Aijah Jay Thompson Trio First Korea Concert

[PERFORMANCE INTRODUCTION] Isaiah J. Thompson Trio First Live in Seoul Pianist and composer Isaiah J. Thompson is the 2023 recipient of the American Piano Awards and has been selected as a Steinway Artist. He is one of the most sought-after traditional jazz pianists today, performing alongside jazz legends such as Ron Carter, Wynton Marsalis, Christian McBride, and John Pizzarelli. He has been invited to perform at various prestigious venues and media platforms including Lincoln Center, the Detroit Jazz Festival, and NPR's Tiny Desk. His latest album "The Book of Isaiah" skillfully blends gospel and blues influences with jazz, receiving critical acclaim from numerous media outlets. His first performance in Korea will be an opportunity to witness the continuation of authentic American jazz through a young pianist's artistry, while also experiencing the vibrant future of the New York jazz scene firsthand. The trio will feature Sebastian Rios, bassist of the New York-based group "New Jazz Underground," already gaining attention for their sensual blend of hip-hop and jazz, as well as drummer David Alvarez III, who has performed with the Clayton Brothers and Benny Green. Together, they will deliver authentic jazz with a distinctly contemporary sensibility. Performance Highlights Point 1. Exciting and dynamic performances in authentic New York straight-ahead jazz Point 2. Exceptional artistry from an American jazz rising star selected as a Steinway Artist Point 3. Refined and contemporary performances by young musicians representing the New York jazz scene "His music carries a spirit that elevates faith, music, race, and humanity with greater hope." – Jazz Times A native of New Jersey and Juilliard School of Music graduate, pianist Isaiah J. Thompson is a highly promising talent in traditional jazz. In 2018, he won second place at the prestigious Thelonious Monk International Jazz Competition and received the Lincoln Center Emerging Artists Award. Selected for the Young Stars of Jazz project led by Wynton Marsalis in 2019, he performed at the Jazz in Marciac Festival and toured Europe. That same year, he was selected as a trio member for swing guitar legend John Pizzarelli, with whom he continues to perform. In 2023, Thompson won the prestigious American Piano Awards and was hired in 2024 as the youngest professor at Juilliard School of Music, his alma mater. His music showcases spiritual jazz rooted in blues and gospel—the foundations of jazz—that enriches the soul. Through his original compositions, he expresses reverence for God and profound affection and respect for jazz music.