Winterplay is a pop-jazz group from South Koreaconsisting of one member: Juhan Lee as producer, songwriter and trumpet player. From 2008 to 2015 the band included the lead vocalist Haewon, with bassist Eunkyu So and guitarist Saza-Woojoon Choi as supporting members. Juhan created the project in November 2007 and by 2008, Juhan succeeded signing an International distribution deal with Universal Music Japan for worldwide distribution. Winterplay has not only earned attention from Korea, but also creating waves in Japan and rest of the world as a first leader of "Jazz Hallyu". Juhan coined the term K-jazz in 2012, and many Korean jazz artists now use the word to describe their jazz music.
History
The name "Winterplay" was chosen for the band, according to So Eun Kyu, the group's contrabass player, "for the simple reason of having gathered during the winter. People listen to softer, more comforting music in the winter time with slower lyrics and a heavier mood. It fit well with the concept of our songs".
In 2008, Winterplay was charted No. 1 in the jazz section of iTunes, and became the first Asian artist to perform at BillboardLive in Japan. Since their first international debut in Japan in 2009 with their Songs of Colored Love album, they have released worldwide to 26 countries, with an international release showcase in London in 2010. Currently, they hold 2 Gold Records in the category of Jazz in Korea for “Hot Summerplay”, and in Hong Kong for their second albumSunshines. The duo released Sunshines in Hong Kong's record franchise HMV, where it ranked no. 1 for the best-selling jazz album.
In 2013, Winterplay was invited to Jade Solid Gold, one of the most prestigious music shows in Hong Kong. They were the first musician to be featured from abroad.
In 2014, Winterplay was invited to “The Sky Jazz: A Tribute to King” set to open on December 20 in Bangkok along with several big-name global musicians such as the Count Basie Orchestra, Larry Carlton, John Paul Pizzarelli Jr. and Diane Schuur. Except for some Thai musicians, Winterplay was the only Asian band to perform in this festival.
Their latest third album titled Two Fabulous Fools was released in Korea on July 17, 2013. As of October, 2013, Universal Music Hong Kong has also signed Winterplay for their release of Two Fabulous Fools in Hong Kong, China, Taiwan, Macau, Thailand, Singapore and Indonesia.
Winterplay is due to release its first single titled Es tu vida in Korea on October 19, 2017, which will be followed by new singles from Winterplay's 4th Album to be released sometime in early 2018.
Music Style
The genre of Winterplay's music is on the borders between jazz, pop, latin, and lounge. Unlike typical jazz songs dependent on piano, the strength of Winterplay's music is the pop feeling, strong melody, and short length without piano. Their jazz style is influenced by Louis Armstrong and it was decided to fuse their love of pop and jazz.
