Ad Lib Music & Art Association (AMA) | Hong Kong

Franky Ngai | Violin

Ivy Pei | Keyboard

HoMan Mok | Guitar

J Kin | Bass

The workshop starts with band playing a few popular songs and explains the structure and form to the audience.

Then some small percussion instruments will be distributed to the audience, showing them how to play the rhythm and sing along with the band. And main goal is to show them the beauty of improvisation.

As we believe children is the best story-teller, and the workshop will show them a way to restore the imagination and creativities inside their mind, which will be thinning out once they receive formal education and training.

Ah Kok | Hong Kong

Ah-Kok Wong, studied Music Technology in Leeds Metropolitan University, England. Now doing Master of Cultural Stuides in Lingnan University, Hong Kong. A Composer, Cultural Critique, Music Tutor, Broadcasting DJ, an Activist and guitarist from the band Pusshitachi, that plays rock, soul, blues, jazz, and experiemental music. Spokesman of an organization Revitalization Independence  Partnership, countering the government's scheme which leads to the destruction of grassroot art spaces.

Alexandre Cunha's Group| Brazil

Alexandre Cunha | Drums

Bruno Coppini | Electric Bass

Ricardo  Cren | keyboards

Marcelo Valezi Fernandes | Saxophone, flute

Alexandre has been a professional drummer for 22 years. He lived in Germany from 1994 to 1997 and played in the best jazz clubs. Back in Brazil, he started the Brazilian Duet. He also hosts an editorial section in a drum magazine - Modern Drummer Brazil, and writes on www.drummerszone.com. His debut record, Batepapo, became one of the top ten CDs of 2005 in Smoothjazzandmore.

In 2008, he released a DVD about drum soloing and his band was the first Brazilian group to play at the Shanghai International Jazz Festival and later released a DVD of this performance, Live in Shanghai.

Alexandre Cunha’s passion for drums inspired his father to create the brand that carries the name of the family, and today, is known as one of the best drums in the world; the Odery Drums.

“As soon as I began watching his video, I knew that the Brazilian Drumming Duet was something special. Ramon and Alexandre communicate their love for drums and for Brazilian rhythm and music, clearly and powerfully.” --Chuck Silverman (famous US drummer)

Website: http://www.alexandrecunha.mus.br

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Amsterdam Klezmer Band| The Netherlands

Job Chajes | Alto Sax, Raps

Jasper de Beer | Double Bass, Banjo

Alec Kopyt | Vocals, Percussion

Gijs Levelt | Trumpet

Joop van der Linden | Trombone, Percussion

Janfie van Strien | Clarinet

Theo van Tol | Accordion

The Amsterdam Klezmer Band was formed in 1996 by Job Chajes as an Amsterdam street band to play klezmer music (a 19th Century Eastern European dance music for weddings and parties). Almost fifteen years and eight albums later, these seven musicians have now become perfectly tuned to each other. They also have an international reputation for playing live (with their blend of klezmer, sak, Balkan, punk, gypsy, jazz, and more) and attract a wide-range of followers.

“… they borrow freely from jazz, gypsy music and European folk [… sounding] familiar to fans of gypsy-punk. Their improvisational skills are well-developed and generally impressive, [often making listeners] get up to get down alongside the shimmying college kids.” -- C.T. Heaney, Popmatters

Website: http://www.amsterdamklezmerband.com/

Antanas Gustys | Lithuania

Founder, artistic director and producer of Vilnius Jazz Festival , Director of Public Institution "Vilnius Jazz Festival", Board member of the Europe Jazz Network General Assembly since 2007. Europe Jazz Network is an association of European producers and presenters who specialisein contemporary jazz and improvised music. EJN was formed in 1987, and as of today, the EJN membership includes 78 organisations (festivals, clubs and concert venues, independent promoters, national organisations) in 24 European countries.

Founded in 1987, Vilnius Jazz is the oldest annual jazz festival held in Vilnius. It is an exceptional event in Lithuania, providing a broad perspective on contemporary trends in jazz from all overthe world. Over the years Vilnius Jazz has earned a reputation of a radical avant-garde festival oriented towards novelty and limit-stretching creativity. The stylistic boundaries of jazz and free improvised music are often crossed and expanded here by offering joint projects with musiciansfrom the academic, ethnic, rock and industrial music backgrounds.

