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BIOGRAPHY
Hyeonseon Baek is a jazz vocalist, songwriter, and educator based in New York City. Born in Korea, he began singing in choirs as a child and was deeply influenced by soul and R&B icons such as Stevie Wonder and Donny Hathaway. He later discovered jazz through vocal legends like Carmen McRae and Kurt Elling, who continue to shape his musical approach.
Baek earned his Bachelor of Music in the Netherlands with the Holland National Excellence Scholarship and completed the four-year program in just three. A university-funded visit to New York inspired him to pursue his Master’s degree in Jazz Voice at the New England Conservatory, where he studied with Dominique Eade and Jason Moran. During this time, he also shared the stage with Dave Holland, Cécile McLorin Salvant, and Michael Mayo.
In December 2023, Baek recorded his debut album Longing in a single day at Bunker Studio in Brooklyn. Released in 2024, the album features Kevin Hays, Linda May Han Oh, Jochen Rueckert, and Lucas Pino, the album was named one of Jazz Weekly’s Top 10 Albums of the Year and received a four-star review from All About Jazz for its lyrical depth and phrasing.
QUOTES
Jason Moran, Jazz Pianist
"Hyeonseon sings with all of his heart and soul. He locates the center of the song and lets the band spin around him. "
All About Jazz by Troy Dostert ****
“Longing reveals a promising talent on the rise. One is struck by Baek's velvety tenor, as he embodies the perfect combination of insouciance and wonder…Baek's debut is an enjoyable and engaging listen, and an auspicious beginning to what should be a long and fruitful musical journey.”
Jazz In Europe by Steven James
“…Longing” is an exceptionally strong debut release from Hyeonseon Baek, showcasing his versatility as a vocalist and ability to seamlessly blend the tradition with a modern approach...“Longing” is highly recommended for anyone seeking a fresh, innovative take on the genre, as it undoubtedly heralds the arrival of a promising new voice in the jazz world.“
Bebop Spoken Here by Lance Liddle
“"...A vocal from Baek that suggests he is the logical successor to the late greats Mark Murphy and Jon Hendricks.”
TOP TEN ALBUMS OF 2024 Jazz Weekly by George Harris
“If you want a unique singing style that still hits home, check out Korean vocalist Hyeonseon Baek...I’ve got to see this guy in action!”
Jazz Life Japan by Hiroshi Ogawa
This is the debut album by vocalist Henson Beck, who is originally from Korea and based in New York...This album showcases jazz standards and original compositions with rich expressiveness. Beck's vocals evoke memories of Chet Baker, though more refined...
Jazz People Magazine by Minju Kim
Hyeonseon Baek's [Longing] is an ambitious debut in many ways. Confidence in a clear and soft tenor voice, flexible expressiveness across various styles, brilliant writing/arranging capabilities across trios and quartets, and a high interest in sound directing in recording and mixing are clearly conveyed throughout the album. You can enjoy the colorful, expressive power of Baek Hyun-sun and the skills of the performers who participated in the album.
MM JAZZ Magazine by Heejun Kim
“A vocalist with a charming and heartfelft style that continues the legacy of male bebop vocalists..."
Musical Memoirs by Dee Dee McNeil
“Korean jazz vocalist reaches for new, risk-taking adventures, reflected not only in his voice but in the wonderful, fresh arrangements that his musical group offers. His tenor voice impresses me, and notably, Hyeonseon has a style all his own. Baek is obviously a bad-ass and performs flawlessly and with no fear.
Jazz History Online by Thomas Cunniffe
"...Young jazz singers are usually referred to as "diamonds in the rough," but Hyeonseon Baek is quite close to being a fully polished performer.”
The Walker's by Masayuki Koito
“A debut album from a notable male jazz vocalist from Korea. He is a gifted artist with a rich, expressive, sensual voice and striking visuals!”
Music Pen Club Japan by Keizo Takada
“…Baek delivers these with a soft tenor voice and incorporates skillful scatting. Although his voice is quite different, it brings to mind Mark Murphy. Beck is an artist whose future work is highly anticipated.
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