[HERALD INTERVIEW] Homebred jazz sensation launches tour

Many would recall jazz pianist Gene Bora from her appearances on commercials, television shows and fashion magazines.

Judging by her cute appearance, not many would expect this 22-year-old to be a serious musician. It is only when they start talking to her that they discover her dedication to her music.



Gene was only in middle school when she appeared on a television documentary as a child prodigy who taught herself jazz piano. Since then, having given numerous recitals in and outside Korea and composed numerous original songs, she has been hailed by music fans as a homegrown jazz sensation.

"I never thought of myself as a prodigy. But it is definitely flattering and encourages me to work harder," Gene said.

Acquainting with the piano at age 3, Gene, who loved Mozart, as a teenager, was gradually drawn to jazz, listening to "Hymn to Freedom," a popular tune by acclaimed Canadian pianist Oscar Peterson.

"Peterson`s music sounded just right for me. I realized, through his songs, that jazz is a generous genre that reflects the performer`s personality," she said. If she only could, she would go back in time to last year and collaborate with Peterson, who passed away earlier this year, she added.

Although Gene started off improvising the Beatles` "Let It Be," she began to indulge in jazz so much that she even quit school to pursue a professional career in the early 2000s.

Apart from attending a jazz academy Gene has never had a formal jazz education. But Gene, who claims that "feeling" is the most important thing when it comes to her performances, says she gets inspired by ordinary things.

"Rainy days motivate me to write songs. I love the sound of raindrops. I also like to watch pretty things like dolls or ballet performances," she said.

Among her creations, Gene expected "A Day of Mr. Gingerbread Cookie" - whose jolly melodies she thought of while she was making cookies - to be the most well-received by the audience at the upcoming Seoul concerts. Titled "Jazz on a Spring Day," the concerts will be on May 18 and 19 at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts.

The Seoul stages are taking place as a part of her world tour which begins next week in Germany, and continues to the United States and Japan.

"Going on the tour - which is sponsored by Seoul City - representing Korea, I feel burdened but excited at the same time. I find interacting with music lovers very exciting," she said.

"Because I`m prepared, I`m not scared. I`m ready to embrace both extreme critics and compliments."

Some would wonder why this talented young musician with a lengthy, unique repertoire has not yet released an album.

"I was offered a lot of opportunities from local and foreign recording companies. But I`m a bit of a perfectionist when it comes to my music and so far have not found the right timing and conditions to release one," said Gene.

To broaden her perspective as a musician, Gene also plans to go to the Stanislavsky College of Acting in Los Angeles next year. She plans to not only learn jazz at its homeland but also experience an "ordinary college life" that she has yearned for.

"I want to study acting, film music and love, above all," Gene said, laughing. Indeed, she said she has been staying too grounded in her career in the past six years that she did not have a change to date anyone.

Along with her career as a pianist, Gene said she plans to continue her "extra-curricular" activities, which are modeling for clothing brands and hosting TV shows. Gene said that she feels inspired by these roles, and that they are a special something that she occasionally rewards herself with.

"I know that some people are concerned that these activities will become my main job. But they won`t have to worry about that," she said. "I will continue playing music that makes both me and listeners cheerful."

Gene made her debut by taking first prize at the National Jazz Competition, hosted by Hanjeon Arts Center in 2001. Since then she has had an active musical and modeling career. Her notable records include modeling for clothing brand Giordano and Anycall, Samsung`s cell phone brand.

"Jazz on a Spring Day" will be at 7:30 p.m. Folk percussion master Kim Duk-soo will unite with Gene for the concerts. Tickets run from 30,000 won to 70,000 won. For details, call (02) 548-4480 or go to www.seoularts.com

By Koh Young-aah



(youngaah@heraldm.com)