There's a fascinating world view that comes attached to releases by pianist Iseul Kim. It is perhaps formed under the belief that music - like any artform - can serve as its own multi-faceted collage representing each of our hopes, fears, thoughts and aspirations. Each experience finds a way to leave its own indelible imprint on us as individuals serving as a testament to the paths we've walked and the paths still to come.
The sophomore album release by Iseul Kim's Liberosis collective seeks to further detail the evolving components of her musical make-up with 'Re-mind' serving as a thrilling addition to her burgeoning catalogue.
Now based in New York and dividing her time between the US and Seoul, Kim's musical endeavours have been shaped by an inordinate amount of world touring and travel that has seen her perform across the US, Korea, Japan, Argentina, as well as gracing further stages throughout Europe and Africa.
'Re-mind' is an album demonstrative of Kim's immeasurable talent - from her world class ability as a performer to her credentials as a writer, producer, arranger and composer - the pianist masterfully uses the opportunity of each release to solidify herself as an accomplished and, frankly, consummate artist.
A project that was always conceived as an embodiment of varied musical styles, the first Liberosis project was initially unveiled in 2019 and modestly titled 'Iseul Kim's First Project Liberosis'. An exquisite amalgamation of contemporary jazz alongside neo-classical compositions and beautifully infused with Latin stylings, resulted in a riveting project that confidently acknowledged the scope of Kim's inspirations presenting them succinctly within the six-track debut.
Despite the eclecticism of the Liberosis project, Iseul Kim continues to explore a variety of other musical avenues acknowledging that there are still more stories to tell. The Iseul Kim Trio sees Kim perform alongside bassist Inyoung Kim and Liberosis drummer Jaewon Lee delivering a wonderful project with 'True Me' in 2021. And then there is the more expansive ensemble of her Two Voices project which showcases an assembly of nine musicians and strives to create music honouring traditional Korean styled compositions as well as Western classical music. Again, a wonderfully ambitious project that delivered the album 'Evolving' in 2023 through the Austrian Boomslang Records.
'Re-mind' finds Iseul Kim in her Liberosis mindset once again delivering an impassioned project that bursts with imagination and delivers as a staggering continuation of the groundwork established through its 2019 predecessor. Across the album's eight compositions, we're treated to lush orchestral pieces, a scintillating level of improvisation, some sublime solo arrangements and excellent performances from the cast that comprise Liberosis including Jaewon Lee (drums), Ok Jeong Kim (cello), Jongsu Yoon (violin) and Hoo Kim (bass).
Iseul Kim is a natural storyteller and she makes it an artform all of its own. The compulsion to keep creating music with her own inimitable narrative woven into the tapestry will forever serve as Kim's motivational force, and it will forever be our privilege to embrace these stories for the treasures they are.
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