Mina Choi

Mina Choi is a Korean-born, Los Angeles-based jazz pianist, composer, and conductor whose music uniquely blends jazz, classical, and the rich traditions of her Korean heritage. With years of experience as both a performer and educator in California, Mina’s work reflects her personal journey, characterized by beautiful melodies, intricate rhythms, and colorful harmonies. Each composition tells a story, inviting listeners to experience a deep emotional connection to her music.

Mina has performed at renowned venues across the United States, including Herb Alpert’s Vibrato Jazz Grill, Segerstrom Center for the Arts, The Queen Mary, Catalina Jazz Club, and The Blue Whale Jazz Club. She has studied under prominent jazz figures such as George Cables and Bill Cunliffe, whose guidance has shaped her unique musical voice.

Among her many accolades, Mina was named Outstanding Performer of the Year at the 2016 Reno Jazz Festival and received the 38th Graduate Jazz Outstanding Performance Award from DownBeat magazine. She also received awards in the 2015 ASMAC/Pete Rugolo Big Band Arranging & Composing Competition and the 2017 Bill Conti Big Band Arranging and Composing Competition, further solidifying her reputation as an accomplished composer and arranger.

Mina Choi currently serves as a faculty member at Soka University of America and Concordia University, Irvine, where she teaches and mentors students in jazz performance, composition, and music theory.

Through her music, Mina Choi strives to foster connection and spread messages of hope, love, and unity. Her innovative approach to blending musical traditions continues to inspire audiences, creating a powerful, cross-cultural dialogue through her artistry.

Awards

Outstanding Performer of the Year at the 2016 Reno Jazz Festival

38th Graduate Jazz Outstanding Performance Award from DownBeat magazine

2015 ASMAC/Pete Rugolo Big Band Arranging & Composing Competition

2017 Bill Conti Big Band Arranging and Composing Competition

Tags

Mina Choi Mina Choi Orchestra Jazz Big Band Contemporary Jazz Jazz pianist composer/conductor South Korea Women in Jazz Los Angeles

“Mina Choi writes thoughtful, creative originals that are rooted in the history of jazz. Her new album “Stories” is the perfect example of an artist intent on honoring the tradition of jazz composition and arranging with sights on the horizon of what's yet to come. These fantastic compositions are truly “stories" that take the listener on a journey with unexpected twists and turns, surprising feel changes, chord progressions, meter and textures that get the most out of the big band instrumentation. The album is a thoroughly enjoyable listening experience!”

— Jon Cowherd

“I was so pleasantly surprised find a supremely gifted and motivated young woman eager to soak up every bit of musical information possible. Mina was at the same time inspired and inspiring. I feel honored that she chose to include two of my pieces on her maiden voyage recording. I think I am as excited about this recording as I imagine Mina to be.”

— George Cables

“Mina has always composed music, and I have noticed that she consistently blends a unique sound, combining the traditional American influences with a distinct Asian sensibility. She has truly created something beautiful here, and I can’t wait for you to hear it!”

— Bill Cunliffe

“Mina’s music is exciting, emotional, and powerful!! I love the sophistication of the waltz, to the thickness and richness of the brass chorale. The playful, yet elegant treatment of a Cedar Walton tune pays homage to our jazz masters!”

— Terell Stafford

Mina Choi, who was born in South Korea and has long been based in Southern California, is a talented pianist, arranger, composer and conductor. While she has been quite active during the past decade including performing at top clubs and a few jazz festivals, and working as an educator, Stories is her recording debut.

Stories finds Mina Choi at the head of a 17-piece jazz orchestra, contributing arrangements to six of the seven selections, four of which are her originals. Two of her mentors, George Cables and Bill Cunliffe, play piano on two songs apiece while the leader is on the other three numbers. In addition, percussionist Alex Acuña is a special guest on three songs. While the soloists in her band are all world-class, the focus is on Mina Choi’s inventive arrangements. Although the influences of classical music and her Korean heritage are sometimes felt in her writing, the often-dense music is always modern jazz. Her originals in particular sum up her struggles and her optimistic attitude as an immigrant in Los Angeles.

Throughout Stories, Mina Choi’s writing is both unpredictable and logical. She has a knack for telling tales through music, making this an impressive debut. Stories is easily recommended and rewards repeated listenings.

Scott Yanow, jazz journalist/historian

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