"Hyeonseon sings with all of his heart and soul. He locates the center of the song and lets the band spin around him. "
- Jason Moran-
Jazz In Europe by Steven James
“…Longing” is an exceptionally strong debut release from Hyeonseon Baek, showcasing his versatility as a vocalist and ability to seamlessly blend the tradition with a modern approach. With his pure, flexible tenor voice and collaboration with top-tier musicians, Baek has crafted a cohesive and adventurous album that appeals to a wide audience, crossing cultural boundaries with ease. His exploration of the chosen standards and original compositions provides a compelling display that offers a unique perspective on familiar classics while also introducing engaging original works. From the mystical interpretation of “Caravan” to the standout originals like “My Temptation” and the robust renditions of ballads such as “Lush Life,” the album consistently impresses with Baek’s timing, emotional depth, and technical prowess. “Longing” is highly recommended for anyone seeking a fresh, innovative take on the genre, as it undoubtedly heralds the arrival of a promising new voice in the jazz world.“
All About Jazz by Troy Dostert ****
“Longing reveals a promising talent on the rise. One is struck by Baek's velvety tenor, as he embodies the perfect combination of insouciance and wonder… his command is unmistakable, owning each phrase and offering the occasional flourish needed to put his stamp on each piece. Oozing confidence and authority, Baek's debut is an enjoyable and engaging listen, and an auspicious beginning to what should be a long and fruitful musical journey.”
Bebop Spoken Here by Lance Liddle
“"...A vocal from Baek that suggests he is the logical successor to the late greats Mark Murphy and Jon Hendricks.”
Jazz Weekly by George Harris
“If you want a unique singing style that still hits home, check out Korean vocalist Hyeonseon Baek. His voice makes you first think of Carmen McRae-husky in an almost mezzo soprano/alto range, and quite flexible as on a surprisingly slow and richly undulating read with Hays on “Caravan.” I’ve got to see this guy in action!”
Jazz Life Japan by Hiroshi Ogawa
This is the debut album by vocalist Henson Beck, who is originally from Korea and based in New York. Beck studied music at a university in the Netherlands and received a scholarship to move to the United States. With the captivating support of pianist Kevin Hays, bassist Linda May Han Oh, and others, this album showcases jazz standards and original compositions with rich expressiveness. Beck's vocals evoke memories of Chet Baker, though slightly more refined. Tracks like Ellington's "Caravan" and Billy Strayhorn's "Lush Life" stand out, and track 4 presents an original composition where Beck alternates between singing in Korean and English, adding a unique touch.
Jazz People Magazine by Minju Kim
Hyeonseon Baek's [Longing] is an ambitious debut in many ways. Confidence in a clear and soft tenor voice, flexible expressiveness across various styles, brilliant writing/arranging capabilities across trios and quartets, and a high interest in sound directing in recording and mixing are clearly conveyed throughout the album. You can enjoy the colorful, expressive power of Baek Hyun-sun and the skills of the performers who participated in the album.
Jazz History Online by Thomas Cunniffe
“As a young voice, he has sufficient maturity to bring depth to his original ballads, and both "Longing" and "My Temptation" are impressive starting points for an extended career in song composition. Young jazz singers are usually referred to as "diamonds in the rough," but Hyeonseon Baek is quite close to being a fully polished performer.”
Musical Memoirs by Dee Dee McNeil
“Korean jazz vocalist reaches for new, risk-taking adventures, reflected not only in his voice but in the wonderful, fresh arrangements that his musical group offers. His tenor voice impresses me, and notably, Hyeonseon has a style all his own. Clearly, this 33-years-young talent is a jazz singer! Baek is obviously a bad-ass and performs flawlessly and with no fear. I look forward to many more incredible albums sung by Hyeonseon Baek. I will remember his unique tone and singular style.”
JW Vibe by Jonathan Widran
“Hyeonseon Baek is a true musical citizen of the world, eager on his seductive, rhythmically eclectic and impeccably arranged debut album, “Longing,” to conquer fresh original territory even as he celebrates the glorious legends of an earlier era. “Longing” is a wonderfully engaging and inspiring debut by a promising new vocalist and songwriter whose gifts include being a great bandleader of the perfect ensemble to fulfill his vision.”
JazzQuad (Belarus) by Leonid Auskern
“’Caravan’ pleasantly amazes with its non-standard arrangement and the beautiful clear tenor of the vocalist. Baek says his goal is to transcend cultural and generational boundaries by performing music that puts a contemporary spin on traditional jazz to resonate with younger audiences. What can I say: in my opinion, he succeeded. A strong and confident debut.”
Wild Mercury Rhythm by C. Michael Bailey
“...Korean vocalist Hyeonseon Baek provides his input to jazz with his sweet and sincere voice and a band that any artist would die for. Baek handles the standards with authority, particularly Billy Strayhorn’s “Lush Life.” Baek has a beautifully light, slightly accented delivery that grows warmer with each listen.”