Weekend offers performances by global jazz greats and local artists

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Weekend offers performances by global jazz greats and local artists

With its vibrant color and infinite energy, summer is the season of jazz. This weekend features jazz performances by Ithamara Koorax and Fourplay, made up of Bob James, Nathan East, Larry Carlton and Harvey Mason.
Ithamara Koorax is a celebrated jazz musician from Brazil, and received Brazil’s prestigious Sharp Award for her debut album, “Ithamara Koorax Live.” Although Koorax has long been established as a recording artist in her native Brazil as well as in Europe and Japan, it wasn’t until 2000 that American listeners were introduced to her unique vocal styling on her “Serenade in Blue: My Favorite Songs.” The album was nominated in three Grammy categories. Koorax has performed with Frank Sinatra, Antonio Carlos Jobim, Ron Carter, Luiz Bonfa, Chick Corea and Earl Klugh.
Fourplay, formed in 1991, incorporates jazz, pop and many different genres in their music. The group’s performance at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts will be their third in Korea ― the first in 2002 and a second, sold-out performance in 2004.
In his 40-year career, pianist James has released 30 solo albums and been nominated 12 times for Grammy awards. He won two Grammy awards: for “One on One,” the first of three collaborations with Earl Klugh, which won a Grammy in 1980 and sold over a million copies, and “Double Vision,” on which he collaborated with David Sanborn. James achieved fame as a film and television composer after he composed the theme song “Angela” for the TV series “Taxi.”
A well-known drummer, Mason performs jazz and crossover music and has played on more than 150 original score albums. His 2003 solo album, “With All My Heart,” won him one Grammy award from eight nominations. In 2005, he performed with composer and pianist Dave Grusin in Korea.
Bassist East has played on albums for Phil Collins, Madonna and Michael Jackson. Aside from his role in Fourplay, he tours with Eric Clapton as a band member.
Guitarist Carlton, the winner of three Grammy awards and a seven-time nominee, has played background music for television series including “Hill Street Blues” and “Minute by Minute.”
The performance by Koorax Friday is a part of the Reflecting Pond Jazz Festival at the National Museum of Korea in Yongsan, Seoul. The three-day event, which starts today, includes performances by domestic jazz musicians and bands: Triologue on Friday, Moida and the Woong San Project on Saturday, and Gina and Orquesta Cobana on Sunday. The performances start at 7:30 p.m. in front of the National Museum of Korea. Admission is free. For more information, visit www.cfnmk.or.kr
Fourplay’s concert begins 7 p.m. Saturday at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets are from 40,000 won ($42) to 120,000 won. For more information, visit www.sejongpac.or.kr.


by Limb Jae-un
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