While last night’s concert at the Vortex in east London was singer Youn Sun Nah’s first concert in the UK and marked the release of her album Voyage, the Korean singer has built up a steady reputation in France and in Seoul and is now set for further international exposure with the new album featuring Swedish guitarist Ulf Wakenius, best known for his work with the late Oscar Peterson. Youn Sun Nah’s album was produced by Wakenius’ fellow countryman Lars Danielsson and the clear highlight of last night’s concert and the album as well was the pellucid treatment of Danielsson’s song ‘Asta’, now, with lyrics called ‘The Linden’. Sun Nah also showed her linguistic dexterity, singing in Portuguese on a few bossas, French very effectively on Jacques Brel’s ‘Ne Me Quitte Pas’ as well as delivering a range of other songs that moved from Tom Waits’ ‘Jockey Full of Bourbon’ to the homespun Americana of ‘Shenandoah’. Wakenius, with his decorous accompaniment and strong rhythmic sense was an ideal partner for Sun Nah and his solo features before the singer came on were as ingenious as they were elaborate. His knowing version of Jim Pepper’s ‘Witchi Tai To’ and the late Esbjörn Svensson’s ‘Believe Beleft Below’ were finely judged. Youn Sun Nah has a wonderfully clear voice, with superb melismatic control and dynamic poise especially in soft passages. She is a welcome new presence on the international jazz scene.
- Stephen Graham