Author Archives: Yuchun Yang

Highly skilled jazz pianist performs at UBC

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On April 19th of this year at the UBC Chan Center, it was a musical feast, a wonderful auditory journey of classical jazz.


(UBC Chan center opening in spring 1997, 
the Chan Centre for the Performing Arts has earned an international
 reputation for its striking design, stellar acoustics and e
xceptional programming. Artists, critics and audiences alike 
are unanimous in their prais)

American pianist Aaron Diehl was the star of the show, mesmerizing the audience with his mastery of the piano and rich musical talent. His recent album Zodiac Suite was not only nominated for a 2024 Grammy Award, but was also named one of Slate’s Jazz Albums of the Year, a testament to the excellence of his music. Diehl’s music is more than one-dimensional, and each piano performance is an unexpected artistic marvel that will leave you in awe.

Aaron Diehl is no newcomer to the scene. Back in 2011, he was honored by the American Pianists Association as a Cole Porter Jazz Fellow, a high recognition of his musical talent. He has demonstrated outstanding musical prowess by working with jazz legend Wynton Marsalis, composer Philip Glass, and the New York Philharmonic, among many others. And it is a rare honor to work with a jazz legend like Wynton Marsalis.

Wynton Marsalis is not only an outstanding trumpeter, but has also won numerous Grammy Awards, including “Think of One” in 1983, “Hot House Flowers” in 1984, and “The Grammys” in 1985. The awards, including Think of One (1983), Hot House Flowers (1984), and Black Codes (From the Underground) (1985), are a testament to Diehl’s stature as a jazz musician. Collaborating with such an accomplished trumpeter has also been a great addition to Diehl’s musical career.

On stage, Diehl displayed his musical talent and charisma without any stage fright, delivering an electrifying performance. Although he wasn’t there, the audience described it as a soul-cleansing recital.

For the audience, Aaron Diehl’s performance was not only a spiritual cleansing, but also a bridge leading them to the world of jazz. In the jumping of the notes, they seemed to be able to feel the power of the music, as if they were in a music world full of magic. Diehl’s performance made people feel as if they had traveled through time and space, and immersed themselves in the charm and magic of jazz.

Mexican music and pianists collide

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Ray is a passionate pianist, singer and songwriter living in Vancouver with over 17 years of musical experience. Although he was born with Mexican roots, his musical style is not only influenced by Mexican music, but also incorporates many different elements, a natural musical collision that makes his music even more colorful.

As a classical pianist, Ray’s musical path may seem to have nothing to do with Mexican music, but it is this seemingly unrelated fusion of musical elements that brings a unique charm to his music.

Ray’s musical path has been full of ups and downs, and you have to believe that being an independent musician is just that grueling. Not only has he participated in many different types of music events, such as band recitals and competitions, bar/restaurant gigs, and classical piano recitals, but he has also actively experimented with writing his own music. After a series of musical explorations and practices, he began to combine classical piano and pop music to create unique and personalized compositions, which listeners who have had the experience of composing should know is a process that takes a long time. His music not only shows his profound classical music skills, but also incorporates the fashionable elements of pop music, making his works more energetic and modern.

In addition to the music itself, Ray’s musical story is inspiring. As a pianist and singer with Mexican roots, he has faced no shortage of challenges. However, it is these challenges that have shaped his resilient character and persistent pursuit. Through unremitting efforts and continuous exploration, Ray finally found his own musical style and demonstrated his unique artistic personality.

Throughout his musical career, Ray has accumulated a wealth of performance experience and skills. He has demonstrated his talent on a variety of occasions. Whether he is playing solo on stage or collaborating with other musicians, he has shown excellent expressiveness and stage charisma. Audiences are excited and curious about his music, and they are eager to hear more about Ray’s musical story.

Ray has earned the love and respect of many listeners with his unique musical style and tenacity. His musical works not only show his outstanding musical talent, but also contain rich emotions and connotations, which make people deeply moved and inspired.

As he continues to move forward on his musical journey, it is believed that Ray will continue to create more stirring musical works, bringing people endless musical enjoyment and moving.

The ukulele is music’s “secret” weapon

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The ukulele is a four-stringed instrument that is often referred to as a miniature version of the guitar. Despite its compact size, it has a lovely, melodic sound, making it one of the instruments of choice for many bandleaders to play.

