Ian Patterson:
Jiyoung Lee, pianist/keyboardist and leader of Korean jazz-funk sextet Jazz Snobs Funk Addicts probably has to pinch herself from time to time. Encouraged from a young age by her parents to pursue a life as a classical pianist, Lee instead opted for the greater expressive freedom—and the economic uncertainty— offered by jazz. Her journey so far has been an inspiring one.
Within a few short years of taking the plunge, Lee found herself studying jazz in Texas, where she played with some of the very best North American jazz musicians and recorded a solo album. She also toured in trumpeter Maynard Ferguson's band, criss-crossing forty American states during ten months on the road. And whereas only a very small number of jazz musicians can claim to have played for royalty, Lee holds the unusual distinction of having played with royalty.
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