Aseana  Percussion Unit (APU)| Malaysia

Edwin Nathaniel | Conventional Drums, Backing Vocals

Kirubakaran | Indian Percussions, Backing Vocals

Chan Kham Chien | Chinese Instruments

Jude Fernandez Theodore Fernandez | Bass, Backing Vocals

Sirisena David Victor | Vocal, Light Percussions

Zain Bin Mohd Yunus | Saxophone, Flute, Vocals

Mohd Kamrulbahri Bin Hussin | Malay Percussions, Serunai

Mohd Shafic Aminuddin Bin Hussin | Malay Percussions

Philip Robert S Anthonysamy | Congas, Surdo, Djembe

The Aseana Percussion Unit is a percussion unit that was formed in 1998 when 4 guys got together with the thought of experimenting on blending the sounds and rhythms of different types of drums and percussions.

The group has since then grown to 10 highly skilled percussionists and musicians. Often backed by a keyboard and bass, the other ‘instruments’ used are, generally, the Brazilian Surdo, Indian Tabla and Taviel, Malay Kompang and Gendang, the Chinese Drum and Erhu, the Trinidadian Steel Pan, the African Djembe and common household appliances.

If you think the drum is just an instrument that makes a lot of noise - then you haven’t had the experience of watching an APU performance. The extraordinary musical properties of each instrument are skillfully explored and combined as a whole and the effect is extraordinarily beautiful.

Website: http://www.apu.com.my

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Atsuko Yashima | Japan

Atsuko Yashima has been the producer of the Tokyo International Jazz Festival since its launch in 2002. Atsuko is a senior producer of NHK Enterprises, an affiliate company of NHK, Japan's public broadcast. She has produced various international cultural events represented by Tokyo Jazz Festival, Festival France Glamour, International Robot Contest, Marche de Noel de Strasbourg in Tokyo, and many more.

As the producer of Japan’s largest jazz festival, Atsuko is now mainly in charge of planning, booking and artistic direction of the event. The theme of the festival is “beyond borders” and “beyond generation”. As well as inviting variousinternational and domestic artists, she has also focused on creating international exchange projects introducing music from various countries working with the local community. Tokyo Jazz Festival will mark its 10^th year in 2011.

Recently, Atsuko has also produced Marche de Noel de Strasbourg in Tokyo, in aim to introduce the genuine Christmas culture from Europe and has gathered over 600,000 people in 2010

Bianca's Song|France/Hong Kong

Bianca Gallice | Vocals

Benjamin Rando | Piano

Florent Briqué | Trumpet

Simon Tailleu | Bass

Cédrick Bec | Drums

Luce Goffi | First Violin

Julian Chan | Violin

Samuel Kwok | Viola

This new project of Bianca Gallice, one of the most famous and original young French singer, will be presenting traditional and famous French songs arranged into the classical-jazz outfit. Accompanied by Florent Briqué, who has brought along a team of young French talents, Bianca’s Songs will collaborate with local Chinese string-musicians who will be conducted by first violinist Luce Goffi. Bianca is currently recording two jazz and pop albums in 2011 for “Musique et Music” besides singing in a lot of different venues.

“Bianca is just incredible...” – JAZZART

“You have to discover this fabulous voice” -- NightJazz

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Bjorn Solli Trio|Norway/Australia

Bjorn Solli | Guitar

Steinar Nickelsen | Organ

Nick McBride | Drums

Norwegian guitarist/composer, Bjorn Solli, now based in New York, was voted "Young Jazz Musician of the year” in 2002 and has since won numerous awards throughout Europe, including soloist prizes in Belgium, Monaco and Spain, audience prizes in Switzerland and Spain and, a composition prize in France. With his trio SOLID, he has released 3 critically acclaimed CD’s distributed worldwide.

In the last decade or so, Solli’s collaborations have taken him to places like China, Nepal, India, Calaifornia, Australia and Ireland. In New York, he’s played at Dizzy’s Club, Smalls, The Bitter End and with people like Marcus Strickland and Seamus Blake. Bjorn has also opened for The Manhattan Transfer, Anthony Hamilton, Peter Gabriel, Robert Plant and Jean Luc Ponty.

