재즈의 전설과 신성이 온다…에디 고메즈·마이클 마요 잇단 내한

Historical and current jazz will converge on stage once a month. Legendary bassist Eddie Gomez, who has played with Bill Evans Trio for 11 years, is coming to South Korea the following month. Grammy-nominated rising star vocalist Michael Mayo will hold his first solo performance in Korea next October. Gomez is a "legend" having lived through 60 years of modern jazz history, while Mayo is a "divine being" displaying new possibilities in jazz vocals.

The Eddie Gomez Trio will play at the Berryes Jazz Club in Busan on November 18th and the Seoul Seongdong Seongsu Art Hall on November 19th. Gomez, accompanied by Steve Phillips on piano and Steve Russell on drums, is known for his unique style in jazz piano, likened to "Béthoven's Schubert." He met Bill Evans through guitarist Jim Hall in Chicago in 1966, joining the Trio and creating over 20 albums until 1977.

He is considered the new member of the legendary trio, earning praise for his skillful bass playing. Gomez's album "Bill Evans Together with the Montreux Jazz Festival" received a Grammy award for Best Jazz Performance in 1969. After leaving the Trio, Gomez joined fusion jazz group Steps Ahead in 1979, collaborating with musicians like Michael Brecker and Mike Mainieri, exploring a wide range of music from traditional jazz to free jazz, fusion, Latin, and more.

This performance commemorates Gomez's 60th anniversary since meeting Evans, featuring key tracks from the Trio and Gomez's own compositions, including Evans' signature piece "Solist." Mayo will perform his first solo residency in Seoul on October 17th at the Yelp 24 Wonderloke Hall, showcasing solo and band performances for an hour and a half, featuring piano-player Andrew Fredman, bassist Nick Campbell, and drummer Robin Vita.

Mayo, aged 34, has been recognized as one of the most promising young jazz vocalists, blending various genres such as country, gospel, neo-soul, and jazz with his unique vocal techniques, including the use of vocal effect and loop stations. At this year's Grammy Awards, Mayo received nominations for Best Jazz Vocal Album for his album "Fly" and Best Jazz Performance for the track "Pô," which reinterprets classic jazz standards with a modern sensibility. During this residency, both existing and new songs will be performed.