean invited to the Detroit International Jazz Festival last year.
Nam, who teaches at Mokwon University in Daejeon, released last month his second album with his quartet, ``No Regrets,'' which clearly shows his feelings for his career.
``I am satisfied with my life and this is reflected in the album title,'' Nam said. ``I tried to put more of my compositions into my second than my first album.''
Nam said he is fond of acoustic, post-bop New York-style jazz _ traditional but with modern flavor. ``I want to entice people's hearts with my music,'' he said.
``I would like to advance to Europe and Japan and play with various musicians,'' Nam said. ``I don't want any stereotype about me regarding music style and performance partners. I want to try new, diverse music.''
Nam will hold a concert, titled ``No Regrets,'' with his quartet at Chongdong Theater in central Seoul on June 2.
Tickets cost 44,000 won to 55,000 won. For more information, call 1544-1555 or 1588-7890.