Voyage

Description

The exquisite quartet displays a distinctly Nordic element on Voyage and was a great inspiration for Youn Sun Nah. She recalls: Working with the guys felt relaxed and secure from the first moment on. You don't need to prove anything to them and that's why you are even more daring. Her companions returned the compliment on the spot. Her wonderful voice is full of feeling and emotion, says Mathias Eick. Lars Danielsson praised, her outstanding timing, which is something you don't find very often with singers. Xavier Desandre-Navarre summarises: The tonal range of her voice is fantastic. Her voice has a great capacity and it's crystal clear. It's anything but an ordinary jazz voice; whether she's scatting, singing classical or rapping, Youn Sun Nah combines mystical and artistic elements of Korean singing with the imagination and purity of the French chanson, together with the energy and freedom of jazz. As Youn Sun Nah's singing brings together various elements, the repertoire on the album concentrates on diverse predilections. There are six of her own compositions, ranging from melancholic ballads to intricate up-tempo tracks. We also find Egberto Gismonti's Frevo as a showpiece for Wakenius, and Nat King Cole's Calypso Blues, which was recommended to her warmly by a French friend. For years Youn Sun Nah has been a great fan of Tom Waits. I always knew that one day I was gonna sing 'Jockey full of Bourbon'. Now the time had come. And what a wonderful contrast Youn Sun Nah's ethereal version is to the smoky bass of Waits' original. Youn Sun Nah has personal memories that connect her with the American traditional Shenandoah: This is a song from my childhood. My father conducted the Korean National Choir for four voices and had it in his repertoire, so it's been with me for many years. Voyage is a journey into the past and at the same time a promise for the future. It's an impressive signature of one of the most exceptional singers of our time.