Dublin-based improvisational jazz/hip-hop act Korteh have released their new single, Cherry Blossom. We asked keyboard player Finn Smyth the BIG questions . . .
Korteh is a five-piece band comprised of members Finn, Sidney Edge on guitar, and Cúan Dignan on tenor saxophone, Alexander Guerra on bass and Teige Powell on drums.
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They draw inspiration from a large cannon of music from Be-Bop all the way through the jazz revival in hip hop of the early 90s and further on to the music of Roy Hargrove.
Tell us three things about yourself . . .
We've only been playing as a group for a year and Cherry Blossom came out on the same day as our first gig a year ago (unintentionally). Our writing process is one which is very collaborative. Despite our name being Korteh (core-teh) we are a five-piece band.
How would you describe your music?
As a group it’s hard for us to put our music in a specific box with all members pulling from different musical backgrounds which helps to form our sound. The overall sound lies somewhere between hip hop and jazz with improvisation being a key component to our sound. No two of our gigs will sound the same.
Who are your musical inspirations?
As a group we’re quite inspired by artists such as Alfa Mist, Ezra Collective, J Dilla, Jorja Smith, Ahmad Jamal and Irish act Moondiver.
What was the first gig you ever went to?
Sidney Edge: The first gig I went to was Kamasi Washington. It was before lockdown when I was 16 in The Olympia. The sound filled the whole room and the aesthetics left a lasting impression on me , it was quite a moving gig.
What was the first record you ever bought?
Finn Smyth: The first record I ever bought was Dark Side of the Moon by Pink Floyd - bit of a cliche but it’s a great record with amazing production and storytelling. Would put it second to their other album Meddle, however.
What’s your favourite song right now?
Teige Powell: Right now, I’m listening to Brad Mehldau’s version of It Might As Well Be Spring.
Favourite lyric of all time?
Cúan Dignan: Let’s Get it On by Marvin Gaye.
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Alexandre Guerra: Tema de Amor de Gabriela by Tom Jobim. First of all, it's a suite, which doesn't make it boring at all; it has several "acts" or movements that succeed one another, with changing of tempo and modulations. So, it is a rich tune, full of colour and movement. Also, it is not a suite in the "classical" sense as it mixes a bunch of "popular" rhythms (e.g. maxixe, baião etc.) and references of Brazilian pop culture. All in all, a good example of the genius of Jobim.
Where can people find your music/more information?
You can find us on Spotify and YouTube as Korteh as well as Instagram @korteh.band.
Alan Corr
