LCSD - Cultural Presentations Section ,Jazz Up Series: ‘First Experience of Jazz’ Lecture Demonstration

(Conducted in Cantonese and free seating)

26 Feb 2019 (Tue)

Definitive Guide to Jazz Songs

With a history of over a hundred years, the jazz repository consists of millions of recordings, both audio and video. How do we navigate the ocean of jazz to find a starting place to listen? What should we do with the bits and pieces of information about jazz that we come across?

If you are new to the land of jazz, allow us to be your navigator and show you how to listen to jazz music “effectively”! Don’t let artificial intelligence manipulate your choice! Say goodbye to the days when jazz was like any other sounds brushing by, tune your ears and be in control of what you want to hear!

The speaker will use jazz recordings as examples to show the similarities of and differences between how jazz legends play their music. Even for listening alone, there can be progress, depth, breadth and perspectives. When your ears are trained, you will be able to spot the musical lineage of the jazz masters.

Members of the jazz band will perform on site to give you the real experience of live jazz!

5 Mar 2019 (Tue)

Concert and Jam Session Guide for Dummies

The term ‘jam session’ may refer to an impromptu session for music improvisation, concert performance, or doing a gig. What actually are the differences? How come someone from the floor would suddenly go on stage to perform with the musicians? Can I do the same thing? In jam sessions, can one simply go on stage with the instrument? On stage, while the musicians are playing, what is the best moment to join in? Would styles like Swing, Bossa Nova work too? How long should a solo session last? Any taboos on stage? What do I do to ensure that I can enjoy jamming without making an embarrassing faux pas? How can I “survive” in a jam session? Is it appropriate to stay on stage and join each and every piece of the music performed? Without rehearsals, how can the jazz musicians start playing after exchanging just a few words, and playing so well? How do professional musicians prepare for their performance?

Even in music, there are rules to observe. So allow us to introduce the usual practices and etiquettes of jazz concerts and jam sessions. With the live demonstrations of the band, let us learn the right moves!

Now you can decode the cues among the musicians on stage!

12 Mar 2019 (Tue)

Jazz FAQ

Is jazz music only for black musicians? You need the “feel” to play jazz, does it mean that jazz can only be played after a few drinks? Does jazz go after “weird notes”, “wrong notes”? Is jazz harmony the same as Major 7 chord? Does playing “modes” turn your music into playing jazz? Can the use of swing rhythm turn any music into jazz? Is it true that jazz musicians cannot repeat themselves, and must keep on innovating? Are “jazz” and “improvisation” the same thing? Is jazz the search for the inner voice? I have tons of learning materials on jazz, how come I still can’t play jazz? Can we learn jazz by jamming more with friends? I have no talent in music, can I still learn jazz? I have a busy life, should I learn jazz? Is it true that with passion, anyone can be a jazz musician? Is it true that one cannot imitate the style of others when playing jazz? Is a renowned teacher a must in order to make one a full-fledged jazz musician? Would attending a jazz music school be useful? Does playing fast mean playing well? A lot of people sing jazz, does it mean that they are all jazz singers?

Musicians will discuss FAQs on jazz and quote from jazz superstars to inspire discussion and thinking. With live music demonstration, participants will be able to listen to the music while talking about jazz.

(English translation provided by KCL Language Consultancy Ltd.)

(Information provided by the speaker)

Each lecture will run for about 2 hours.

The programme does not represent the views of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department.

The Presenter reserves the right to change the programmes and substitute speaker/ demonstrators.

Band: Jazz Roaster

Mark Leung (Guitar/ Speaker)

Mark Leung received his music training under Stony Chan, Teddy Suen, Zé Eduardo, Nuno Ferreira and Mário Delgado at various times of his career. He hosted two lecture demonstrations in the ‘Jazz Up’ Series presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, ‘Getting to Know Jazz’ (2017) and ‘Is Jazz That Hard?’ (2018). He is an instructor for the Associate Degree programme of the Hong Kong Institute of Technology, and also the founder of Sound & Good Co., Olá School of Music and Freelance Musician Association (FMA) . He is a member of the Composers and Authors Society of Hong Kong (CASH).

Barry Lam (Double Bass)

Barry Lam received his music training under Teddy Suen and Zé Eduardo. He gave live demonstrations at two lecture demonstrations, ‘Getting to Know Jazz’ (2017) and ‘Is Jazz That Hard?’ (2018). His recent appearances included at various events held at the Jockey Club Black Box Theatre and hotel venues in Macao etc. Lam is a keen promoter of jazz; he not only gives guided appreciation sessions and teaches the genre, organises promotion events in partnership with Jazz for Fun HK, but also conducted guided appreciation of jazz music albums for the visually impaired at the invitation of welfare organisations. He is currently a columnist for the online platform, Music Valley, writing regularly on topics of how to appreciate jazz music.

Felix Leung (Drums)

Felix Leung received his music training under Zé Eduardo. He holds a degree in counselling and psychology, and during his studies, he was inspired and taught by the well-known drummer Simon Chui. As his passion for music grew, he became a full-time drummer. Apart from teaching and actively promoting drum music and jazz music, Leung also makes frequent appearances in various types of music sessions, such as jazz fusion, R&B and Rockabilly.

Supporting Musicians:

Billy Yeung (Piano)

Billy Yeung is an active jazz pianist and instructor in Hong Kong. He was trained under the local pianist Chris Mak, piano teacher Tino Maxwell, and local guitarist Mark Leung.

Moon Wong (Guitar)

Moon Wong is a jazz guitarist and a full-time instructor in music. She received her training under Mark Leung. She performed in the 15th ‘Festival Internacional de Jazz de Macau - Macau Jazz Fest’.

(Information provided by the speaker)

Jazz Up Series: ‘First Experience of Jazz’ Lecture Demonstration

DATE

VENUE

PRICE

26.02.2019 - 12.03.2019
(Every Tue, 7:30 pm, 3 lectures in total)

CR2, 7/F, Backstage, Concert Hall, Hong Kong Cultural Centre

$80

BUY NOW

DATE

26.02.2019 - 12.03.2019
(Every Tue, 7:30 pm, 3 lectures in total)

VENUE

CR2, 7/F, Backstage, Concert Hall, Hong Kong Cultural Centre

PRICE

$80

BUY NOW

Tickets available from 18 January at URBTIX outlets, on Internet, by Mobile Ticketing App and Credit Card Telephone Booking.

Half-price tickets available for senior citizens aged 60 and above, people with disabilities and the minder, full-time students and Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA) recipients. (Limited tickets for CSSA recipients available on a first come, first served basis).

Group Booking Discount
10% off for each purchase of 4-9 standard tickets; 15% off for 10-19 standard tickets; 20% off for 20 or more standard tickets.

‘First Experience of Jazz’ Lecture Demonstration Package Discount

10% off for each purchase of standard tickets of 2 different lectures, 15% off for all 3 lectures.

Patrons can enjoy only one of the above discount offers.

Programme Enquiries: 2268 7321

Ticketing Enquiries: 3761 6661

Credit Card Telephone Booking: 2111 5999

Internet Booking: www.urbtix.hk