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Hyeonseon Baek

Hyeonseon Baek is A New York-based Jazz vocalist/songwriter from South Korea who focuses on striving to create music that transcends cultural and generational boundaries, blending traditional Jazz with a modern approach for our diverse and vibrant audience. At the age of 8, he discovered his love for music when he sang in the school choir group. Hyeonseon was obsessed with soul and rhythm and blues musicians like Stevie Wonder, Luther Vandross, Donny Hathaway, Ledisi, Aretha Franklin, and countless pop musicians. After some years, he listened to some jazz recordings by Mel Torme and Mark Carmen McRae one day and was immediately fascinated by jazz. Most of the sounds from those recordings were so new to him and made him curious about jazz music. He wanted to find out what they were doing and why it was too good for him.

In 2019, he completed his bachelor of music degree in the Netherlands with Holland-national excellence scholarships. He was the first vocal student who managed to shorten the four-year education track to three years and graduated one year earlier than expected. In his last year of undergraduate, he got a chance to go to New York City with travel funds from the university. He was inspired and shocked by its intense art scene and how diverse cultures can be mixed and growing together in New York City.

Afterward, he moved to the United States and received his master of music degree from the prestigious New England Conservatory with a merit scholarship and the Beneficent Society Scholarship. He studied with Dominique Eade, and through his time at N.E.C., he had a chance to work with great jazz titans such as Dave Holland, Cecil McLorin Salvant, Michael Mayo, Jason Moran, and more.

Hyeonseon is a recipient of the "Honorable Mention, Ran Blake Foundation Music Award," 2020, and a recipient of "the Honor Scholarship, Seoul National University Alumni Association of New England" 2021. In addition, he was a "Semi-Finalist in the Riga International Jazz Voice Competition "2019 and "7 Virtual Jazz Contest" 2024

Awards

Hyeonseon is a recipient of the "Honorable Mention, Ran Blake Foundation Music Award," 2020, and a recipient of "the Honor Scholarship, Seoul National University Alumni Association of New England" 2021. In addition, he was a "Semi-Finalist in the Riga international Jazz voice competition"2019 and "7 Virtual Jazz Contest" 2024

Hyeonseon Baek: Longing

by Troy Dostert
July 9, 2024

Any vocalist who can call upon top-shelf talent in support of their debut recording is worth hearing. Hyeonseon Baek is no exception. The South Korean singer, who has studied at Maastricht University in the Netherlands and at the New England Conservatory, has already forged the connections that should allow him to distinguish himself in the jazz world. Aided by pianist Kevin Hays, bassist Linda May Han Oh and drummer Jochen Rueckert, along with a few guest tracks from tenor saxophonist ...

Recording

NYC-based, Korean Born Jazz Vocalist/Songwriter Hyeonseon Baek Releasing His Bold Debut Album 'Longing'

Source: Mouthpiece Music
May 1, 2024

KOREAN JAZZ VOCALIST HYEONSEON BAEK TO RELEASE DEBUT ALBUM LONGING Featuring Kevin Hays, Linda May Han Oh, Lucas Pino, Joechen Rueckert Released on April 26, 2024 on You & Me Music Possessing a pure, flexible, expressive tenor voice, Korean singer Hyeonseon Baek is poised to launch his professional career with his stunning debut CD, Longing, on the You & Me label. Baek moved to New York City in January 2020, following graduation from Maastricht University in The Netherlands. He was ...
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Jazz in Europe by Steven James

“Longing” is an exceptionally strong debut release from Hyeonseon Baek, showcasing his versatility as a vocalist and ability to seamlessly blend the tradition with a modern approach. With his pure, flexible tenor voice and collaboration with top-tier musicians, Baek has crafted a cohesive and adventurous album that appeals to a wide audience, crossing cultural boundaries with ease. The album consistently impresses with Baek’s timing, emotional depth, and technical prowess. “Longing” is highly recommended for anyone seeking a fresh, innovative take on the genre, as it undoubtedly heralds the arrival of a promising new voice in the jazz world.”

Jazz in Europe by Steven James

Bebop Spoken Here by Lance Liddl

“A vocal from Baek that suggests he is the logical successor to the late greats Mark Murphy and Jon Hendricks.”

Ringer of the week Jazz Weekly by George Harris

"If you want a unique singing style that still hits home, check out Korean vocalist Hyeonseon Baek. I’ve got to see this guy in action!

O’s Place Jazz Magazine by D. Oscar Groomes

“Baek cuts across genres with an endless stream of compassion on Longing. Baek sings warm, gentle passages on “Black Narcissus”, “Longing”, “My Temptation”, “Lush Life”, and “A Timeless Place”. A worthy debut!

Musical Memoirs by Dee Dee McNeil

“Korean jazz vocalist reaches for new, risk-taking adventures, reflected not only in his voice but in the wonderful, fresh arrangements that his musical group offers. His tenor voice impresses me, and notably, Hyeonseon has a style all his own. Clearly, this 32-years-young talent is a jazz singer! Baek is obviously a bad-ass and performs flawlessly and with no fear. I look forward to many more incredible albums sung by Hyeonseon Baek. I will remember his unique tone and singular style.”

JW Vibe by Jonathan Widran

“Hyeonseon Baek is a true musical citizen of the world, eager on his seductive, rhythmically eclectic and impeccably arranged debut album, “Longing,” to conquer fresh original territory even as he celebrates the glorious legends of an earlier era. “Longing” is a wonderfully engaging and inspiring debut by a promising new vocalist and songwriter whose gifts include being a great bandleader of the perfect ensemble to fulfill his vision.”

THOMAS CUNNIFFE, Jazz History Online

"At 32 years old, he has sufficient maturity to bring depth to his original ballads, and both "Longing" and "My Temptation" are impressive starting points for an extended career in song composition. Young jazz singers are usually referred to as "diamonds in the rough," but Hyeonseon Baek is quite close to being a fully polished performer."

Wild Mercury Rhythm by C. Michael Bailey

“Korean vocalist Hyeonseon Baek provides his input to jazz with his sweet and sincere voice and a band that any artist would die for. Baek handles the standards with authority, particularly Billy Strayhorn’s “Lush Life.” Baek has a beautifully light, slightly accented delivery that grows warmer with each listen.”

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