Mon Mar 24
Pureum Jin and the Empress - Recording Release
9:30PM / $25 | $7 Fees Get Tickets
Pureum Jin
Experience the electrifying debut of The Empress, an all-female saxophone quartet led by award-winning saxophonist Pureum Jin. Celebrating the release of their album Square One (March 21, 2025, via Cellar Live), the group redefines jazz with fresh takes on standards and originals. Recorded at Van Gelder Studio, this project is a bold statement on artistry and representation in jazz. Don’t miss this powerhouse ensemble as they bring swing, spontaneity, and extraordinary musicianship to Blues Alley!
The Empress | Square One
Award-winning saxophonist Pureum Jin introduces The Empress, an all-female saxophone quartet redefining jazz with their debut album, Square One. Set for release on March 21, 2025, through Cellar Live, this album pays homage to jazz legends like Charlie Parker and John Coltrane while making a powerful statement about representation and artistry in jazz. The Empress delivers a collection of jazz standards and originals with unmatched artistry, breathing new life into timeless compositions while channeling the energy and spontaneity of New York’s vibrant jazz scene.
For Jin, Square One is more than just an album—it’s the culmination of over a decade of inspiration. Having been the only female member of Michael Lutzeier’s Supersax Korea project in the early 2010s, she dreamed of recreating that music with an all-women ensemble. Now, with Lutzeier’s stunning arrangements and her own reimagining of classics like Everything Happens to Me, The Empress brings a fresh perspective to traditional jazz.
Recorded at the legendary Van Gelder Recording Studio—a dream location for Jin—Square One is engineered by Maureen Sickler and produced by Pureum Jin herself, reinforcing the project’s commitment to representation at every level. “Jazz is still a world where being a parent can make things harder,” Jin shares, “but instead of waiting for the industry to change, I decided to create my own space.” Launching during Women’s History Month, Square One is a bold statement: women belong at the forefront of jazz. "We can play this very hardcore music," Jin asserts. “That, simply, is my message.”
This performance marks The Empress’s debut at Blues Alley. From the energy of swing to dazzling interplay and rock-solid teamwork, you will witness the powerful artistry of female bandleaders like never before.
Pureum Jin – Soprano & Alto Sax
Erena Terakubo – Alto Sax
Chelsea Baratz – Tenor Sax
Leigh Pilzer – Baritone Sax
Allyn Johnson – Piano
Kris Monson – Bass
Kofi Shepsu – Drums
Co-Presented with the Embassy of Korea
9:30PM / $25 | $7 Fees Get Tickets
1. Final sale, no refunds, not transferable.
2. $15 food/beverage minimum per person not included in ticket price.
3. Seating first come at the door. Doors open 6 PM & 8:45 PM respectively.
4. Photography or Recording of any kind is prohibited during the performance.
5. Keep conversation to a minimum during the performance.