WoongSan
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
April 18, 1973
WoongSan | |
|---|---|
 WoongSan in 2021 | |
| Background information | |
| Born | Kim Eun Young April 18, 1973 |
| Genres | Jazz, blues |
| Occupation | Singer |
| Years active | 1996–present |
| Website | www |
WoongSan (born Kim Eun Young, April 18, 1973) is a South Korean musician.[2] She has been a leading figure in the jazz music scene in Korea and Japan for over a decade, having performed live over 500 times since her 1998 Japanese debut. She is the first Korean-born musician to perform at New York City's historic Blue Note Jazz Club and has collaborated with many other well-known jazz musicians including Benny Green, Lonnie Plaxico, Rodney Green, Conrad Herwig and Suzuki Hisatsugu. She is also well known for training Ali (South Korean singer), a popular K-pop singer.
When she was 18, WoongSan spent a year and a half at a Buddhist temple in the Korean countryside. During her training she had a powerful realization: her calling in life was music.[3] Initially she played in a college rock band, but after a friend played her a Billie Holiday record, she began to dedicate herself to jazz. She spent several years performing as a solo artist then released her first album accompanied by a jazz ensemble in 1996. By the end of 1998 she was a recognizable figure in both Korea and Japan, and since then, she has released six albums, garnered numerous awards and critical acclaim, and continues to tour prolifically. She has also written many songs for films.
Last year, she proved her career was an ongoing path as a music performer on the stage collaborated with Lee Ritenour.[4]
Style
WoongSan's style is a distinctive blend of jazz, blues, Latin and funk style. Her mid-low voice does not span as much tonal ground as other famous singers, but what she lacks in range she more than makes up for in creativity and malleability.[5] As an independent lyricist, Woong San has penned powerful ballads, cozy love numbers and everything in between. Buddhism has played a prominent role in her life, and it shines through in her songwriting: she often explores the themes of freedom, mindfulness and the beauty of change in her songs. Her work has been described as "soulful, fearless, sultry."
Discography
Studio albums
| Title | Album details | Peak chart positions | Sales |
|---|---|---|---|
| KOR [6] | |||
| Love Letters |
|
— | |
| The Blues |
|
— | |
| Yesterday |
|
— |
|
| Fall in Love |
|
—[a] |
|
| Miss Mister (1st Gift Album) |
|
— | |
| Close Your Eyes |
|
17 | |
| Once I Loved (2nd Gift Album) |
|
41 | |
| Tomorrow |
|
23 |
|
| I Love You |
|
17 |
|
| Temptation |
|
17 |
|
| I'm Alright |
|
— | |
| Love, Its Longing (사랑 그 그리움) |
|
48 | |
| Love, Its Longing, Vol. 2 (사랑 그 그리움2) |
|
98 | |
| Who Stole the Skies |
|
— | |
| Love, Its Longing, Vol. 3 (사랑 그 그리움3) |
|
61 |
|
Compilation albums
| Title | Album details | Peak chart positions | Sales |
|---|---|---|---|
| KOR [6] | |||
| The Best |
|
17 |
|
Extended plays
| Title | Album details | Peak chart positions | Sales |
|---|---|---|---|
| KOR [6] | |||
| Jazz Is My Life |
|
40 |
|
Soundtrack appearances
- "Saranghagineun Hangeongayo..." (사랑하기는 한건가요...; Mom and Sister, 2000)
- "Sad Song" (Man of the Sun, Lee Je-ma, 2002)
- "Elegy" (Capital Scandal, 2007)
- "Fate" (인연; Iljimae, 2008)
- "Mascara De Un Payaso" (Private Eye, 2009)
- "Damned Love" (지독한사랑; The Slave Hunters, 2010)
- "If You Love Me" (It's Okay, Daddy's Girl, 2010)
- "Have It All!" (Miss Conspirator, 2012)
- "Love is Strong" (Babel, 2019)
- "One" (Love Affair In The Afternoon, 2019)
- "You Make Me" (Kiss Sixth Sense, 2022)