In Uke’s Misbehavin‘, there are three lead singers who specialize in a wide range of genres, including jazz, swing, blues, bluegrass, folk and country music. What makes the band unique is that all three of their members specialize in playing the ukulele. This is not common in bands, but it is due to this particular compilation that the ukulele is interpreted by them in a variety of tones.

Their music is full of lazy and lovely tones, as if it were a beach bathed in the afternoon sun with a cup of hot chocolate milk, giving a pleasant feeling of relaxation. If you click on the video link, you’ll hear more about the wonderful performance of their music.

It’s no exaggeration to say about their music, “If you want to hear it, there’s nothing they won’t do!” They have a lot of experience in performing, which has become their “signature”. So if you go to one of their shows, you won’t be disappointed!

Uke’s Misbehavin Band is known for their unique style of music and interaction with the audience. Their stage presence is full of energy and passion and always manages to get the audience rocking, laughing and mesmerized with the rhythm of the music. Whether at festivals, bars, cafes or private parties, they always deliver an unforgettable musical feast.

The band’s performance is not only about the presentation of music, but also about the interaction and empathy with the audience. They are good at connecting with the audience, creating a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere through humorous and witty conversations and performances. In their performances, the audience is not just a listener, but also a participant, who is invited to sing along, dance, and even go on stage to participate in the performance. This interactivity makes the performance more lively and interesting, and enhances the audience’s sense of participation and engagement.

The band members are passionate and dedicated to every performance. They are constantly striving to create new music and perfect their performance skills. Whether on stage or behind the scenes, they are constantly striving for musical perfection and aiming to give the audience the most exciting and memorable performance possible.

If you’re looking for an energetic and passionate musical journey, catch a performance by Uke’s Misbehavin Band. With their unique musical style and wonderful stage performance, they will bring you a wonderful musical time that will keep you lingering until the music ends.

So, as they say,

“So, you think a ukulele is just a ukulele? You’ll be surprised!”

 Their music is so much more than that, it’s an amazing listening experience for the ears.

Uke’s Misbehavin’

Life is too short, how do I live it to the fullest?

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Kathryn Jane Calder is a Victorian Canadian indie musician and is also a vocal member of the band. And here’s how Wikipedia describes her:Kathryn Jane Calder, born June 17, 1982, is a Canadian indie rock musician who performs as a solo artist and is also a member of the bands The New Pornographers and Frontperson. She was formerly a member of the band Immaculate Machine. Calder joined The New Pornographers initially as a replacement for Neko Case in live shows and became a permanent member in 2006.

Suffice it to say, this is incredibly bland and doesn’t emphasize her excellence at all.Kathryn has released ten albums in the last ten years and has toured all over the world. That’s not something that just anyone can do! Furthermore, it’s amazing that she cemented her music career before the age of 30. That’s a jaw-dropping accomplishment!

Have you heard of her first solo album, Are You My Mother? Did you know that it was recorded at home while she was caring for her mother who was battling acromegaly? Imagine how she managed to create such moving music in her busy life. And shortly before the release of her second album, Bright and Vivid, her father died suddenly. It’s almost as if life is a mix of bitter and sweet! Not only were these sorrows and joys perfectly expressed in her music, but they were also able to provide her with a wealth of material for future albums.

Kathryn says, “I love the feeling of being adrift, but also long for a peaceful place, away from the drama and worry.”

This statement really hit home for me. As an international student, I often feel the tension between the joy of the journey and the warmth of home. For me, music is my spiritual support and always warms me up when I’m sad. I bet Kathryn’s music resonates with your heart too.

“Life is too short, how do I live it to the fullest?”

It’s a question that haunts most of us, and one that resonates deeply with me. And one of Kathryn’s answers is to write songs that are sincere and moving. She clutched her guitar and explored melodies over and over again, chasing her inner voice. After a year of hard work, she finally recorded a full album. However, not content with that, she determinedly threw the album away and started over, as she pursued a truer and deeper expression.

Kathryn’s story tells us that the path of pursuing dreams is full of challenges, but with perseverance, success will surely come. Her music is full of life’s wisdom and courage, and this kind of persistence and perseverance is worth learning from us. No matter what difficulties and challenges we face, as long as we remain sincere, we can find our own piece of pure land.own piece of pure land.

The Young Prince of Steinway and Sons

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Piano is one of the hobbies that many of you had when you were young, but did you never touch it again when you were older?

