Chapter 223 (2/2)

Laura’s 4 days of 8 performances was like a box of chocolates. There was more and more interest because just as it is impossible to know what flavor it is before taking the wrapper off, they could not know who the performer would be.

When news of Laura’s first performance got out through the media, there were requests to hold more recitals and for sales of the record and scores. Laura’s performance was a user’s guide showing people how to develop Jun Hyuk’s 5 songs.

***

“Jun. You’re not thinking of a solo performance for Monterey Jazz Festival, are you?”

“Of course not. I don’t even have a band.”

“I was asking just in case. The festival committee sent this, and there are 2 things that they want.”

The document that President Stern showed him listed participating in Clarke and Lee L. Carlton’s joint performance and playing the piano as part of European Jazz Big Band’s performance.

“Isaac. Big Band rehearsals will be no joke.”

Jazz Big Band has over 20 people and is not much different from an orchestra. They need to perform with perfect configuration and it is hard to expect improvisation. But the fine performance that Big Band presents is another flavor of jazz.

“I can just do the Stanley Clarke and Lee L. Carlton joint performance, right?”

“Of course.”

President Stern grinned when he saw Jun Hyuk smile.

“I see you’re happy to be meeting Stanley Clarke again?”

“That’s good, but I’m really looking forward to standing on stage with Lee L. Carlton, too. It’s rare to find guitarists who can follow through with such clean and well-presented phrases as he can.”

“Great. Then, I’ll tell the festival committee that. And… the performance in Korea.”

“Yes.”

“We’re trying to prepare for a live album. What do you think?”

President Stern is asking about the album because he cannot make a determination on Korean musicians. He has heard enough of Seoul Symphony’s performances through albums, but all he knows about the musicians who participated in Jun Hyuk’s 1st album is that one album itself.

Jun Hyuk thought for a moment and then nodded.

“It’ll be okay. Each individual’s abilities are great. There won’t be anything bad to say even if the album comes out. Oh right. I don’t know how those musicians have changed since then… so I’m sure we’ll have to check that.”

Jun Hyuk spoke confidently, but President Stern shook his head.

“Jun. I’m not thinking of the Korean market when I talk about the album, but the global market. We’re even thinking of changing the lyrics to English. That’s why the participating musicians need to be up to standard for the global market.”

If they substitute the musicians and change the lyrics to English, it will become a completely new album. Then the people who participated in the 1st album lose all rights to this performance.

“We can take session men from here if we need to. And for the singers…..”

“Yes. How many were there? Various people sang on the album.”

“I know. I’m thinking of picking the singers separately.”

“What? You’re going to change them?”

It does not mean that he will see what the Korean singers are like now, before making a decision. President Stern did not want the Korean singers in the first place.

“Of course. We need to take people who are fitting for the global market. Oh, don’t take it the wrong way. I’m not saying that I can’t trust those Korean singers. It’s just that the singers need to be world stars when thinking about album sales. This is with keeping marketing in mind.”

Jun Hyuk looked at President Stern for a moment and laughed as he spoke. “Isaac.”

“Yeah.”

“From now on, you don’t need to explain all sorts of things to me or ask my opinion. You can just tell me what I need to do, whether that’s a stage or studio. Anything is fine. And you can do whatever you want for the people I will be performing with.”

President Stern was speechless at Jun Hyuk’s unexpected words. He fully understands what Jun Hyuk is saying. Jun Hyuk is not talking about the efficiency of the work they do, but that he trusts him.

When President Stern spoke again, he was smiling brightly.

“Fine. Then, I’ll have to really work you hard from now on. I’m going to treat you like a slave. Ha ha.”