Successful debut of Jihee Heo at Birdland

Successful debut of Jihee Heo at Birdland 

by Wilbert Sostre for Puerto Rico Jazz Blog 

In a week filled with good music and after  excellent concerts at Marcus Garvey Park by Jeremy Pelt, Christian McBride and Helen Sung, our jazz adventure in New York culminated with the masterful presentation of pianist Jihee Heo at Birdland.

On Sunday, August 25, we arrived at the legendary Birdland jazz club to witness the debut on this stage of pianist Jihee Heo and her quartet. Although we knew her by name, it was the first time we had the opportunity to listen to Jihee Heo live. And the musical experience was impressive.

Accompanied by the solid rhythmic foundation of Paul Gill and Joe Fansworth, Jihee Heo imposed her class and mastery on the piano from the beginning with the swing of her original song "New Yorker Step", included in her most recent recording "Flow". On each song his elegant improvisations flow with ease and precision in a perfect balance between energy and sensitivity.

A nearly full Birdland enjoyed  every performance and improvisation on the original "The Hidden Giant," Duke Ellington's classic "In a Sentimental Mood," and Charlie Parker's "Confirmation" and "Ornithology."

Gill and Fansworth, whom we already knew musically, did not disappoint, demonstrating their experience and talent on each solo.

The big surprise of the evening was the virtuosity of the young saxophonist Nicole Glover, who impressed the audience with the great maturity and clear ideas of her improvisations.

Jihee Heo debut in Birdland was a success. A pianist Jazz aficionados should follow. And if you don't know her music, you must purchase her excellent album "Flow".