Black String
Min Wang Hwang vocals/taepyeongso/janggu/percussion, Aram Lee daegeum/taepyeongso/yanggeum/tungso/danso, Yoon Jeong Heo geomungo/six-string zither, Jean Oh Guitar electronics
The Netherlands and South Korea have maintained a good diplomatic relationship for 60 years. This will be celebrated, especially since a 60 year anniversary, or Hwangap, is of great importance in Korean culture. For example, in October several Dutch musicians will perform at the Jarasum Jazz Festival in South Korea. In the same month, the BIMHUIS will host Korea Focus, a two-day festival featuring five Korean bands. The first one is Black String.
The band Black String from Seoul has developed a unique style on traditional instruments, which ranges from quiet to overwhelming. The foursome is led by Yoon Jeong Heo, who is renowned for her innovative playing on the string instrument geomungo. She previously collaborated with bassist Mark Dresser, who calls het a brilliant improviser. Black String fuses acoustic instruments, electric guitar and electronics to mesmerizing effect.