By Karen Song
Contributing writer
Korean comedian Kim Mee-hwa has debuted as a singer of a new acoustic jazz group ``Freeism.''
At the showcase of the six member group last Tuesday, Kim offered some tunes herself and mentioned that she brought the group together as she was inspired by prominent film director Woody Allen.
``I read an article about Woody Allen forming a jazz group, and that he also participated in a jazz festival in Europe. It sounded so exciting. So I formed a group and I decided to sing with them," said Kim.
Kim explained that the project started when musician Lee Woo-lee visited her house located near a mountain, perfect for practicing music.
``Once I allowed Lee into my house, he started to bring in more jazz players one by one. I just couldn't refuse these healthy young men and women rendering joyful sounds with drums, the piano, bongos, base and trumpet. I ended up housing these six young artists for the next six months for free,'' she laughed.
The name ``Freeism'' is a coined word of `free,' and `ism.' According to Kim, the word ``free'' symbolizes the free spirit of jazz and also being genre and age free.
The group plays a rather uncommon genre of Latin pop, playing and reinterpreting music into an acoustic Latin style with its harmonies based on jazz. The group pursues the music of Latin artists like Santana, yet offers a more unique and colorful style for Korean fans.
The debut digital single has two songs, ``Want my money back'' and ``Wish you were here with me.'' The music gets you into high spirits thanks to the addictive Latin rhythms and some friendly elements of R&B and pop added in.
Kim Mee-hwa is a popular comedian, radio DJ, and a spokesperson of about 50 organizations including UNICEF and Green Korea United. She has practiced regularly in various charity programs and also earned the title ``Korean Oprah Winfrey'' with her radio show.
``Freeism is just perfect to perform at charity events since the instruments don't run on electricity. They can play wonderful music even in people's yards. The band has followed me to several sites already, and we will continue to carry out our musical deeds in needy places, "said Kim.