Malo

I’m back to full blooded jazz with the discovery of Malo  (말로)  – described as the “Ella Fitzgerald of Korea” and “Queen of Scat” due to her impressive vocalizations and use of Korean language. Her performances are simply breathtaking, including both traditional jazz songs and her own compositions.

Malo

Originally “Cheong Malo” I have not been able to find any details of her first two albums. However, readily available albums include Malo vol 3 (2004), Malo vol 4 “Towards you now” (2006), and vol 5 “This Moment” (2009). Albums 3 and 4 particularly feature her own material.

So now to the video treat – Malo’s version of the classic “Devil May Care” – simple arrangement but so packed with energy and featuring her trademark scat. Also featured is the wonderful harmonica of Jun Jea Duk – a regular musical partner at present it seems.

Malo has a brief MySpace page at http://www.myspace.com/malojazz with a single (albeit beautifully presented) song “What a wonderful world”. There is also a short promotional video on the same service. I have not found many other sites in English, so here is another YouTube delight – in more romantic mood “Falling Cherry Blossoms”:

Explore further with YouTube posters tbxldtmxk and realdocu.