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Sunday, November 13, 2011

DAVID SPENCER Exclusive Interview

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DAVID SPENCER Exclusive Interview 



(* This is the Part 3 and the final chapter of the "Exclusive, and the first time ever" Interview of the people related to Yim Jaebum (임재범)'s musical journey.  This time, The Yim Jaebum Fanpage presents to you, Mr. DAVID SPENCER (데이빗 스펜서) : The man who is responsible for the beautiful trumpet solos on Yim Jaebum's solo debut song "When this night is over" (이 밤이 지나면). Mr. Spencer tells the tales of his untold contributions for the Korean music scene and his "classy" time in Seoul. Please enjoy... Note : No suit & tie required...)







"Dr. Spencer is one of the few musicians that have made Carnegie Hall appearances as both a classical and jazz soloist. He has served as principal trumpet with numerous orchestras worldwide including THE SEOUL PHILHARMONIC, Manhattan Chamber Orchestra (NY), and the Orquesta Sinfonica de Asturias in Spain"

--- Excerpt from David Spencer's official Bio -



(David Spencer Portrait. Photo courtesy of David Spencer)




Hello from Korea Mr. David Spencer (데이빗 스펜서), Thank you very much for granting this interview for the only exsisting English Yim Jaebum (임재범) Fanpage. Do you remember “Annyong Haseyo” or other Korean phrases?


Hi, 물론이죠 !







Where are you right now and how are you doing ?


I am speaking to you from Sao Paulo, Brazil. I am based here for the next two years working on the creation and development of a new Music School and Performing Arts Center. Oddly enough, many of the students are from Korea so it is getting me back into the Korean language a bit. I am still very busy performing however and just arrived back from a lengthy tour in Russia.





For people who don’t know, would you like to introduce yourself ?


Well, I suppose I am a bit of a musical Chameleon. when I lived in Seoul, I was both the Principal trumpet of the Seoul Philharmonic (서울시립교향악단) and a very active studio musician and arranger. I still perform all over the world but mostly as a trumpet soloist and conductor now. I have toured on over 125 Broadway shows and been lead trumpet for numerous singers and television personalities. After leaving Korea, I went back to The University of North Texas and served as a teaching fellow while completing my Doctorate in Music and have since become a Professor of Music at the University of Memphis and also as a visiting professor at the Shanghai Conservatory in China. So I lead a very busy life now as a performer, professor and studio musician.






(As a soloist with an orchestra for a concerto. Photo courtesy of David Spencer)



Wow.. that’s a very impressive profile. Now, you were obviously in Korea years ago. Can you tell me how that happened ?


I was living in New York in 1990 and performing as co-principal trumpet of the Manhattan Chamber Orchestra (맨하탄 챔버 오케스트라). The music director of the Seoul Philharmonic (서울시립교향악단) at that time was visiting New York and had heard me perform at Carnegie Hall (카네기 홀). I received a call the next day asking me if I would be interested in the principal trumpet position in Seoul. I said I would of course not thinking anything about it. I sent an audition tape and about 3 months later, I received a call offering me the job. At first, I was not so happy about leaving New York but I was young and thought it would be a good opportunity so I said Yes!.





How long did you stay here ? And have you ever come back since ?


I was in Seoul just 13 months, one-year contract with the orchestra. I have not been back to Seoul since I left in August 1991.






Did Seoul treat you well ? Or only bad memories of too spicy foods ? (laughs)


No bad memories of the food, in fact, I miss Chapchae (잡채) so much!!! Haha.. My time in Seoul was sweet and sour....I loved the culture, people and all the great recordings I made. My work with the Orchestra was not so fun…a lot of problems there in the administration but that's pretty typical of symphony orchestras worldwide. In the end, it was a small thing and didn't matter that much overall. if the situation had been better however, I probably would have stayed longer.





Where did you mostly hang out ? Or jammed while you were in Seoul ?


Well, I didn't have a lot of free time because I was working 6 days a week in the orchestra and then 6 nights a week performing Jazz at the Hyatt Hotel (하얏트 호텔). On sundays I played every week at a Jazz Club in Itaewon (이태원) so pretty much every day and night were taken. Most of the record deals I played on were negotiated at the Hyatt or the Jazz Club!! I can't remember all the places I hung out. Mostly my Korean friends like Sujin Nam (남수진) - who is a very successful Hollywood composer now - would pick me up and take me places. It was fun. I bet Seoul is much better now than in the 90's!





What’s the best memory of Seoul you have ? Or favorite place ?