Website: http://www.myspace.com/bjornsolli

Chico and the Gypsies| France

Jahloul “ Chico” Bouchikhi | Guitar, Vocals

Mounin | Guitar, Vocals

Christophe Baliardo “Kema” | Lead Guitar

Alain Bourguet “Babato” | Guitar, Vocals

Jean Farre “Tane” | Guitar, Vocals

Joseph Gautier | Guitar, Vocals

Jean Claude “Moinin” | Guitar, Lead Vocals

Jean Pierre “Rey” | Guitar, Vocals

Antoine Ballester “Tony” | Guitar, Vocals

Eric Lafont | Drums

Julio Font | Piano and Keyboard

The Gipsy Kings founder and a self-taught guitarist, Jahloul "Chico" Bouchikhi, formed Chico and the Gypsies (made up of musicians from Arles and Montpelier) in the early 90’s, and quickly gained widespread recognition, selling more than two hundred thousand copies of their debut album, Vagabundo. Chico also serves as a special envoy for peace for UNESCO.

Through their fusion of Flamenco and Rumba Catalan, this band’s addictive brand of Spanish Gypsy swing music has been able to sometimes put audiences into a euphoric or almost trancelike state while gyrating to their very danceable beat.

Website: http://www.chico.fr/chico

Dainius Pulauskas Group| Lithuania

Dainius Pulauskas | Keyboards

Valerijus Ramoška | Trumpet, Flugelhorn

Rimantas Brazaitis | Tenor Saxophone

Kestutis Vaiginis | Alto & Soprano Sax

Leonid Sinkarenko | Bass

Linas Buda | Drums

Dainius Pulauskas Group was formed in 1994 and debuted as a quintet but, by 1996, had evolved into a sextet and before long became one of the most significant Lithuanian jazz groups and winning international acknowledgement. Over the years, DPG has performed a lot in Lithuania and in a number of European countries as well as in jazz festivals in China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia and USA.

The Finnish jazz critic R. Haapsamo called their music “a powerful pulse of the modern jazz.” The Swedish critic Bo Levender states that "Pulauskas, together with his colleagues creates the best fusion as it can be.”

Dainius Pulauskas Group is characterized by their use electronic and acoustic instruments to create a very eloquent music space; a very peculiar version of fusion.

Awards:

The group was awarded GRAND PRIX in “Yesterday - Parnu  ‘99” international contest (Estonia).

D.Pulauskas got “BRAVO” nomination as the best jazz player in Lithuania in 1998.

D. Pulauskas was awarded GRAND PRIX in “Birstonas Jazz’ 2000” festival (Lithuania).

The group was awarded GOLD DISC 2001 (Lithuanian Musicians Union), (Lithuania).

LT IDENTITY 2004 Award - Dainius Pulauskas Sextet for the promotion of Lithuanian Jazz.

“Vilnius Jazz” Festival Award for contributions to the Lithuanian jazz culture, 2010.

Website：http://www.vilniusjazz.lt/agency/pulauskas_sextet.htm

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Deafaids| Hong Kong/USA

Charley Huntley | Saxophone

Bob Mocarsky | Keyboards

Jack Greminger | Drums

Peter Scherr is an American bassist/composer/musical strategist living in Hong Kong. Scherr pursues musical excellence and inspiration in areas of unique interest. His current focus is the realization of creative music concepts. One of his long-term goals is the establishment of a common practice of creative music in China, drawing on the talent of the most interesting improvisers from around the world.

In a richly varied career spanning more than twenty years, Scherr has held positions with symphony orchestras, written music for film and documentaries and performed widely in jazz and experimental music settings with many distinguished artists.

“... It is clear that a great deal of thought and care went into the reinvention of these tunes... Fans of jazz, rock and folk will thoroughly enjoy this trio’s clever work.” -- Brad Walseth, JazzChicago.net (about the album Jazz In The Stone Age)

Emil Viklicky Trio| Czech Republic

Emil Viklicky | Piano

Cyril Zelenak | Drums

Petr Dvorsky | Double Bass

Born 1948 in Olomouc, Czechoslovakia, Emil Viklický started playing piano quite early. While a student, he spent much time playing jazz piano which led to his now lifelong devotion to music. In 1974, he won best soloist at the Czechoslovak Amateur Jazz Festival and got first prize from the Monaco Music Conservatory in 1976. In 1977 Emil was awarded a scholarship to study at the Berklee College of Music.

