Sun-Mi Hong Quintet – Fourth Page: Meaning of a Nest | Album Release

Sun-Mi Hong, a South Korean-born, Amsterdam-based musician, is one of the most innovative drummers and composers of her generation. Constantly pushing the boundaries of jazz, she seamlessly blends influences from diverse musical traditions. Her upcoming album, Third Page: Resonance, released on Edition Records, showcases her exceptional talent in merging intricate compositions with the boundless freedom of improvisation. Set for release in March 2025, this album highlights her unmatched creative vision and groundbreaking artistry.

The Sun-Mi Hong Quintet, founded in 2016, emerged from Hong’s pursuit of self-expression while navigating the complexities of adapting to a new cultural landscape in the Netherlands. She carefully selected musicians whose empathetic and diverse personalities align with her exploration of a new sense of home while embracing the challenges of a different cultural environment. The ensemble features Nicolò Ricci (tenor saxophone), Alistair Payne (trumpet), Chaerin Im (piano), and Alessandro Fongaro (bass).

This album captures the quintet’s collective experiences and emotions during its creation, weaving themes of melancholy and innocence, deeply influenced by Hong’s South Korean heritage and personal journey. The compositions unfold as a series of emotional vignettes, with tracks like Meaning of a Nest, Escapism, Toddler’s Eye, and Heartstone striking a captivating balance between vivid energy and contemplative stillness.