I think the close friends I made and the recording and arranging I did for Jaebum (임재범), Yoon Sang (윤상), Kim Wan Sun (김완선), Byun Jin Sup (변진섭).... I wish we could all work together again, the music would be even better now than in the 90's. Maybe some smart producer will read this and put us all back together again for some great recording project. I'm doing a lot of this sort of work in the U.S. for singers like Barry Manilow (배리 매닐로우) and Natalie Cole (나탈리 콜) who are making big "revivals" of their careers now.
















(David Spencer in a Jazzy mood. Photo courtesy of David Spencer)




We’re going in deep about Yim Jaebum (임재범). Now, are we ready to go back 20 years in time ? (laughs)


Sure, It's a long time and a lot of notes have passed!





Your playing was featured in his debut song “When this night is over” ("eebami Jinamyon" : 이 밤이 지나면), which is a very important song that started his solo era. How did you first get to know about this singer ?


Well, honestly…I didn't know about him! I think the offer to record solos on his album came about thru musicians and producers that heard me on Byun Jin Sup (변진섭)'s very successful CD "Byun Jin Sup III". I did arranging, scoring and solos on that album which was the first Jazz trumpet solos on a Korean Pop record to my knowledge. I think the sound of my arranging was very new to Korea also so it gave me a kind of musical identity. Anyway, I think one of the musicians or producers on an earlier project recommend me to Yim Jaebum (임재범) and I was taken to the studio….we listened to his songs, I laid down the solos, we had lunch and that was it. Very fast! I do recall that his voice was so powerful when I heard it the first time though. He really motivated me to play powerfully. If you listen to the solos I played on his record and those for Byun Jin Sup (변진섭)...very different. Jaebum's record is still one of my all time favorite recording projects, really.





That is great to hear. I didn't know that you contributed to the Korean music that much. But in this case, it was a big question back then, as he came right out of the world of Heavy Metal at the time. You don’t expect a Jazzy trumpet solo in his song right away. But I can tell you when I first listened to it -and still does- it sounded just beautiful.


Thanks. I tried to change the face of Korean Pop music. It was so "electronic" and produced….I just wanted to bring a kind of live impact that Pop music lacked to that point. Obviously, it worked!! I got a lot of calls to play on Pop records while I was in Korea and many I had to turn down because of schedule. Like I said, it would be nice to create a new project with Yim Jaebum (임재범) again. He is truly one of the best.





What was your first impression when you met Yim Jaebum (임재범) ?


I liked him from the start. As we listened, I remember being in the booth with my headphones on and hearing him on the talkback… "Nice David, I like the feeling but once again!!" His english was good which at the time helped a lot as I had just moved to Seoul and had not yet learned to communicate so well in Korean. we had a good time…he was demanding about what he liked which I respected.





Was he friendly to you ? And Stoked about having you in his song ?


Like I said, he earned my respect because he had an artistic vision of what he wanted and was able to communicate it to me. I think he was excited…..it sure was a great recording so I hope he was happy. Like most of our work in professional music and film, great people are put together for projects, we create great music and then we don't really see each other again. After that session, I only saw the producer and Yim Jaebum one  more time. So maybe fans don't realize this….actually we are only together for a very brief time then sometimes never see one another again….but the music lives on thankfully.





Did you have a rehearsal with him for the song in the studio ?


No, I came in an played my solos after everything was recorded. That is usually the case. I just performed a big solo on a film project that is being recorded in Budapest. I did my part via ISDN from Moscow. Live rehearsals don't happen much in professional studio playing.






How did he sound like ? As a singer.. I mean, you’ve worked with classical or Jazz singers mostly. Yim Jaebum (임재범) was the very first Heavy Metal singer from Korea. And made 4 historic Metal albums up to that point. I’m guessing it must have been very different for you, even by the vibe in the air.


Well, yes and no. Before moving to Korea, I recorded 300+ pop music tracks for Sony which were for their first Karaoke system they marketed. Many of the tracks are still used today. I just heard some of them in China last month!! I had also worked with singers from the world of Rock and Roll previously so it was not new to me, but it is true that most of my living is made thru Movie, TV and Classical work.






Did you know him while he was a Heavy Metal singer ?


Nope. I learned of this AFTER we recorded.


































(From the lyric sheet of Yim Jaebum's debut album, LP only. The CD version does not carry this credits. )


So, we're in Jangchoong Studios (장충 스튜디오) Seoul Korea, 1991. How did the recording session go down ?


Well, I was picked up at my apartment and taken to the studio. We all had a coffee and discussed the project a bit, then it was down to business.






This debut song of Yim Jaebum (임재범) was not only a big hit, but a very stylish new song that had a Jazzy, urban, and sophisticated feel to it. How was your feelings of the song back then ?


I liked it. I still do. In fact, I teach a course in digital music and arranging and often use that as an example of great songwriting.





Oh really ? I must say, that your trumpet solo was the very element that made the song Jazzy, and gave a classy mood to it. Your thoughts on it ?


