yonglee & the DOLTANG

The future of South Korean jazz, yonglee & the DOLTANG bring their mix of progressive rock, electronica and jazz to Manchester.

Pianist and composer yonglee leads the boundary-pushing, Seoul-based progressive rock/jazz quintet, who have rapidly established themselves as a defining creative force on the Korean and European jazz scenes.

They will present tunes from their recent album Invisible Worker, which blends a wide range of contemporary genres, including rock, pop, contemporary jazz and free improvisation, resulting in a collection of innovative, experimental compositions. The band has an immersive live sound, integrating electronic instruments, sonic experimentation, and layered rhythms.

The journey of their music began when five individuals, once dispersed across different corners of the world, came together in Seoul, sparking a creative energy unlike any other. After three years of collective effort to broaden the horizons of jazz, they recorded their debut album. This record is not just a collection of music; it is a testament to the struggles of artists who, despite their dreams of becoming musicians, find themselves trapped in the ceaseless grind of artistic labour – an experience that mirrors the challenges faced by anyone trying to escape the relentless pressures of modern life.