'Jazz People' magazine marks 10th anniversary, makes an overhaul

Monthly jazz magazine "Jazz People" marks its 10th anniversary this year. Launched in June 1996, Jazz People has since been adored by jazz fans as it covered a variety of news on jazz, interviews of prominent jazz figures and columns.

The june issue that just came out in commemoration of its 10th year has embraced a big change. "This is my last attempt and challenge where I put my utmost efforts," publisher and editor in chief Kim Gwang-hyeon said. The previous 60 pages have been extended to 128 pages, while its design has also been upgraded to resemble a mook. The music and publishing markets are suffering from severe downturn, but Jazz People is going against this trend.

"We maintained reviews of new albums and interview articles while upgrading design and paper quality, and also included new sections while expanding existing ones," Kim said. "We now have specially dedicated columns and more enjoyable content. We wanted to test out our ability of how far we could go to please the readers."

The June issue contains interviews of idol boy group Shinee's member Jong Hyun and hip hop producer Soriheda, and a new corner called Jazz X Hip Hop. "Starting with Jong Hyun, we intend to meet jazz fans in various sectors including idol group singers, scholars, politicians and artists," Kim said.

Taking idea from the LP boom, the "First Press Jazz LP" section has been newly created to cover stories of first edition albums. Overall, photos were enlarged to cater to the recent trend of laying importance on image.

Just two people have led Jazz People for the past 20 years. They are Kim and reporter Ahn Min-yong. More than 10 writers composed of commentators and columnists also contributed. Recently, reporter Ryu Hee-sung joined Ahn. Ryu has been writing articles on hip hop, as he is from webzine "Hip Hop LE."

"People in their teens and 20s who enjoy hip hop music are often attracted to jazz that is played as background in hip hop music," Kim said. "I hope to guide these newcomers to the world of jazz." The number of "Likes" in Jazz People's Facebook page (facebook.com/jazzpeople) recently topped 10,000.

Jazz has been losing market share, with the figure having dropped to 1 percent of the total album market even in the U.S. This is even lower than classic music. Complex chords and long and difficult impromptu plays have been moved to back side due to two to three minute songs with easy and repetitive melodies.

Group "The NEQ" that received top cross over album trophy at the Korean popular music award in February said "Thank you to all people who actually bought the albums." Even so, the Seoul Jazz Festival that opened last weekend attracted some 46,000 spectators for three days, according to the estimates by the hosting organization.

임희윤기자 imi@donga.com