Gil, Ok-yun/lee Saeng-gang/lee Sung-jin/ryu Buk-sung
Spirit Junction: Korean Folk Music Meets Jazz
Lyrical pop composer and saxophonist Gil Ok-yun was a central figure in Korea's golden age of gayo. It was through his meeting with Korean classical musician Lee Saeng-gang in the 1980s - an era in Korea that was characterized by experimental crossovers of Eastern and Western styles - that Gil's musical aspirations were finally realized in the form of a 'proper' jazz record. Lee Saeng-gang's ensemble included himself as daegeum flautist and his brother, the janggu percussionist Lee Sung-jin. They were joined by Gil and a member of his jazz ensemble, the percussionist Ryu Bok-sung. This album, which comprises just two tracks recorded in the form of improvisation jams, has often been referred to the only work of its kind in Korea's jazz scene. For some reason, the album was initially released only on CD - the present reissue is the first-ever vinyl release.