First, Thanks, I am always happy when people appreciate my performances. If you ask any musical artist, they will always analyze and pull apart their work in an effort to make it better. I do this too. There are always thoughts of, "oh, I could have played that note instead of this note" or something like that but in the end, it is a solo that conveys the energy and attitude of Jaebum's vocals. That was my artistic job and I think it worked.






In the beginning part the melody is in a harmony section, so I was thinking it was dubbed. Was the melody scored or improvised by you at the spot ?


My contributions were all improvised on that day at that moment. I had just a rough outline of the changes (chords for you non-musicians).





That song gave him a nickname of “The Korean Michael Bolton”. While you were there during the sessions. Did you feel the same way ?


In fact, I said something to that effect at the session after listening to him. I thought his voice was really great and had a lot of power. I actually have worked with Michael Bolton (마이클 볼튼) and can say that in some ways, But Jaebum is even better!





You make me proud as a longtime fan of Yim and as a Korean Mr. Spencer. Now, there are some close instruments with the trumpet. Such as Flugelhorn and cornet. Do you play those as well ? Or is trumpet your main instrument ?


I play all of the instruments in the Trumpet family. The opening melody you mentioned above was played on flugelhorn in fact. The same instrument I still play today!





Did you record or perform with any other notable Korean pop singers ? 


Yeah, we covered that earlier but the first was some songs I arranged for "Byun Jin Sup III" (변진섭 3집) and then things caught on after that, Yoon Sang (윤상), Kim Wan Sun (김완선), and another female singer who's name I can't remember now and Jaebum (임재범).





Yim Jaebum  (임재범) has recently gained big fame, which was totally overdue. I think he’s finally getting the rightful respects he deserves as a musician. Do you know anything about this ?


Not until you told me and I am so happy for him. Maybe we can do a TV spot together sometime! You arrange it and I'll be there!!





I wish I had the power for that (sighs).. Well, he is now all over the charts, his albums are getting new pressings, and his national tour is all sold out.


So why has he not called me yet? Haha ! Really, if someone knows how to get us back together, I'd love it.

























(Spencer blew the bugle, for a start of a new era in Korean music. Photo courtesy of David Spencer)



And your trumpet solo is right there at his very beginning. Like a bugle giving out the sign for the starting of a history. How does that make you feel ?


Wow, That's a big compliment! Thank you so much for that. I told you my goal was to bring a fresh and new approach to Pop music in Korea and I guess time is proving that to be true at least for some. I'm happy that people are recognizing his talent and that the music is getting some play.





The sad thing is, that song is banned from broadcast now. It was decided as a “copy” of Paul Young’s “Everytime you go away”. Which I think is total bullshit. Did you know about this ?


What !!!!????  That's ridiculous,





Yes it sucks. Because of this, his debut album is being on hold for a re-release. It would be nice to hear a nicely remastered new version of his 91 debut. Don’t you think ?


Sure. I really don't see the problem though. The music is not in anyway like the other. He should fight it.





But don’t worry, he always sings this song at the end of his shows. Sadly with no trumpet solo. Your works stands untouched so far.


That's good. Maybe I can make a guest appearance at the end of his shows in Korea…I'd love to do it!





Have you ever went up on stage with Yim Jaebum  (임재범) for this song ? Even for MR playback..


I think there was a plan to do that with him before I left Korea, but we ran out of time.





That’s so sad. It’s such a great song with a beautiful solo. Do you regret that there was no chance for it ?


I do. But it is never too late…remember the Macarena!!! Haha !





Because recently some footages of Yim singing “When this night is over” (이 밤이 지나면) from 91 on TV shows are up in Youtube, Finally!. And you are nowhere to be found in them. So sad.


Thanks for the thought. I would have looked funny in my 90's clothes however so maybe it's a good thing!!





Suppose Yim Jaebum (임재범) contacts you, in 2 decades. Would you get together with him for another great song ?


Without hesitation. He was certainly one of my favorites.





It would be great even to imagine. Because all these years I pictured this cool looking guy in a sharp suit blowing the trumpet right next to Yim Jaebum (임재범) while he sings this song, a view which myself or nobody else has seen. Even for this 1 song. And now I’m talking to the maestro responsible for it !!


Well, sometimes I wear suits, but I assure you I was wearing jeans and a T-shirt the day I recorded.. Haha !!!





(The horn-meister at work. Photo courtesy of David Spencer)





Do you have that very trumpet that you used for the recording ? And is it still shiney and playing good ?


I do still have the Flugelhorn but the trumpet has long since found another owner.





If you ever came to Seoul again, would you want to meet up with him ? Or is would you run straight to your favorite place to eat first ? (laughs)


Maybe we could meet and eat at the same time!!!!





