The Korean Cultural Centre is pleased to launch the first of our <VKC Performing Arts Series>, aimed at showcasing the diversity of Korean performing arts to Canadian audiences. We are proud to present the first team, NST & The Soul Sauce meets Kim Yulhee.

In 2017, NST & The Soul Sauce, an eight-piece roots reggae band, joined forces with a multi-award winning Korean pansori vocalist Kim Yulhee to create one of the most unique cross-genre mashup tunes that has never been heard before. Their unique sound has elements of reggae/dub, jazz, afrobeat, funk, soul, psychedelic blended with deep rooted Korean traditional sound. Along with the influence of Korean traditional sound and philosophy, they’ve created what they have dubbed: “Korean reggae." As Official Showcase Artist for WOMEX 2019 and Mundial Montreal, they are sharing their music to global audiences.

This video will be composed of 4 songs chosen from past performances’ highlights: Bbangdeok, The Swallow Knows, Joong Taryeong and Bak Taryeong. Enjoy the exciting performance of NST & The Soul Sauce meets Kim Yulhee.

Video link: https://youtu.be/Hw-4gpEdyos

Performance video available from June.19th (2PM) until Aug.31st

1. Bbangdeok

As the first collaborated song of NST & The Soul Sauce meets Kim Yulhee, they reinterpreted the original song into ‘Roots reggae’ while keeping its original flow. From the pansori novel “Simcheongga”, this song accuses an evil woman named Bbaengdeok on her intention to take away property from a blind man named Sim Hakgyu.

2. (Who Knows) The Swallow Knows

A baby swallow falls in grave danger while learning how to fly. Thanks to the kind-hearted Mr. Heungbu, the swallow is able to fly again. To repay gratitude, the swallow flies back to Mr. Heungbu’s house with a gourd seed. In this song, you will be able to hear the deeply rooted meanings behind the cries and the songs of the swallow.

3. 중타령 Joong Taryeong (Monk Song)

The first verse excerpted from "Heungbuga", describes a monk wearing a Buddhist robe with beads and a hat going on alms round. The second verse excerpted from "Simcheongjeon" describes the monk fingering the beads, reciting Buddhist chant "Namu Amitabul" while taking a stroll. The song is played with Eotmori beats (Korean traditional 5 beats), which has been highly acclaimed in the international reggae scenes as the first 5 beat-reggae in history.

4. 박타령 Bak Taryeong (Work Song of Heungbu: Halve a Gourd)

This song is about the story of Mr. Heungbu, a poor but humble man who cares for a swallow's broken leg. The bird repays his kindness and gives him a gourd seed which grows into a big gourd. Heungbu’s family decides to split it in half, finding loads of treasure inside. You will feel Heungbu’s excitement as he halves the gourd through different rhythms in each scene.

MEMBERS

노선택 Noh Seonteck : Bass, Vocal

스마일리송 Smiley Song: Percussions, Melodica, Vocal

강택현 Kang Teckhyun: Drums

이시문 Simun: Guitar

이종민 Lee Jongmin: Keyboards

신현필 Shin Hyun Phil: Saxophone

유승철 Yoo Seoung Cheol: Trumpet

박준 Park June: Dubwiser

Pansori Singer

김율희 Kim Yulhee : Korean Traditional Voice

This program is presented in partnership with SORI agency. Learn more at www.sori.nyc