Kylie Estrela & Jazzicians with Persistence Jazzified Canto & Mandopop

The word “Juejian” has a double meaning of Persistence and Jazzicians (in Mandarin pronunciation).  It has a connotation of jazzicians who persist in playing jazz even though this genre is small compared to mainstream pop music.

Since 2015, Kylie Estrela has promoted the concept of jazzified Cantopop, and has presented it in concerts by La Petite Jazzy Jam, with arranger Bernard Hui.  The concept is definitely not new, and they’re certainly not the only people to re-arrange it, but there’s no denying that Cantopop plays a key role in Hong Kongers’ musical upbringing.

The culture/language/phraseology of jazz and Cantopop are totally different, which makes jazzifying and vocalising difficult.  However, the jazzicians have persisted, thanks to their unique nature.  The new arrangements could be in the style of Swing or Bossa Nova, Fusion Jazz or Jazz Funk, or maybe even Soul or R&B.

Influenced by the culture of her Taiwanese mom, Kylie has also picked some tunes from Taiwan.

Kylie Estrela has once again invited the Made in Hong Kong jazzicians to join her for this concert, which will feature some exciting experimental and redefined jazzified Cantopop and Mandopop.

Kylie Estrela (curator, vocals)

Alongside her musical-theatre acting journey, Kylie had her debut jazz singing appearance with the Beijing Big Band in China.  She then became the guest vocalist and presenter for the Saturday Night Jazz Orchestra and the lead vocalist in La Petite Jazzy Jam.  She has performed with other jazzicians in the Shenzhen Fringe Festival, the Hong Kong Big Band Fest, the Hong Kong Summer Jazz Festival, the Hong Kong Jockey Club Street Music series and the JCCAC Festival.  Kylie is known for her unique and versatile voice, her heartfelt interpretations and her sense of humour in interacting with her audiences.  She was the featured artist in the “Spotlight Penang in Hong Kong” event, performing with Malaysian musicians, and is currently participating in the Fringe Cub’s “Jazz Lunch of Jazz-go-Central Jazz-go-Fringe 2018” project.  She is a multi-platform artist who sings, acts and emcees – you might recognise her voice from her theatre work and TV commercials.

Bernard Hui (arranger, keyboards)

This energetic and experienced crossover pianist plays a wide range of styles, from classical to contemporary jazz. A graduate of the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, Bernard founded the Aleatory Jazz Ensemble in 1996 and the fusion jazz group Quartet SAN in 2016.  He also plays with La Petite Jazzy Jam, the Big Band Express and the R&B/Jazz band M.I.D., and leads concerts in popular jazz clubs in Hong Kong.

Rod Chui (co-arranger, harmonica)

Rod is the founder of the local jazz community “Local Jazz Convention”.  Rod is active in the music cultural exchange scene, having performed in Taiwan, Japan and Macau.  He is also the keyboardist with local bands Fusion Pig and the J-Funk Ensemble, and has worked in the pop music scene with renowned singers Miriam Yeung, Chet Lam, Rebecca Pan and Charlene Choi.  Rod is also a keen educator – he has been a guest lecturer for the Hong Kong Jazz Film Festival for two years.

Chan Kam-ming (electric bass)

This experienced bassist studied at The Players School of Music in Florida, and has performed in several music festivals, including the Hong Kong International Jazz Festival and the Hong Kong Summer Jazz Festival.  He is currently the bassist of Hippogroove, the J- Funk Ensemble, Fusion Pig and the Saturday Night Jazz Orchestra.

Kwok Wing-hei (trumpet)

Hei is a member of the Basic Notes Jazz Big Band, the Saturday Night Jazz Orchestra, the Island Express Jazz Orchestra, the Happy Go Lucky Big Band and the Stray Katz Big Band.  An in-demand trumpeter in Hong Kong, he has played at most jazz venues around town.  He also works with local pop music artists, including Sammi Cheng and Chet Lam.

Samson Sin (drums)

With more than 10 years of experience playing the drums, Samson is skilled in various styles, including rock, jazz, funk and Latin.  He is now based in Hong Kong, after receiving further training at one of the most famous music schools in the world, The Collective School of Music in New York City.  As well as performing in many live venues with various bands and musicians in Hong Kong, Samson also teaches the drums.

Remarks:

• Admission: 30 minutes before show time.
• Limited seats, first-come-first-served.
• Drink coupon will be distributed at the door.
• No outside drink or food is allowed inside the venue.

Enquiries:
Fringe Club (852) 2521 7251
livemusic@hkfringeclub.com