I mean, you now lead and conduct symphony orchestras. Yim Jaebum would make a great soloist for the evening standing by your side, singing some timeless classics with a rich orchestra playing the music. Have you seen him sing “Unchained Melody” (언체인드 멜로디)  with an orchestra ?


No, but now you are giving me good ideas.





Well, it’s on youtube, You should definitly see it. You would get a whole new sack of ideas from it.


Hummmm…..





For example there’s a song called “Naak-in” (낙인), which was the title for a hit drama called “Chuno” (추노). It would make a great orchestra song. And there are so many songs by him that has such structure and drama in it.


Hummmmmm….






And there are many new arraanged versions of his hits for strings orchestras and piano only. They’re like “ready to go”.


Hummmmmmmmmm……





I even picture Yim Jaebum singing “Nessun Dorma” (* from opera "Turandot") or “The Music of the night” (* from musical "The Phantom of the opera") and dropping people’s jaws. You being a conductor and arranger, how would that sound ?



Ok, I'm sold.















(David Spencer soloing. Photo courtesy of David Spencer)



If you ever came back to Seoul with an orchestra, would you consider something like that ? Having him on stage with you ?


Sure but it's easier just to import me without the orchestra and we hire a good orchestra in Korea for the tour.






And you would have to pick up the trumpet for the 1 song you did together for the grand finale. How would that sound in your ears ?


Ok, sounds like you are a producer!!! Hahaha …let's get going on it. You Probably know I toured with Luciano Pavarotti (루치아노 파바로티) for several concerts after I left Seoul so the idea of doing this is well within my bag of ideas so to speak.





I would pay any price to see that concert. I wish it happens. Mr. Spencer.


This is the beauty of the internet, if revolutions of countries can happen via network media, then surely a few thousand fans can make a petition and a smart producer will see the value in doing this project. I'll send you a ticket for sure if it happens!!!





Thank you Mr. Spencer. I'll have my fingers X'd til that day. Now, how do you remember him as a person ?


Kind, Warm, Focused, and very Talented.





Any other untold special memories with him that you wanna share ?


We were both focused on the music….I can't remember much except I do remember ordering Lunch and it was Chinese food!! (laughs)





If you bumped into him tomorrow, What would you do ? Take him to your music room or drag him down to the pub first ?


PUB !
























("On the turning away" indeed.. This is the 1st solo album for Yim Jaebum, the last for David Spencer in the Korean music scene. Hope they get together again to make yet another masterpiece track.)



That would be great. I truly wish you get to meet him sometime down the road.


Maybe you can make it happen.






It’s only 1 song. But you’ve worked with probably the greatest vocalist from Korea. And your playing will live on with his legacy. Your thoughts on that ?


Music is about moving people. That is what we do. Some people use music to make money (mostly corporations now) but in the end, it is the music and musicians that are remembered so thanks !






Not only you were one of the very few foreigners who had that rare chance to work with him. But so far you are the 1 and ONLY trumpeter who played a solo on his songs. (except for a brass section, not a soloist). Please don’t forget that.


Good to know.






Anything you want to add ?


Thank you for this interview ! I wish you all the best and applaud your efforts to catch up with me. It was not easy…..






You're very welcome sir. Well then, I want to thank you so very much for the interview Mr. Spencer. For a longtime fan of Yim Jaebum who was just thrilled at every piece of music he put out, this was pure pleasure. I send you cheers and respect for your works with Yim Jaebum (임재범). And hope to see you play in Seoul again in time. No matter what occasion you bring here.


I'm smelling the Chapchae (잡채) now!! Thanks and best to all of Yim Jaebum's fans….





Thank you so much again. I wish you health and best of luck.


See you Later !







Much gratitude and standing ovation for Dr. DAVID SPENCER, who gave prescious time and shared so many personal memories with us for this exclusive interview. The YIM JAEBUM Fanpage sends applause and respect to Dr. Spencer.







* DAVID SPENCER Official Website :




http://DaveSpencerTrumpet.net/






* David Spencer played with the following great artists as mentioned in this interview (in no particular order) :


Yim Jaebum (임재범),  Yoon Sang (윤상),  Byun Jin Sup (변진섭),  Kim Wan Sun (김완선),  Luciano Pavarotti (루치아노 파바로티),  Barry Manilow (배리 메닐로우),  Natalie Cole (나탈리 콜),  & Michael Bolton (마이클 볼튼).




* To listen to David Spencer's wonderful trumpet playing on "When this night is over" ( "eebami Jinamyon" : 이 밤이 지나면), and more great songs by Yim Jaebum , Click  HERE .



** Korean translation (한국어버젼) of this interview coming soon....








---- The YIM JAEBUM Fanpage 2011 ----






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