Jarasum fest to bring international jazz lineup

The 10th annual Jarasum International Jazz Festival will start its festivities on Oct. 3, featuring notable jazz musicians from around the world.

The festival, held on Jaraseom Island in Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi Province, launched in 2004 with 30 bands from 12 countries. More than 100,000 people attend the festival every year. In the past decade, it has invited more than 500 artists from more than 41 countries.

This year’s lineup will include local jazz band the Jo Young Deok Trio ― winner of the 6th Jarasum International Jazz Concours last year ― as well as a long-list of notable international jazz artists, including Abdullah Ibrahim, the Lars Danielsson Trio, Madeleine Peyroux, Anna Maria Jopek and many others. 

Ibrahim is a 78-year-old South African pianist and composer who was formerly known as Dollar Brand. The musician, who is widely considered one of the leading figures in the Cape Town jazz music scene, has his own unique style relying on his multicultural influences growing up the city. His music styles range from traditional African and gospel, to modern Western-style jazz.

Danielsson, of the Lars Danielsson Trio, is a Swedish jazz bassist, composer and producer. The artist plays the double bass, electric bass and cello and has released eight albums since 1980. During his more than three-decade career in the jazz music industry, Danielsson has played alongside such greats as John Scofield, Jack DeJohnette, Billy Hart and many others. 

Peyroux is an American jazz singer/songwriter and guitarist who made a name for herself with her unique vocal styles and has oftentimes been compared to jazz legend Billie Holiday. Jopek, on the other hand, is a well-noted platinum record-selling musician and singer who has won numerous awards, including Michel Legrand’s Personal Award in Vitebsk in 1994.

The four-day international jazz festival runs Oct. 3-6 with ticket prices listed at 45,000 won for a one-day pass, 70,000 won for two days, 90,000 won for three days and 110,000 won for the full 4-day pass.

By Julie Jackson (juliejackson@heraldcorp.com)