Wouter Hamel to Serenade Fans in Seoul
07-14-2009 

Dutch jazz singer-songwriter Wouter Hamel will perform Aug. 30 and Sept. 6 at the Waterside Stage, Olympic Park, southern Seoul. / Courtesy of Private Curve

By Cathy Rose A. Garcia
Staff Reporter

Rising jazz star Wouter Hamel will once again serenade Korean fans with his romantic tunes in late August.

Hamel first charmed fans with a mesmerizing performance at the Seoul Jazz Festival last May.

This time, Hamel's concerts on Aug. 30 and Sept. 6 will be held outdoors at the Waterside Stage, Olympic Park, southern Seoul. Only 1,000 seats are available, creating a more intimate setting for the artist and fans.

The Dutch singer-songwriter is considered one of the hottest ``it' guys in the jazz world. His music has an up-tempo swing beat and seems to blend jazz and pop effortlessly.

Hamel won the Dutch Jazz Vocalist Competition in 2005. He was quickly noticed in the music scene, scoring nominations for the Deloitte Jazz Award and Edison People's Choice Award.

In 2007, he released his debut album``Hamel,' which received critical acclaim and commercial success not just in Netherlands but other countries. He won the prestigious Dutch Silver Harp award and a Gold Disc award.

His sophomore album ``Nobody's Tune,' now available in Korea, was produced by Benny Sings, a sought-after producer in the Netherlands, United Kingdom and Japan.

With his boyish good looks, deep vocals and charm, it's no wonder Hamel had Korean female fans swooning during his performance at the Seoul Jazz Festival. Organizers noted with surprise how many ladies ran up in front of the stage and shouted Hamel's name, something not normally seen in jazz concerts.

His up-coming concert will include pop-jazz tunes like ``Breezy,' ``Details,' ``In Between' and ``March, April, May.' Hamel will be accompanied on stage by a five-member band, namely bassist Sven Happel, drummer Jasper Van Hulten, percussionist, Gijs Anders Van Straalen, pianist Pieter de Graaf and guitarist Rory Ronde.

Hamel's concert is part of Private Curve's ``The Artiste Vol. 1: Love' concert series. The new concert emphasizes the artistry of performers who inspire and motivate the audience.

Tickets are 88,000 won. A free glass of wine is available for ticket holders before the concert. Call (02) 563-0595 or visit www.privatecurve.com.

cathy@koreatimes.co.kr Wouter Hamel to Serenade Fans in Seoul