After graduating from Berklee College of Music in 2016, South Korea born John Lee established himself as a prominent multi-instrumentalist in Vancouver, becoming a first-call player on the Vancouver jazz scene who performs on a high level on double bass, drums, piano, organ and guitar. 

 

The 28 year old bass player conveys a wisdom and musicality that’s far beyond his years.   John’s album The Artist stands as testament to his facility on the bass, as well as being an accomplished composer and arranger. Along with John on bass, the album captures his intricate interplay with three other masterful musicians: drummer Carl Allen, pianist Miles Black and tenor saxophonist Cory Weeds.

 

Our conversation takes us through John’s family’s move from South Korea to Nanaimo, Canada when he was 5 and his discovery of Jazz that came as the result of a box of CDs sent by a friend of his mother that included classics from artists like Miles Davis and Ron Carter. We discuss how his musical journey, and the influence of a high school teacher, led John to Berklee then back to Canada. The result is the creation of his debut album of reimagined straight ahead Jazz, swing and two original compositions dedicated to the memory of his artist father who passed away in 2014.