gentle happiness with [melody at sunday]
gentle happiness with [melody at sunday]
<조종근 & 전민’s 1st Concert>
by desi | 데지 (intrbloo)
Spring Dream. Rainfall. Summer Breeze. Daydreaming. Images which set off a starburst of warmth and comfort within us – titles which make up the thematic ambiance of [Melody at Sunday], a recital featuring peaceful pianist, Cho Jong geun (조종근), and serene saxophonist, Jeon Min (전민). Though the prospect of sunbeams bursting through the 5th-floor windows would have made for a very romantic environment, the actual cloudy skies that greeted us created a soft, moody vibe which complimented the unconventional 3PM performance time beautifully. Inspired by the whimsical nature of wildlife and existence surrounding us, the duo took us on a 90-minute journey of pure serenity and happiness via the sole medium of music. The tenderness of two instruments blending in harmony, displayed before an intimate audience of fifty individuals – this performance was a particularly precious moment to have been a part of.
Session members of the indie genre-fusing band, Wave to Earth, Jong geun and Min have worked together closely for many years. This collaborative environment sparked the realization that the duo had very similar tastes and goals regarding their musical craft, prompting them to (finally) join forces and create a project that brought their visions to life. And let me tell you, the result of two observant, sentimental, and insanely talented musicians composing pieces together can only turn out beautiful. While the pair did formatively write and compose for Jeon Min’s solo debut months prior (which I will get back to!), this performance and collection of songs marks another new and exciting chapter. Inviting listeners to immerse themselves in their story, the boys set the scene for each song and took us on a vivid journey through the fluttering nature, somehow igniting every sense in my body purely through the harmonies of piano and saxophone.
Ceora
Holding the meaning of spontaneity and joy, Ceora was the opening song of the performance – a track which fuses elements of bossa nova and jazz together. Originally released in the 1960s, this mid-tempo tune was the perfect way to ease into the jazzy atmosphere, as I took in all the little details of the room around me. Beautiful wooden accents that complimented the earthy depth of the saxophone; Bright windows showcasing billowy curtains, reminding me of my own childhood home with a grand piano perched in the corner of the room; Fifty strangers connected by the mutual allure of the performance, swaying peacefully to the music. Though the original song featured five musicians, adding a depth to the harmonies through the various instruments, there was a certain calming simplicity in this rendition making it so easy to listen to on loop (as I’m doing while writing this). Despite the song being about six and a half minutes long, it didn’t feel lengthy or drawn out at all – in fact, it had me wanting to hear more, carrying out its role as the introductory song perfectly.
Forest
The next track, Forest, is a slower, more romantic song. It evokes images of a picnic in a field or forest, romanticizing little moments in our life. The seven-minute piece takes us on an exhilarating journey, as some parts speed up, featuring complex scales and riffs –almost like running or dancing around – before returning to the bouncy swing in the refrain that grounds us once again. I find it absolutely fascinating how just these two instruments can sound so full and rich, occupying the space entirely and never losing my attention for even a second. Notably, this song also features a lil Geun piano solo section which I found so charming, followed once again by Min’s addictive refrain. An absolutely stunning piece of work.
봄꿈
Following the previous full-sounding song is 봄꿈, or Spring Dream, which is made up of a simpler composition. Played mostly in the lower register, there’s a depth that reaches far into the earth, holding a calmness and simplicity that reminds me of a Studio Ghibli movie – imagine cherry blossom leaves fluttering around you, a slight breeze in your hair as you go for a nice stroll in the middle of spring. 봄꿈 brings us back to the basics, not displaying too many fancy techniques, but reminding us of the beauty in harmony and gifting us a song that can accompany so many different moments in our daily lives.
320
I honestly cannot pinpoint what exactly it is – maybe the vulnerability which I seem to feel; a deep, heavy emotion settled in my chest – but this song really makes me want to cry. A contrast from the previous bouncy, jazz-infused tracks, 320 is a lot slower, holding characteristics of a classic ballad. The final 20ish seconds are like a burst of passion, tempting the wells of tears in the corners of my eyes to fall. Perhaps passion is the keyword here, as this song feels like a dedication to all the creative souls who feel stuck, lost, or confused. That the lows are a part of our journey, and so long as the passion doesn’t dissipate, we will find ourselves once again.
Summer Breeze
For some reason, the melody of this song reminds me of R.E.M’s famous release, “Everybody Hurts,” which I don’t think was the inspiration at all for this composition, but it has influenced my interpretation a little bit. While the title, Summer Breeze, may draw forth a more refreshing feeling, I envisioned someone on a night stroll, surrounded by the cheery energy that summertime brings, wondering why they don’t feel the same way. There are various reasons why it might be difficult to immerse yourself in the season’s festivities, but I imagine the light breeze that escorts you on your walk can act as a comforting reminder that you are not alone in your feelings. While the unbearable humidity of the summer may scramble your mood in unpredictable ways, the summer breeze will come along to cool you down and realign your thoughts.
