Mina Cho
Originality
Blink Music
www.minachowmusic.com
By George W. Harris

Here’s an impressive debut; Korean born and classically trained pianist Mina Cho teams up with an impressive lineup (Andrew Halachak/sax, Shu Odamura/g, Sam J.C. Lee/b Mario Rodriguez/dr) for a sparkling collection of originals that mix flavors of many continents to create a delicious musical sauce.
Cho’s touch is a mix of classically inspired Oscar Peterson, and she knows how to swing like a jackhammer, as she displays on “Corea.” She delves successfully into South America with a charming duet with Odamura on “Choro No. 2,” while pulling out all the stops on the stomping “I Like A Turtle.” Halachak’s soprano is penetrating on “A White Lion” and can be quite assertive as he rides the surf on “Can I?” with some fervent drum work by Rodriguez. All of her compositions have multiple layers, and it’s fun to figure out where she’s going to make her next turn. Let’s see this lady in LA!