Have you ever heard Jazz played on ancient Chinese instruments?
Jasmine Jazz is a fusion jazz group based out of Vancouver. They seamlessly merge traditional Chinese folk melodies with contemporary jazz, crafting a mesmerizing sonic tapestry that is quite unique.
They started as a series of experimental performances at the Dr. Sun Yat Sen Chinese Classical Garden that included blending different styles of performance with Chinese music. Over the course of several shows, Jasmine Jazz came up with a repertoire that epitomizes the fusion of Eastern and Western musical traditions.
“On our first rehearsal, the Jazz musicians have not worked with Chinese musicians, and to hear them improvise, and dive in was so bold and so passionate. It was exciting right out of the gate.”
-James Danderfer (Clarinet, Jodi Proznick Trio)
The musicians consist of members from the Vancouver Chinese Music Ensemble, who are all trained masters of their traditional instruments as well as the Jodi Proznick Trio.
Musicians:
Jodi Proznick (bass)
James Danderfer (clarinet)
Bill Coon (guitar)
Jirong Huang (erhu)
Zhongxi Wu (suona/sheng)
Sarah Yusha Tan (guzheng)
with guest artist Liam MacDonald, percussion
Jodi Proznick is a three-time Juno-nominated bassist, producer, and composer who writes music for Jasmine Jazz. The 2023 recording of Jasmine Jazz features tracks such as "Little Sunflower," "Anhui," and "Jasmine Flower," each blending the soulful essence of jazz with the vibrant rhythms of Chinese music. This album not only showcases the ensemble's exceptional talent but also underscores their dedication to pushing the boundaries of musical expression.
The Jasmine Jazz (2023) album is the recipient of the prestigious Instrumental Artist of the Year award at the 2023 BreakOut West. It was recognized as a beacon of innovation in Western Canada's instrumental music landscape. This collaboration between the Vancouver Chinese Music Ensemble and the Jodi Proznick Jazz Trio has not only received critical acclaim but also ushered in a new era of musical fusion.
Twice nominated “best jazz clarinetist” in the National Jazz Awards, composer/performer, James Danderfer has been performing and recording with some of the finest jazz musicians in North America. He is a part of our Jasmine Jazz album, a brilliant composer and performer that made the recording possible.
Together they were nominated and won the Break Out West Award for Jasmine Jazz 2023.
Bill Coon is a Canadian jazz guitarist and composer. He is a Juno-nominated artist and the winner of the National Jazz Award.
He collaborated with the Vancouver Chinese Music Ensemble in our album Jasmine Jazz arranging music, composing and winning the Break Out West Award for their music.
Liam Macdonald
Liam relocated to the West Coast from the Toronto area in 1997, and has been calling Vancouver home ever since. He is equally in demand for his drumset playing as well as a multi-percussionist, leading him to contribute to an extremely eclectic mix of projects. Liam has recorded and performed with a diverse range of international artists including David Hidalgo of Los Lobos , Marc Ribot, Matt Anderson, Steve Dawson, Gord Grdina's Haram, Celso Machado, Harry Manx and D.O.A.
New Compositions for Jasmine Jazz
New compositions for Jasmine Jazz premiered at East of the Sun May 4th at the Annex Theatre.
Encounters by James Danderfer
Encounters is melodically inspired by Chinese Traditional music, rhythmically inspired by 12/8 Afro-Cuban music, and all wrapped up in the most essential song form of jazz music, the blues.
No Right Turn is a composition written by Jodi Proznick.
She used a crazy time signature creating an off-kilter feeling. It explores the idea of questioning what is right and the radical acceptance of what is, leaning into it's limitations.
"Writing for Chinese instruments presents challenges with limited scales but offers polyrhythmic opportunities. It's not just a problem; it's an opportunity, mirroring life's complexities." - Jodi Proznick
Fan Testimonials: Rave Reviews from Our Audience
“I heard Jasmine Jazz perform at the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden last February and I didn’t know I could feel so seen as a Chinese Canadian. Unique arrangements, homage to tradition, and literally the best musicians of these instruments. Zhongxi Wu is a fourth-generation suona player - what craft have you carried forward from your great-grandparents?! Seriously so cool. Regardless of your background, if you’re a fan of different musical traditions, go go go!"
- Andrea Wong
Award Winning Music:
Jasmine Jazz wins BreakOut West
Instrumental Artist of the Year 2023
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