The New EP
ZISHI LIU
American Anxiety
Available June 1st
Acclaimed jazz saxophonist and composer Zishi Liu unveils his latest EP, American Anxiety, a deeply personal and politically charged avant-garde jazz statement. Blending ECM-inspired improvisation with traditional Chinese musical elements, Liu crafts a striking soundscape that reflects his evolving experience as a Chinese artist in the United States. The EP will be available on Spotify, Apple Music and all major platforms, starting June 1st, 2025.
From his arrival as a foreigner to his transition into American life, Liu channels the tensions, complexities, and contradictions of his journey into a sonic experience that is both personal and universal. The EP’s title track, “American Anxiety,” serves as its emotional and conceptual core, capturing uncertainty, tension, and reinvention in modern America. Each composition functions as a sonic diary, offering intimate reflections on identity, history, and cultural fusion.
Liu brings together a world-class ensemble to push the boundaries of jazz and improvisation. The recording features legendary drummer Francisco Mela, acclaimed jazz guitarist Eric Hofbauer, visionary pianist Harold Charon, and rising bassist Ben Koh. The addition of Hui Weng, a guzheng virtuoso, bridges ancient Chinese traditions with contemporary jazz, while the Gaia String Quartet introduces lush orchestral textures. Veteran trumpeter Chris Klaxton completes the ensemble, delivering bold melodic statements. The fusion of avant-garde jazz with the 3,000-year-old guzheng creates an unprecedented meeting of East and West, tradition and reinvention—a soundscape that is both timeless and urgent.
“I connected the dots when I heard late Coltrane and the Guqin (古琴), an ancient Chinese instrument,” says Liu. “I realized both share a free, Zen-like quality. This EP is my way of exploring how those traditions can intersect in a world of globalization, uncertainty, and self-discovery.”
The New EP
ZISHI LIU
American Anxiety
Available June 1st
Acclaimed jazz saxophonist and composer Zishi Liu unveils his latest EP, American Anxiety, a deeply personal and politically charged avant-garde jazz statement. Blending ECM-inspired improvisation with traditional Chinese musical elements, Liu crafts a striking soundscape that reflects his evolving experience as a Chinese artist in the United States. The EP will be available on Spotify, Apple Music and all major platforms, starting June 1st, 2025.
From his arrival as a foreigner to his transition into American life, Liu channels the tensions, complexities, and contradictions of his journey into a sonic experience that is both personal and universal. The EP’s title track, “American Anxiety,” serves as its emotional and conceptual core, capturing uncertainty, tension, and reinvention in modern America. Each composition functions as a sonic diary, offering intimate reflections on identity, history, and cultural fusion.
Liu brings together a world-class ensemble to push the boundaries of jazz and improvisation. The recording features legendary drummer Francisco Mela, acclaimed jazz guitarist Eric Hofbauer, visionary pianist Harold Charon, and rising bassist Ben Koh. The addition of Hui Weng, a guzheng virtuoso, bridges ancient Chinese traditions with contemporary jazz, while the Gaia String Quartet introduces lush orchestral textures. Veteran trumpeter Chris Klaxton completes the ensemble, delivering bold melodic statements. The fusion of avant-garde jazz with the 3,000-year-old guzheng creates an unprecedented meeting of East and West, tradition and reinvention—a soundscape that is both timeless and urgent.
“I connected the dots when I heard late Coltrane and the Guqin (古琴), an ancient Chinese instrument,” says Liu. “I realized both share a free, Zen-like quality. This EP is my way of exploring how those traditions can intersect in a world of globalization, uncertainty, and self-discovery.”
May 23, 2025
American Anxiety
EP Release Concert
When: 5:00 pm Where: The Lilypad, Cambridge, MA
Join saxophonist and composer Zishi Liu for a special evening celebrating the release of his debut EP, American Anxiety, and new original works. Blending jazz with experimental textures and personal storytelling, the project explores identity, pressure, and resilience in a fast-shifting world. This one-night-only performance will feature Zishi’s full band performing music from the EP — live, raw, and in conversation with the moment.
Lineup: Zishi Liu (Saxophone, Composer), Francisco Mela (Drums), Eric Hofbauer (Guitar), Hui Weng (Guzheng), Harold Charon (Piano), Ben Koh (Bass)
As a special thank you, ticket buysers will receive an immediate early pre-release download of Zishi’s EP.
*Please make sure to bring a copy of your receipt as proof of payment.
**A valid student ID is required for student ticket admission.
May 23, 2025
American Anxiety
EP Release Concert
When: 5:00 pm Where: The Lilypad, Cambridge, MA
Join saxophonist and composer Zishi Liu for a special evening celebrating the release of his debut EP, American Anxiety, and new original works. Blending jazz with experimental textures and personal storytelling, the project explores identity, pressure, and resilience in a fast-shifting world. This one-night-only performance will feature Zishi’s full band performing music from the EP — live, raw, and in conversation with the moment.
Lineup: Zishi Liu (Saxophone, Composer), Francisco Mela (Drums), Eric Hofbauer (Guitar), Hui Weng (Guzheng), Harold Charon (Piano), Ben Koh (Bass)
As a special thank you, ticket buysers will receive an immediate early pre-release download of Zishi’s EP.
*Please make sure to bring a copy of your receipt as proof of payment.
**A valid student ID is required for student ticket admission.
