Jihye Lee is a South Korean conductor, composer, arranger, and producer who leads her own 18-piece jazz orchestra. She has won numerous awards for her work and is known for translating cultural stories into powerful, emotional songs that reflect her own experiences. Lee’s musical journey began with her curiosity and experimentation with music, leading her from indie pop to jazz composition upon moving to the U.S. in 2011. She gradually built her musical community through social media and word of mouth, eventually forming her own big band.
Lee’s debut album “Infinite Connections,” released in 2020, reflects her deep connection to her female ancestors and their stories. Each of the album’s nine tracks blends contemporary jazz with traditional Korean rhythms, showcasing Lee’s unique blend of musical influences. The album explores themes of fate, grief, and hope, drawing inspiration from personal experiences such as the passing of her grandmother and her mother’s stroke. Through music, Lee found solace and comfort, connecting with her roots and finding strength in her ancestral ties.
Despite the poignant subject matter of “Infinite Connections,” many of the tracks exude a sense of hope and triumph. Lee wanted to convey a message of resilience and acceptance, particularly evident in tracks like “Crossing the River of Grace” and “Surrender.” These pieces reflect themes of transitioning, making peace with the universe, and finding solace in the face of life’s challenges. Through her music, Lee explores the interconnectedness of human beings and the cyclical nature of life, drawing on her ancestral ties for inspiration.
Lee’s journey into jazz was marked by a sense of curiosity and experimentation, leading her to explore complex rhythms and harmonies. She found that jazz allowed her to express herself in ways that traditional music did not, providing a platform for creativity and self-expression. Through her music, Lee grapples with themes of fate, grief, and connection, drawing on her personal experiences and cultural heritage for inspiration. As an artist, Lee aims to create music that resonates with listeners on a deep, emotional level, allowing each listener to interpret her music in their own unique way.
For Lee, music is a powerful tool for self-expression, healing, and connection. As she navigates the complexities of life and loss, Lee finds solace in her ancestral ties and draws inspiration from the stories of her female ancestors. Through her music, Lee explores themes of fate, grief, and hope, inviting listeners to reflect on their own experiences and emotions. In sharing her music with the world, Lee hopes to create a sense of connection and understanding, allowing each listener to find meaning and solace in her songs.
