Intro

Contemporary music with a Korean touch

Synopsis

The group’s second album, Passing of Illusion, was released in October 2015, and contains nine tracks that incorporate modern interpretations of traditional sounds such as "Moolae-Taryung," "Heung-Taryung," and "Dal-Taryung," as well as original compositions based on poems by KIM, Sowol and works of Sijo (traditional three-verse poem) by LEE, Jik. The album got The NEQ nominated for Best Crossover Performance and Best Crossover Album in the 13th Korean Music Awards. The band won the prize for Best Crossover Album, inspiringcritics to claim, "The NEQ’s music has reached new levels of creativity by combining jazz with traditional music."

Review

"Music of free imagination and unique beauty without being bound to the Korean tradition" - Choi Gyu-yong, the award committees of Korean Music Awards 2016

Creator / artist

The NEQ (Near East Quartet) was founded by a group of artists under the leadership of saxophonist SON, Sang-jae and guitarist CHUNG, Su-wuk, who have long endeavored to combine contemporary jazz with traditional Korean music. They have created a unique form of contemporary Korean music through improvisation.