Regatta Bar: Chinese New Year Concert
On February 1, 2025, the Regattabar in Cambridge, Massachusetts, was the setting for a remarkable cultural fusion as saxophonist Zishi Liu led a Chinese New Year concert that blended jazz with traditional Chinese music. This performance marked Liu as the first Chinese jazz musician to headline at this esteemed venue in collaboration with Blue Note, a milestone in his career.
The ensemble featured a diverse group of musicians: Hui Weng on guzheng, vocalist Alex Gao, pianist Harold Charon, bassist Benedict Koh, drummer Zongmou Jiang, and the GAIA Quartet on strings. Together, they created a soundscape that honored both Eastern and Western musical traditions, celebrating unity and the vibrant energy of the Lunar New Year.
Liu's performance was a testament to his journey from studying environmental science to becoming a prominent figure in the jazz world. His music, influenced by artists like John Coltrane and Kenny G, as well as traditional Chinese melodies, reflects a deep commitment to cultural storytelling and musical innovation.
This concert not only showcased Liu's unique musical vision but also highlighted the growing representation of Asian artists in the jazz scene, offering audiences a rich, cross-cultural experience.