He has worked with various ensembles performing Moravian folk music, modern jazz and contemporary music. As a pianist, Emil often performs in international ensembles alongside U.S. and other European musicians. He has made frequent appearances in much of Europe, USA, Japan, Mexico, Israel and elsewhere.

As a composer, Viklický has attracted attention from abroad and also composes “straight-ahead” modern jazz, chamber and orchestral works as well as film music and TV series.

“One of the best contemporary pianists, … a good deal in common with fleet, tasteful pianists like Tommy Flanagan, Jimmy Rowles and Bill Charlap.”-- Doug Ramsey, Jazz Times

Website: http://www.viklicky.com/

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Eric Vloeimans’ Gatecrash|TheNetherlands

Eric Vloeimans | Trum

Lucas Leidinger | Pianist

Gulli Gudmundsson | Bass, Effects

Jasper van Hulten | Drums

Dutch trumpeter Eric Vloeimans, one of Europe's best, prefers recording originals on his many award winning CD's although he can also be heard performing others. Vloeimans started in classical music but got sucked into jazz and later, graduated with distinction in 1988. He continued his studies in New York under Donald Bryd and gained experience with the big bands of Frank Foster and Mercer Ellington. This multi-award winner has played with jazz figures from Holland, the US, Germany and quite a few others (e.g. Michiel Borstlap, John Taylor, Marc Johnson, Nguyen Le, Lars Danielson and Jimmy Haslip).

“Vloeimans plays crisp and self-assured, embodying the articulate melodism of Clifford Brown plus many shades of Miles, without being imitative” -- JazzTimes

“An accomplished storyteller, Vloeimans refuses to restrict himself to any 'Particular melodic format or sonic texture.’” --Ernest Barteldes, Miami New Times

Website: http://www.ericvloeimans.com/

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Estudiantina Ensemble |Cuba

The Danzon Revival

Ricardo Bekema "Arístides" | Lead vocals, Guitar

Oscar Lorient Vedey “Papitín” | Lead vocals, Small percussions

Pedro Luís Pardo Cosme “El Chamba” | Tressero

Leo Martís “Pantaléon” | Second guitar

Alexander Rodriguez Cala |Trumpet, Percussions

Eric Wijngaarde “Derecho de Nacer”| Lead voca l Percussions

Ernesto Paz Rivero| Vocals, Bass

Singer/guitar player Ricardo "Aristides" Bekema founded the Estudiantina Ensemble in dedication and preservation of danzon music in the Estudiantina tradition from Santiago de Cuba in east Cuba. Estudiantina groups were formed by students who roamed the streets and local festivities, played the popular version of danzon during the late 19th century.

In addition to the vocals, this style uses two guitars, the tres-guitar, bass, trumpet or flute, claves, guiro, maracas and traditional pailitascubanas.

In 2007, the ensemble received an invitation from Buena Vista Social Club member Eliades Ochoa to play at the prestigious “Festival de la Trova Pepe Sanchez” in Santiago de Cuba. They were performing on the legendary stages and in front of the camera's of the Cuban State Television and an ecstatic Cuban crowd.

Website: http://www.estudiantinaensemble.nl

Freddy Cole Quartet| USA

Freddy Cole | Piano, Lead Vocals

Randy Napoleon | Guitar

Curtis Boyd | Drums

Elias Bailey | Double Bass

The youngest brother of Nat King Cole, Freddy learned and played piano at six, and probably is the last crooner alive today. His vocals -- suave, elegant, formidable, and articulate -- are among the most respected in jazz history.

He doesn't apologize for sounding like his brother, Nat "King" Cole, and there are certain unmistakable similarities; he plays piano and sings and performs live with a guitar and upright bass, just like Nat yet his voice is raspier, smokier, jazzier even. But he has emerged from the awesome shadow cast by his elder brother. In truth, his phrasing is closer to that of Frank Sinatra or Billie Holiday and his timing swings a little more.

