Jinjoo's passion for music began in her youth, enjoying both singing and playing instruments. Her fascination with jazz blossomed during her university years in South Korea, particularly sparked by icons like Mary Lou Williams, Teddy Wilson, and Billie Holiday, among others. Since then, she has delved deep into the genre, immersing herself in the albums of jazz greats. She believes that her music should reflect the world around her, with all its beauty and challenges, expressing her observations and emotions. Her original compositions evoke stories and feelings of curiosity, joy, tragedy, gratitude, and melancholy. In 2018, she made her debut as a leader with the album "<I’m Curious>" on Gut String Records, presenting her unique musical perspective. Jinjoo is a familiar presence in the New York City jazz scene, often performing both as a leader and a sideman. She has also showcased her talents internationally, with performances in the US, UK, Italy, Greece, Spain, Poland, Hungary, and her native South Korea. At Birdland this time around, Jinjoo will lead a drum-less trio featuring Daniel Duke on bass and Kihong Jang on guitar. She will present her latest originals along with her arrangements of compositions by Anne Ronnell, Elmo Hope, Bud Powell, Herbie Nichols, and more. (Photography Hoyeon Choi)