Sunhyun Yoo

Sun is a New York based professional alto saxophonist, musician, composer, educator and band leader from Seoul, Korea. His soulful dark sound springs from his influence on such giants in jazz; John Coltrane, Charlie Parker, Kenny Garrett, and more. Thought out the years Sun has explored and absorbed the traditional language of modern jazz, and developed a unique style of improvising and composing. By searching the most natural and honest way for himself to feel and speak music through his instrument, Sun has found a way of combing the musical soul of his mother land with the traditional jazz.

Sun graduated from the New School of Jazz and Contemporary Music in 2017, and recently received his Master’s degree in Jazz Studies at New York University. Through serious dedication, Sun had the honor of sitting in with Randy Weston’s African Rhythm Octet in 2016 and playing with Billy Harper Quintet as a special guest at the Smoke Jazz Club and the Falcon Jazz Club. Sun has been the grand finalist of the Jarasum International Jazz Competition in the same year. Currently Sun has released his debut album “Meanings” and performing in different venues in New York. Sun is also performing as a saxophonist and keyboardist of the Neo Soul band ‘Mongaif’, that has been released a single entitled “LOVER”.

Sun grew up singing in the church choral and playing drums in the band. Starting out on classical clarinet in age 11, he contributed as a soloist in Jeonmin Middle School Orchestra winning the 1st place for couple years. In his high school years Sun has been dedicated more of his time as a vocalist in small group ensembles such as rock and funk band. Beyond his strong passion in music, Sun began his professional studies in jazz and commercial music at Daegu Arts University in 2007 by picking up the saxophone. Studying with saxophonist Dongjin Shin, vibraphonist Jinwoo Baek, guitarist Jungsik Kim led his interest and talent to pursue a currier in jazz music. After couple years of military service in Third Republic of Korea Army Band, Sun rapidly started getting attention and recognition in the jazz scene all over the country. His Study with tenor saxophonist Mark Turner in 2013 at the Sacheon International Jazz Workshop had huge influence on Sun to move to New York City.

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