Steinway & Sons is one of the most powerful pianists of all time, so the title of piano named after him is also very prestigious. One such young pianist from B.C. is 16-year-old Chinese-American Louis Wei, who recently became one of 60 Junior Steinway Artists from around the world. This is a remarkable honor, the first B.C. Junior Steinway Artist and only two in Canada. Only two other artists in Canada have been honored with this award. Chinese artists who have also been honored worldwide include Lang Lang and Yundi Li.

The story of the Steinway & Sons brand’s friendships with a wide variety of pianists is as dazzling as it is moving. Whether it’s classical pianist Lang Lang, jazz star Diana Krall, or music history legends such as Irving Berlin, Cole Porter, Sergei Rachmaninoff, and Arthur Rubinstein, they’ve all developed a special resonance with Steinway & Sons. This resonance stems from Steinway’s craftsmanship and excellence, as well as the pianists’ love and dedication to music.

Louis Jr.’s journey on the piano began at the age of five, and he has participated in countless competitions and festivals, winning countless first prizes, trophies, and scholarships, and in 2011, he was invited to demonstrate his versatility by participating in a conference on Asia and International Relations at Harvard University, and in 2012, he performed his Piano Concerto with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, presenting a stunning musical feast for the audience. More recently, a performance at New York’s Carnegie Hall once again highlighted his musical talent and charisma, leaving the audience mesmerized and in awe.

Steinway’s piano skills and musicianship are complemented by Louis Jr.’s talent. Their collaboration is not only a tribute to the music, but also to the Steinway piano tradition. Whether it’s a spectacular performance at a music festival or a stunning performance on an international stage, the sound of the Steinway has always accompanied Louis Jr. and witnessed his musical growth and progress.

And now, little Louis has become a shining star in the music industry, his piano sound through time and space, touching countless listeners. The Steinway & Sons brand of pianos has also shone even brighter because of their cooperation with him, becoming a jewel in the music industry. Their story will continue to be written, bringing more beautiful and touching music to the world.

To little Louis, I would like to say, “In your musical journey, Steinway & Sons will always be your most loyal partner, may the sound of your piano be like a clear spring, flowing in the depths of people’s hearts and stirring up endless beauty and emotion.”

Confessions

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Rose Ranger’s artistic transition is truly remarkable, from dance performance to singing, a shift not common among many singers. 18 year old Rose gradually found her artistic direction by teaching herself guitar. Hailing from north of Vancouver, her songs always have a flavor from Vancouver’s west coast.

Her latest album, Confessions, marks her return. Six years after the release of her last single “Beautiful Baby”, Ranger returns to the stage, this time with a musical style that shows maturity and lyricism. The song’s unfolding emotions and layered narrative, as well as its novel arrangement, are impressive.

 “I’m wishing I could see you again. ‘Cause you’re my kind of heaven. I don’t want to spend another night sleeping alone. I’ve been searching all of my lifefor a place to call home.’ What the hell I know this feels right so pick up your phone.”

The lyrics are my favorite part of the whole song, it doesn’t have powerful words or flashy lyricism, it’s not flashy but it’s full of genuine emotion and warmth of meaning.” I’m wishing I could see you again. ‘Cause you’re my kind of heaven.” This lyric expresses the longing for the beloved, comparing love to heaven, showing the deep attachment to him and touching the heartstrings of many listeners. Next, “I don’t want to spend another night sleeping alone.” expresses the unwillingness to be alone and the desire to spend every night with the beloved, and this tender call and longing is heartwarming. Further, “I’ve been searching all of my life for a place to call home.” This lyric expresses the pursuit of a sense of belonging, the desire to find a home in each other’s arms, and this inner longing makes people The lyrics express the pursuit of belonging and the desire to find a home in each other’s arms. Finally, “What the hell I know this feels right so pick up your phone.” This lyric is full of determination and desire, expressing the determination and courage to give everything for love. The whole lyrics are full of emotion, thought-provoking and heart-warming, and Rose Ranger conveys to the listener the persistence and desire for love through these heartfelt lyrics, evoking the desire for a true relationship in everyone’s heart.

With her emotionally charged lyrics and heartfelt melodies, Rose Ranger shows us a heart filled with anticipation and longing for love. Her music is not only a pleasure to listen to, but also a touch of the heart that you can’t help but be immersed in and feel a deep resonance.