Freddy's career continues to ascend as he has moved into the front ranks of America's homegrown art form with a style and musical sophistication all his own that has made him one of the most expressive male jazz singers of his generation, if not the best alive.

“Freddy has an impeccable sense of swing... he is, overall, the most maturely expressive male jazz singer of his generation, if not the best alive." -- The New York Times

Website: http://www.freddycole.com/

Gao Hong Zhang & ACID Live|China/UK/Malaysia

Gao Hong Zhang | Vocal

Zhang Zhang | Keyboards

Liu Yang | Bass

Wen Xiang | Guitar

Da Wei | Drums

Chew Weng Yeow | VJ

Christopher Cook | DJ

Born of the Yunnan “Yi tribe” in 1978, Gao Hong Zhang graduated from the University of Music in Dali and devoted a good number of years to the Yunnan music scene. In 2005, his debut work “Dancing Vegetable Man” won him wide media acclaim. His performance at the Smithsonian American Culture and Arts Festival was reviewed by the “Finland National Report” as being “with unique ideas and innovative, artistic singer with a most charismatic personality.”

More a collective than traditional band, ACID Live’s five official members reflect the range of cultural flavors in Beijing’s arts and music scene. You might hear a twisted wa-wa version of the Mission Impossible theme morph into blues before dissolving into an ocean of ambient electronic crackles. If a ‘60s-style counterculture ever takes off in China, this fusion of Beijing’s musical voices will provide the soundtrack.

Website: http://www.douban.com/artist/acidlive

Ginger Kwan| Hong Kong/USA/The Philippines

Ginger Kwan | Vocal

Dan LaVelle | Guitar

Bernard Carpio | Saxophone

Jezrael Lucero | Keyboard

Ray Vaughn Covington | Bass

Robbin Harris | Drums

Hong Kong native Ginger Kwan is one of Hong Kong’s most sought-after performance and studio-session singers with a culturally diverse upbringing. She is renowned for her modern interpretations of traditional Chinese and Mandarin songs that have touched audiences of all ages and ethnicity through her many local appearances.

Appearing regularly on newspapers, magazines, radio and TV, Ginger is becoming an icon of the local arts scene. Ginger Kwan has worked side-by-side with some of Hong Kong’s most famous artists such as Kenny Bee and Michael Wong.

Accompanied by her current line-up of locally based musicians, the group will present, in its most cutting-edge form, soul, R ‘n B and more.

Website: http://ww.gingerkwan.com.hk

Girls In Airports| Denmark

Martin Stender | Tenor & Soprano Sax

Lars Greve | Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Baritone Sax & Clarinet

Victor Dybbroe | Percussions

Mathias Holm | Keyboards

Mads Forsby | Drums

Girls in Airports is made up of five male musicians, who mix indie-soul, world, afrobeat and Indian raga with cool Scandinavian tones. With their line-up of two horns, keyboards, drum and percussions ensures a free flowing form that can be both dynamic and forceful without being locked too tight in a groove. This young instrumental band received excellent reviews and also won a Danish Music Award for the Best Jazz Crossover CD release. Their music captures the moment through their steamy rhythm, droning saxophones and a contagious energy that allows the music to just be.

“Considering the young age of the band and the fact that this is its debut (Girls in Airports), the achievement of Girls in Airports becomes all the more remarkable. This is an album that cannot only be rated among some of the finest new releases in Danish jazz, …” --Jakob Baekgaard, allaboutjazz.com

Website:

http://www.myspace.com/girlsinairports

http://girlsinairports.net

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In The Country| Norway

Morten Qvenild | Piano

Roger Arntzen | Double Bass

In The Country belongs to no musical world as their music contains inspiration from a lot of different genres.

Best known for being the orchestra in Susanna and the Magical Orchestra, Morten Qvenild has been a member of both Shining and Jaga Jazzist and is a long term member of Solveig Slettahjell’s Slow Motion Orchestra. He formed In The Country with bass-player Roger Arntzen and drummer Pål Hausken at the Norwegian Academy of Music in Oslo in 2003.

Website: http://www.myspace.com/inthecountrytrio

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