UIC came alive with the vibrant sounds of jazz recently!
Grammy-winning keyboardist Jeff Lorber, a seven-time Grammy nominee and winner of the 2018 Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Instrumental Album with Prototype, took the stages with young jazz drummer Nie Xin and renowned Hong Kong bassist Tsang Tak Hong for an unforgettable night of music. "If you love music and have passion, stick with it," Lorber advised the audience during the performance, emphasising the opportunities and challenges of a music career.
Jeff Lorber, who began playing piano at age four in a musical family and honed his craft at Berklee College of Music, shared insights on jazz: "Jazz is all about improvisation, individuality, and collaboration. Each performance is unique."
Jeff Lorber
Jazz-drum player Nie Xin
Bassist Tsang Tak Hong
Head of UIC's Department of Music Prof Thomas Stein (right) joins the perfomance.
UIC President Prof Chen Zhi presents a souvenir to Lorber in appreciation of his visit.
Students also shared their experiences. First-year student Chen Shixiong from the Data Science Programme described jazz as "a mesmerising art form that naturally draws you in," while the second-year student Dong Xinghan of the Music Performance Programme who performed in the opening act, called the experience "transformative" for his skills and understanding of music. Yuan Dexin, another MUS year two student from Music Performance major, was also impressed by the excellent rhythm and melody shown in the synergy of the whole team.
Dong Xinghan in the opening act
Lorber highlighted the value of versatility in the music industry, urging young musicians to develop skills like arranging, harmony, and sound production. "Music should be inspired and authentic, not mechanical," he said.
From MPRO
Reporter: Uki Zhou
Photographer: Wu Zimo, Zhang Ruisi
Editor: Cecilia Yu, Season Li