To this talented singer, I would like to say that your music is not only an expression, but also a power. Your lyrics and melodies are able to touch people’s hearts and bring resonance and warmth to the listener’s heart. Continue to stick to your musical dream and use your voice to convey love and warmth, and you will become an idol and a revelation to more people.

The dreamy song ‘’Dreams‘’

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JOSH BOGERT has released a fantastic music video for his new single ‘DREAMS’.

Before reading this post, I highly recommend you to watch his music video, it’s a very high quality video with great content. The video scale and the beautiful melody add to the ambiance of the video, and many of the scenes featured in the video are actually from the west coast of Vancouver.

“I was having coffee with my good friend Mark, the director and camera operator for the video, and I told him I wanted to find the most incredible landscape we could so that the video would be a great success. He immediately suggested Tofino on the west coast of Vancouver Island, and I have to say I don’t think I’ll ever be able to find the most incredible landscape we could so that the video would look like a dream world. He immediately suggested Tofino on the west coast of Vancouver Island, and I have to say I don’t think we could’ve picked a better spot. had an amazing time… and we happened to capture an awesome music video along the way!” (https://canadianbeats.ca/2022/06/21/josh-bogert-unveils-new-single-dreams/)

The breathtaking scenery of the West Coast is on full display in the music video, while the careful choreography throughout the video highlights Josh’s heart and the depth of what he hopes to convey to his audience. The scale shift at the beginning of the video brings a new visual experience, making people feel like they are in a marvelous world. The change of light and shadow also gives the whole music video an unexpected effect, making the audience immersed in it.

The whole song utilizes rich mixes, drum beats and various sound effects to create a captivating atmosphere. In particular, some white noise and ambient sounds that appear at the beginning and end of the music video seem to lead the listener into a mellifluous and moving story. Details such as birdsong and forest sounds coupled with the experience of wearing headphones add to the layering of the music, making the entire music video more vivid and engaging.

Such a well-crafted music video is not only an audio-visual feast, but more like a spiritual journey. Through the perfect combination of music and images, Josh successfully evokes the deepest resonance of the viewer’s heart, allowing for a unique emotional experience.

Josh is truly a singer with a promising future, let’s look forward to his future works together!

The 22-year-old talented singer has 1.6 million followers

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“It’s hard for me to explain exactly who I am,” he says.

At just 22 years old, Josh Bogert, a young singer from Vancouver, has already achieved something extraordinary. His Spotify streams have exceeded 7 million plays, and he has over 1.6 million views on YouTube. Josh is not only a singer-songwriter, but also a multi-instrumentalist and producer. His music is unique, with heartfelt songs that traverse personal journeys and blend seamlessly with energetic arrangements. One can feel his sincerity through his melodies, while his lyrics resonate deeply, eloquently expressing every emotion and thought from the depths of the soul. Each song paints a vivid picture of emotions and melodies intricately woven together to uplift the listener.

As an explorer of inner emotions, Bogart keenly captures the nuances and emotional fluctuations in relationships. His songs are not only reflections on personal experiences, but also profound explorations of human nature. Through his music, he conveys what it means to be a human being, urging people to listen to their inner voices and cherish the emotional bonds between people. His music is more than simple melodies and lyrics; it is an art form that, through complex arrangements and timbral variations, creates a mesmerizing musical atmosphere that not only appeals to the ear, but also touches the soul.

As mentioned, he finds it challenging to explain exactly who he is. However, I believe his music introduces himself perfectly. Good music often speaks for itself, and Josh’s songs are no exception. Listening to his music is the best way to get to know him. His music is both complex and honest, with influences from a variety of artists ranging from JP Saxe to Jon Bellion, as well as musical icons such as Ed Sheeran and Justin Bieber, shaping his current style of music. He regularly performs on stages across the country, including iconic venues such as Toronto’s Budweiser Stage, Halifax’s Scotiabank Center and Edmonton’s Commonwealth Stadium.

On these stages, he is more than just a singer, he is a storyteller, conveying heartfelt emotions and thoughts through his music. His performances are passionate and energizing, and each performance immerses the audience in the world of his music with that unique resonance.

So without further ado, let’s immerse ourselves in Josh’s music, experience his unique musical style and feel his story. His music will lead us through the ups and downs of emotions and the beauty and meaning of life.