Rain Fall
THIS IS MY FAVORITE!! Not only was this song an unexpected surprise and contrast to everything else on the setlist, but I think both Geun and Min were able to shine equally in this song and paint such a beautifully vivid landscape. The song is called Rain Fall, but I think it describes a very particular type of rain which we have experienced quite a bit this summer. A dry, sunny day, temperature in the 30s, melting us away in the glistening rays – suddenly you hear a distant thunder. The start of this song signified this rumble to me, the piano conveying a sense of urgency about the potential circumstances, the saxophone coming in to reinforce this motif with a deep bassy tone. Everyone pulls out their umbrellas, creating a mirage in the sky, as raindrops twinkle in the sun. The song takes a whimsical turn, with a stacked melody, that feels like a joint epiphany at the beauty of the situation. The bouncy, airiness in the piano throughout the song feels very romantic and playful, juxtaposed with the complex emotions displayed on the surface by the saxophone – despite the rain being unpredictable, wind whooshing around and misting water at us, the moment is heavenly. This song showcases both the musician’s strengths and instrumental techniques, taking turns in the spotlight and effortlessly uniting again. I’m especially looking forward to hearing the studio version of this piece and putting it on loop because it’s simply that good.
Daydreaming
Just as the title suggests, this song is the perfect BGM for your daily dose of daydreaming, taking you on an exciting adventure within the safety of your mind. As I’m writing this, listening to the song on repeat, I keep finding myself dozing off in distraction, as the oscillate saxophone lures me back into my thoughts. Beginning with a very pretty piano intro, we slowly crescendo into the saxophone, riding out the waves of our complex thoughts. The usually soft and bouncy piano matches the intensity of the climax, almost fighting for the limelight, before smoothing out into a twinkling melody once again – just as our internal monologue tends to mimic.
I Love You Porgy
When I first heard this title, I was honestly like ? What does that mean? But upon a quick search, I realized that I Love You Porgy was a rendition of a 1930s opera duet, which gained popularity in the 60s by Nina Simone. The lyrics are very desperate, as the protagonist professes their love to a partner, begging them to not leave for another. While I’m sure there is deeper context and nuance from the actual story, I could definitely feel the urgency and emotion of the song through Min and Geun’s performance, despite my ignorance of the original. The soft crescendos at the start of the song build up throughout, going from a subtle confession to a desperate plea, which explodes around 3:25, making you feel for the character. While I don’t know how this story actually ends, I would love to believe that the heartfelt tag insinuates a happy ending of prosperous love.
우량목
When I first heard this song, I envisioned a peaceful lake, with sunbeams glittering off of the surface – the perfect environment for a moment of reflection and introspection. I felt immediately calm from the heart-strumming piano, and comforted by the all-encompassing details of the saxophone. Returning to the title, I realized that I had never heard this phrase before, prompting me to engage in another little informative scavenger hunt. While I’m not 100% confident in what I found, or its relevance to the song’s original meaning, I found that 우량목 is a term used to describe the quality or condition of trees, often translated as “the superior tree.” This made me think about the comparative and perfectionistic nature of our society – how we not only compare ourselves to one another but analyze the worth of everything around us. However, this isn’t necessarily a bad thing – in fact, there’s something almost poetic about taking the time to study the nature around us and find ways to appreciate the beauty in our lives. I suppose the mental lakeside postcard that materialized in my head originally wasn’t too far off, as my ability to envision that moment was an amalgamation of all my past memories.
Stars Fell on Alabama
Finally, another interpretation of an existing song, Stars Fell on Alabama was popularized in the 50’s by Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong – two of the most iconic jazz figures of all time. It’s safe to say this song perfectly captures the essence of jazz, stacking up the swing and bounce in the piano with the tension and power of the woodwind. In fact, the original song has a bit of a different color, as Armstrong is known for his technical trumpet performances. However, in my own humble opinion (and I’m not just saying this because I’m a huge fan of Mini), I’ve always had a preference for saxophones over trumpets, making this rendition of the song even more special. I myself was a woodwind instrumentalist – a flautist, to be specific – for about 7 years, so it’s only fair that I rep my section, right? This song was the final track in the set list, and perfectly rounded out the jazzy 90-minute recital, full of whimsy and fun.
** ⋆˚࿔ Stay with Me 𝜗𝜚˚⋆
Except, that it wasn’t quite over just yet! Surprising us with a special encore performance, Mini transformed from saxophonist to vocalist, as he and Geun played Min’s debut song live for the first time. Released on March 26, 2024, Jeon Min dropped two songs, “Stay with Me” and “In Blue,” which genuinely blew me away. Knowing him as a talented instrumentalist, dabbling in guitar and piano, among others, it was such a shock to hear that Min was going to sing! Producing, composing, writing lyrics, and arranging all on his own, this double-single release is really something to be proud of. Though Jong geun actually participated in the second song, In Blue, laying down chords on the acoustic piano, the duo ironically decided to take us by surprise and perform the title track, Stay with Me, instead. Beginning with the precious snapshot of the pair sitting together on the piano stool, the song begins with a complex melody which the two executed flawlessly in collaboration. And then vocals! While Min was undeniably nervous to perform this song, you can see him slowly sliding into his element, nerves melting away, as he sings the song beautifully. It was such an honor to have been present for the first showcase of this lovely song, and I hope there will be more opportunities to experience the strong synergy that Min and Jong geun possess in the future.
To watch all the performances mentioned above, please click this video playlist which my friend, Dayan, uploaded! And keep an eye out for the project’s official release.
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