'Folk songs of Korea, Norway closely linked'

Inger Marie

By Baek Byung-yeul

The popularity of Norwegian jazz vocalist Inger Marie here is a unique phenomenon, considering that jazz is not popular music genre in Korea.

Ever since she released her first studio album “Make This Moment” in 2004, Marie has built a solid fans base here. Her version of famous jazz number “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow” is widely played in cafes throughout the nation.

Marie has been active in Korea, performing with Korean artists such as jazz guitarist Park Yoon-woo, vocalists Woong San and Sunny Kim.

During her recent visit here, she sang “arirang,” a famous traditional Korean folk song at the annual “Jeongseon Arirang Festival,” one of notable folk song festivals held at Jeongseon in Gangwon Province from Oct. 9 to 12.

Marie, who mostly sings in English, sung her own version of arirang in Korean and was acclaimed for her interpretation of the traditional song.

The following is an excerpt from recent email interview with Inger Marie.

KT (The Korea Times)

: How did you feel about singing arirang, the traditional Korean folk song?

Inger Marie

: I really like to sing Korean folk song, and it is an honor to be asked. I am happy to get the opportunity to sing this song of Korea as I have great respect for the song which means a lot to Koreans. Folk songs of Korea and Norway are not so unlike. I think the worldwide folk music has something very special in common. Though it is difficult to explain, there is something you can feel when you sing it.

I must admit that I had practiced a lot to learn to sing Korean lyrics because it was really difficult for Norwegian to learn. I hope you would recognize the words when I sing them.

KT

: Tell us your musical background.

: I started singing very early, as a child, and have my musical background from different music genres as I was in different kinds of music bands. Though I did not start singing jazz, before I became grown up woman, I started listening to jazz since early years. It was an inspiration to me.

Jazz means a lot to me because there are lots of spaces that I can interpret and improvise the songs in my own way.

KT:

When was your first concert in Korea?

Inger Marie:

I held my first concert in Korea in 2006. My music was discovered by people working in music agencies in Korea and the first album I recorded became very popular both in Korea and Japan.

You are one of the most beloved jazz vocalists in Korea.

Thank you! It`s great, and I’m honored by this lovely compliment. It gives me a lot of inspiration, strength and gratitude, and means a lot to me!