A 32-year-long journey with jazz club Janus

Park Sung-yeon, jazz singer and owner of the 32-year-old jazz club JAnus, sings in front of the club, Tuesday. Time may have passed but she's sure of one thing: Jazz has been, and will be, part of her entire life. / Korea Times photos by Shim Hyun-chul

By Han Sang-hee
Staff reporter

Jazz club Janus may not be as big and packed like its other counterparts around Seoul, but the jazzy ambience is still in the air.

Dark with dim lights from candles placed on some 10 tables, waiters and artists busily get ready for another day of performances. The sessions at Janus start at 9 p.m., and when The Korea Times arrived around 8:30 p.m., the artists were gathered in a corner, tuning their instruments, playing some standards and talking about what they know best: jazz.

Park Sung-yeon, owner and one of the first generation of jazz singers, was also getting ready for the night. One may think she doesn't need anything to prepare, since she has been performing the same routine for the past 30 years, but every night is different and it always seems like the very first day.

The unexpected encounter

The first jazz club in Korea in Seoul was ``All That Jazz'' located in Itaewon. It was founded by a Chinese-American and only allowed foreigners, leaving the small number of local jazz lovers at the time waiting for someone to quench their jazzy thirst. Park's Janus did just that.
``I opened the club on Nov. 23, 1978 in Sinchon, northern Seoul. Nobody really knew jazz in Korea at the time but it was one of the most popular genres in the United States during the 1960s. I was surprised and mesmerized when I first listened to it. I had a brother who went to university and so he would help me to listen to them, and there was also the AFKN TV channel. This was my first encounter with jazz and I loved it,'' the 55-year-old Park said.

Discovering a passion for the uncommon genre, Park studied and practiced on her own. She had a talent for singing as a young girl and although she studied composing at university, it was not the same.

Then her big break came. She auditioned as a singer for a spot in a jazz band that performed for the 8th United States Army. Performing in front of American soldiers who were well acquainted with the genre helped her learn fast and that was when she knew that this was the path she was going to follow for the rest of her life.

The stage of freedom

Janus, which means the god of beginnings, was a popular spot for jazz lovers and artists in the 1980s and '90s. The stage was open to aspiring jazz artists and it still is. Each day from Monday to Saturday, both newcomers and professionals perform, including now famous musicians Malo, pianist Kaon Kim and Woongsan.

``I was beginning a whole new culture in Korea, so the name Janus seemed perfect. Every day is like a new beginning of jazz to me,'' she said.

Due to financial difficulties, the club moved several times _ Sinchon, Ihwa-dong, Cheongdam-dong and finally Seocho-dong _ and even had to close down for a while, but as Park put it, it was only ``natural.''

``I was a fool (to continue). I still am. Even I can't believe how I managed to continue this for more than thirty years, but I have,'' she said.

Compared to 30 years ago, Seoul boasts a number of famous jazz clubs and venues, including Once in a Blue Moon and Chonnyundongando. While some attract visitors with their stylish and modern interior and great food, Janus is all about music and the audience.
``The interior for jazz clubs is the audience. It should be about the music and only music. Jazz is not about being popular, it's about the soul.''

``When we first started out in Sinchon, the visitors did not come because they knew a lot about jazz. They enjoyed what the club represented: freedom. We had some hard times, but it all passed, thanks to our performers and fans,'' she said.

Indeed, without the help of devoted fans, Janus would not have reopened in Seocho-dong. From young jazz lovers to long-time fans of the club, the support enabled Park to brush off the financial burdens and start over again.

`My life is jazz'

Having been in the jazz scene for over 30 years, singing has become a habit that comes naturally. Even when Park was taking photos inside and outside the club, she was constantly singing a jazz tune, smiling at the camera.

``The roses are beautiful. It's finally summer, beautiful summer,'' she crooned.

Park had to leave for a moment during the interview to prepare for her performance. Looking around the club, there were several visitors drinking and waiting for the show to start. It wasn't a full house, but this didn't seem to matter.

``Sometimes, there are no visitors at all!'' she laughed.

Despite her years as a professional jazz singer, Park has only released two albums. She is planning to record her third one this year.
``I never thought I needed to. I always thought I was not good enough and I would tell myself that I would record one when I'm better. I still think I'm not good enough, but all these years call for a special occasion,'' she said.

Watching Park perform and interact with the band, it was evident that she felt most alive on stage. Park herself seemed to know this, and when asked what she thought of the trusty companion that kept her alive all these years, she gave a big smile.

`` There are no limits in jazz. It always lacks something and that is what artists need to fill in. There was not once when I thought of quitting singing. I think without jazz, my life would get shorter,'' she said, disappearing into the dark to talk about the genre with her musical companions.

Janus is located in Seocho-dong. To get there, go out exit 1 of Seoul National University of Education station. Walk into the street with Shinhan Bank on your left and turn left at the first alley. Janus is on your right. For more information, call (02) 546-9774.

Jazz clubs not to miss

Once in a Blue Moon
Although not as spacey as other jazz clubs in town, Once in a Blue Moon has a reputation of offering some of the best gigs. Located in the hip Cheongdam-dong, the stylish place gives live performances every night, along with impeccable food and a wide selection of wine. For more information, visit www.onceinabluemoon.co.kr

Club EVANS
Located in the Hongik University area, Club EVANS has been opening its stage to numerous jazz artists over the decade. The place also has its own recording studio and jazz academy and wishes to bring more aspiring jazz artists to the local music industry. Visit www.clubevans.com.

Chonnyundongando
A live jazz club Chonnyundongando is one of the biggest clubs in Seoul, with its spacey and open interior and jazz performances held every night. The spectrum of jazz offered is known to be wider than other places. Visit www.chunnyun.com

All That Jazz
Opened in 1976, All That Jazz in Itaewon has been offering soulful and jazzy tunes to both the local and foreign public over the years. Although there are respectable snacks and drinks, the place is really all about jazz, perfect for those looking for a great evening with endless jazz performances by talented artists. Visit www.allthatjazz.kr.