VONG PAK TO RECORD HIS FIRST ALBUM, ‘ELECTRIC SHAMAN’
A Korean-American crossover drummer’s first live recording endeavor will feature 6 ft tall Drum
Vong Pak (Vongku Pak), a master performer of Korean traditional drum repertoire for over 20 years, will bring to stage his ‘Electric Shaman’ performance, which he will also release as a live album. The performance will take place on March 3rd, 2012 at the Poet’s Den theater in East Harlem, New York City. The live album is scheduled to be released in June, and it will be the first official album from the artist.
‘Electric Shaman’ reinterprets South and North Korean folk songs through an ensemble conceived from electric guitarist John Chang, bass guitarist Jorge Mesa and Vong Pak, who performs traditional drum and vocal for the group. The resulting sound is a unique crossover of genre and time.
“There are no boundaries in what music can do,” says Vong. “In Electric Shaman, musics from different worlds and instruments from different times all come together to make a harmony. It is a testimony that in our lives, a true harmony can be achieved.”
The performance will also feature a special barrel drum called Daebuk (Means ‘Big Drum’ in Korean). With a diameter of 6 ft 4 in, the drum is the biggest of its kind in New York City.
Vong Pak came to New York City in 1998, where he began as a street performer in Time Square performing next to a trash can. Over the years, Vong performed widely through the United States, and internationally in Central America, Europe, Africa and Asia. His performances were featured in numerous venues including the Lincoln Center and the Carnegie Hall.
“In ancient times, the shaman was an entertainer and a healer,” says Vong on titling the project. “’Electric Shaman’ aims to entertain and heal the audience, and unify them through music.”
‘Electric Shaman’s first live album is scheduled to be released in June. The tickets for the live recording performance on March 3rd are available via the band’s IndieGoGo fundraising campaign.
