“Originality,” Debut CD by Boston-Based South Korean
Pianist/Composer Mina Cho, Due Sept. 7

Mina Cho, a 28-year-old native of
Seoul, South Korea, is a 2009 Summa Cum Laude graduate of the Berklee
College of Music, with a degree in Film Scoring and Jazz Composition. On
her impressive recording debut, “Originality,” she incorporates jazz,
gospel, Venezuelan lando and merengue, and Brazilian choro into a vivid
personal statement that is the very definition of “original.”

Richmond, CA (PRWE
July 21, 2010

Pianist Mina Cho was on track for a dazzling
classical career when she first encountered gospel music as a university
student in her native Seoul. She sought private study of her new
passion, which led her to jazz, a scholarship at Berklee College of
Music, and the recording of her first CD. The aptly-titled disc,
“Originality,” reflects Cho’s distinctive pan-American perspective and
singular voice as pianist and composer. It will be released on Blink
Music on September 7.

“Mina’s compositions and piano playing and soloing incorporate a
level of sophistication, grace, and raw power while being totally
unique,” says Leo Blanco, the acclaimed Venezuelan pianist/composer who
was an important mentor for Cho at Berklee. “She has the heart of a true
improviser and contemporary jazz musician, but has also mastered music
from other styles, such as South American and Afro-Caribbean. This gives
her a totally unique status in the contemporary music scene.”

A 2009 Summa Cum Laude graduate of Berklee, with a degree in Film
Scoring and Jazz Composition, Mina assembled an international cast of
collaborators for the new album, all of whom she met while at Berklee:
the young saxophonist Andrew Halchak, guitarist Shu Odamura, South
Korean bassist Sam J.C. Lee, and the Venezuelan-born drummer Mario
Rodriguez, who shares her reverence for Leo Blanco. “I’ve played with
other great drummers,” says Cho, “but Mario brings so much love and
understanding to my music.”

Mina’s striking compositions incorporate “various cultural elements
and my diverse experiences in music, which is shaped and colored by my
own musical interpretation and vocabulary and personality,” says Cho.
“One can hear rhythms and harmonic elements of Venezuelan music,
Brazilian choro, gospel jazz, and swing, but somehow all of those
influences are connected through my musical vision.”

Mina, 28, came to Berklee on a scholarship in January 2006 and
covered her living expenses with a series of piano and organ gigs at
African-American churches in the Boston area. (She currently plays at
the Somerville Community Baptist Church and the Ebenezer Assembly of
God.)

While continuing to develop her gospel chops outside of school, she
had the opportunity to study at Berklee with Leo Blanco, who introduced
her to Venezuelan styles like lando and merengue. Cho also explored
tango and Afro-Cuban forms, and—thanks to Brazilian pianist Cesar
Camargo Mariano, whose compositions and concepts have been an
inspiration—Brazilian music, particularly choro.

“I feel so grateful to have the chance to share my story with other
people through my music, particularly through my new album,” says Cho.
“Each tune in this album reminds me of the very special moments I have
had while living in the United States: The thrilling moment when I first
saw Leo Blanco playing his compositions with all his passion and love
for music; the moment I played my music completely connected with my
musician colleagues; the moment I lost someone who had been taking care
of me with love since I lived in Boston; the passion, friendship, joy,
and sorrow in my life. Now I have finished writing a chapter of my
music, and I am ready to start my journey for the next one.”

Mina Cho and her quintet (same musicians as on “Originality”) will be
performing a CD release concert on 9/29 at Ryles Jazz Club in
Cambridge.