Turnip the Beet ?

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When you think of beets and turnips, what comes to mind? Farms, healthy living, or perhaps your next meal?

It’s difficult to associate any of these with a band, isn’t it? But today, I’m excited to introduce you to a band that’s all about country and blues music. Despite having an average age of 55+, this band exudes a unique and vibrant energy that sets them apart.

Are you familiar with country music? Let me introduce you to it. Country music is probably typified by early Taylor Swift, with her breezy songwriting style and guitar as her main instrument. What really sets this band apart is their egalitarian approach to music. In most bands, there is a designated lead singer who takes center stage while the others sing backup. But in this band, each member takes turns being the lead singer, sharing the spotlight and showcasing their individual talents. Whether playing multiple instruments, writing songs, or arranging melodies, each member brings a unique skill set to the table. This versatility not only enhances their musicality, but also reflects their deep friendship and emotional connection.

In essence, the band is not just a musical group, but a close-knit “family” that inspires and motivates each other. Their collaborative spirit and mutual respect creates an electric energy that resonates with audiences of all ages. So when you see them perform, dance with them and become part of their family!

It’s time to try and experience the music that this unique band brings to the table. On April 19, 2024, Turnip the Beet band will host the South Cowichan Music Jam and Dance. This is an “electronic” music jam featuring classic rock/country and blues. Not only for those who like blues or country music, but all music lovers are welcome. This event is organized by the band “Turnip the Beet” and sponsored by the “Cowichan South Arts Guild”, “Malahat Legion” and “South Cowichan Music Jam “. The free concert will give you double the musical excitement and pleasure. It’s also a great opportunity for musicians to network and play, while providing a venue for the general audience to hear and enjoy great “improvised” music. How can you not look forward to a two-for-one musical exchange extravaganza?

Turnip the Beet

To learn more, visit their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/turnipthebeetband

Hippo and Jazz? From a band

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After a superb party, we decided to keep playing.

 Hey we should play some gigs.

We need a name!

And thus The Hipponauts were born – to explore what sounds hip in the universe!”（From https://hipponauts.com/about ）

Hipponauts is an instrumental jazz quartet from Vancouver, Canada, consisting of four members: HAE-IL JUNG (piano and keyboards), ALEX HERNANDEZ MARTINEZ (drums), IAN WIJESINGHE (bass guitar), and IAN LEYLAND (guitar). This is a pure jazz band consisting of four men, which is very original.

For me, jazz music is really enjoyable, it makes you imagine the feeling of sitting on the beach of English Bay in Vancouver with a cup of coffee in hand. The sea breeze is blowing in the direction of the wind mixed with piano and light instrumental melodies. Jazz music gives a relaxed and cozy atmosphere, as if one is in a slow-flowing time tunnel, enjoying the beauty and freedom of music. Perhaps, you can try it out! Listen to their music and walk by English bay.

Going back to their compositions, jazz music is a musical genre developed in the United States at the beginning of the 20th century, blending African musical traditions, European musical elements, and local American musical styles such as blues and folk. Highly improvisational and varied, jazz music is usually based on the blues scale and is played with rich musical ornamentation and improvisation. The versatility and flexibility of this musical style has made it a highly creative and expressive form of music that has attracted many music lovers.

The Hipponauts’ musical style inherits this diversity and improvisation of jazz music. As an instrumental jazz quartet, they are known for their unique arrangements and performance style, blending the sounds of piano, drums, bass guitar and guitar to create layered and dynamic pieces of music. Their music not only showcases the individual talents of each member, but also highlights the collaboration and understanding of the entire band, presenting listeners with an energetic and passionate musical feast.

If you’re looking for a jazz show with a twist, check out Hipponauts, a great music-listening extravaganza awaits you this June 14th at Jim Deva Plaza in Vancouver. （Click for details）https://hipponauts.com/event/5562233/679182751/jazz-jam-with-the-hipponauts

This will be the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in beautiful music and experience the charm and energy of jazz. the Hipponauts’ performance will surely impress you with an unforgettable musical journey.

At a Hipponauts show, you’ll have the opportunity to experience first-hand their unique musical style and exciting performances. Whether you are a big fan of jazz music or curious about new and exciting styles of music, Hipponauts will bring you a musical journey full of surprises and joy. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to enjoy the charm of music with Hipponauts and create your own wonderful memories!