Legendary singer-songwriter Li Quan is bringing his signature blend of classical, pop, and jazz to the stage, backed by some of China’s finest jazz musicians. Expect fresh takes on timeless melodies, smooth improvisations, and plenty of soul. Special guest guitarist Lawrence Ku joins the lineup for an unforgettable night of music.
Li Quan, singer and musician, is the first Chinese artist to receive the Classical Music Award from Rolling Stone magazine and the winner of the 26th Hong Kong Top Ten Chinese Songs Award, breaking a 25-year record for mainland Chinese singers. He has won numerous accolades, including the Golden Melody Award for "Best Pop Album," the Taiwan Musicians Exchange Association’s "Top Ten Outstanding Albums," and the Taiwan Musicians Association’s "Best Album" and "Best Producer" awards. He has also been recognized as "Best Singer-Songwriter of the Year" by the China Songs Chart and "Best Male Singer-Songwriter" at the 2012 China TOP Chart Awards. Despite his low profile, he is highly regarded in the Chinese music scene, known for his deep expertise in classical music and his many pop music classics. In 2021, his album Ten Days of Playing earned him four nominations at the 32nd Golden Melody Awards, including "Best Album Producer," "Best Mandarin Male Singer," "Album of the Year," and "Best Mandarin Album."
For this performance, Li Quan is joined by six of China’s most prominent jazz musicians, along with rising stars in the scene. Together, they blend classical, pop, and jazz elements, transforming timeless melodies with a fresh, romantic swing.
Lineup:
Artist Highlights:
Huang Jianyi (Piano)
A jazz pianist, composer, and educator, Huang Jianyi is the principal of JZ School. He holds a bachelor's degree from the Shanghai Conservatory of Music and a master's in jazz piano from Berklee College of Music and Rutgers University. He founded and plays in the fusion jazz band J3 Trio and the electronic jazz group +++++. In 2015, J3 Trio’s album Red Man won "Best Band" and "Best Fusion Album" at the inaugural Chinese Jazz Awards. He also won "Best Live Jazz Band" at the 2017 LivePower Awards. His album Crystal Violet was nominated for "Best Jazz Album" at the 2018 CMIC Music Awards.
Huang has also composed music for the Kunqu opera Huan Sha Ji, which premiered at the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra Hall in 2016. In 2023, his solo piano album April: Part One won Tencent’s Waves Music Award for "Best Instrumental Album." His discography includes Shanghai Jazz, Dreamscape (with Zhao Possibility), Shanghai Blue (with German jazz harmonica player Jens Bunge), Red Man, Crystal Violet, and April: Part One.
Li Shihai (Saxophone)
One of China’s most influential saxophonists, composers, and arrangers, Li Shihai is a JZ Music artist and holds a master’s degree in jazz saxophone from the New England Conservatory of Music. He teaches at Nanjing University of the Arts and serves as Secretary-General of the Jiangsu Province Pop Music Association's Jazz Committee. He won "Best New Artist" at the first JZ Awards in 2015 and later received "Best Live Performance" and "Best Fusion Musician" at the 2018 Chinese Jazz Awards. His second solo album, Jet Lag, released in 2020, was nominated for "Best Jazz Instrumental Album" at the 2022 CMA Awards.
Ren Yuqing (Bass)
Ren Yuqing, known as "Jazz Uncle," is a bassist and founder of JZ Music. He has played for renowned rock and jazz musicians such as Dou Wei, Cui Jian, and Pu Shu. He has played a key role in introducing jazz to Chinese audiences and fostering its growth in cities across China. Through his work, more international jazz musicians have recognized China’s thriving jazz scene, helping to establish Chinese jazz on the global stage.
Sun Yuanlong (Trumpet)
Sun Yuanlong studied jazz trumpet for 13 years under Professor Li Xiaochuan at the Shanghai Conservatory of Music. In 2022, he won the gold medal in the university category at the North American Master International Competition and was selected to perform at the 2024 Antibes Juan-les-Pins Jazz Festival in France. He has performed at notable venues such as Jazz Cafe Dizzy in Rotterdam and Paradiso in Amsterdam, as well as major festivals like the Taihu Jazz Festival and Taizhou Music Festival. He has also appeared on China Waves (Episode 9) and various original music concerts. Currently, he plays with the Shanghai Conservatory Jazz Orchestra and JZ Bigband Thirsty Band, remaining active on the international jazz stage.
Gao Kechao (Drums)
Kevin Gao is a new-generation Chinese drummer and producer. He graduated from Berklee College of Music and was the first Chinese undergraduate admitted to Berklee’s Global Jazz Institute. With a strong jazz foundation, he performed in jazz clubs in Boston, New York, and Los Angeles alongside American musicians.
After moving to Beijing in 2020, he quickly became one of the city's most sought-after drummers. In 2021, he formed the Outlawed Quintet, winning both individual and group championships at the Shanghai JZ Jazz Masters Competition. Known for his fearless approach to challenges, Gao’s immersive and expressive drumming captivates audiences. His versatility across rock, jazz, and electronic music has also earned him recognition from Cui Jian, China’s "Godfather of Rock." His refined sound and unique aesthetic have made him one of China’s most stylistically diverse drummers.
Lawrence Ku (Special Guest – Guitar)
Lawrence Ku, a JZ Music artist and Chinese-American guitarist and composer, is one of the most influential jazz musicians and educators in China. Known for his stylistic versatility, he has contributed to numerous musical projects and performed at major festivals and concerts worldwide. He is highly respected in the Chinese jazz scene and leads the acclaimed Red Groove Project, one of China’s top jazz-funk bands, which has been nominated for the Golden Melody Awards and won the CMIC Music Award.
Wed, Apr 30, 2025 
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