'Shape of my heart' guitarist Dominic Miller coming to Seoul

The song "Shape of my heart" was featured in Luc Besson's 1994 movie "Leon," gaining a smashing popularity around the world ever since.

For most Koreans, the guitar tunes of the song would be more remembered than the lyrics since the melody was also inserted in British pop artist Craig David's hit "Rise & Fall," which featured Sting.

Miller actually had his own concert after Sting's Seoul concert last January 2005. The jazz club Cheonnyeondongando in Daehangno, northern Seoul, was packed with Miller's fans who were anxious to see the "genius" guitarist at play.

"I really enjoyed doing the late night shows in Korea the last time I was there with Sting. I saw it as a great opportunity and I felt a good connection with the audience. Coming back this time is another opportunity I don't want to miss," said Miller in an e-mail interview with The Korea Herald.

Miller's concert will be held at the Baekam Art Hall in Samseong-dong, southern Seoul, as part of a guitar performance series called "The Acoustic."

"(At the concert,) I will certainly be playing songs from my new album 'Fourth Wall.' I haven't decided on the others yet. Maybe this is something I can occupy myself with at the back of the plane," he said.

He went on to say that he hopes to play the music that represents his journey as a musician, playing a wide range of different styles of pieces including classical music and some Sting tunes he likes.

Miller's guitar tunes are loved by many Koreans especially after his number "La Boca" was included in a compilation album "My Love My Guitar," which is available in the Korean market only.

"I am proud to have been included on this compilation album. I have heard the other pieces and I like them," he said.

Miller is bringing along other members of Sting's band - Jason Rebello on the piano and Rhani Krija on the percussion. Actually, he is traveling economy class to help defray the travel costs of other musicians.

"I am doing it this way so I can pay the musicians who are joining me what they deserve," he said.

Although Miller's schedule after the Seoul concert is quite tight as he is planning on a new work with Sting and collaborations with different artistes, his priority right now is Korea, he said.

"The Acoustic - Dominic Miller" will be held at Baekam Art Hall in Samseong-dong, southern Seoul, on Oct. 20 at 8 p.m. and Oct 21 at 6 p.m. The concert venue is near Samseong Station on Subway Line No. 2. The ticket is 60,000 won. For more information, call (02) 559-1333.

(yoonmi@heraldm.com)

By Kim Yoon-mi

2006.10.16