Ancient Echoes: Jazz music meets classical Chinese poetry
Event description
Join us for an afternoon of extraordinary musical adventure brought to you by the Taipei-based jazz collective Zy the Way 中庸. Using poems from the ancient collection of poetry Book of Songs (Shijing 詩經) as the basis for their compositions, this performance seamlessly blends 3000-year-old ancient Chinese poetry and original jazz, crafting a distinctive and thought-provoking sonic experience. CIW Postdoctoral Fellow Annie Ren will provide translations and exegesis of the poems in between songs. Representative Douglas Hsu of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Australia will deliver the welcoming remarks.
Light refreshments will be served at 3pm.
About Zy The Way
Zy The Way features a lineup of Taiwan’s top musicians such as versatile bassist Derrick Lin, woodwind specialist Jim "J" Geddes, and accomplished jazz drummer Steven Ma, transcends the boundaries of conventional jazz. Navigating music through the lens of the Doctrine of the Mean or “Zhong-Yong” 中庸, one of the four books of classical Chinese philosophy, Zy the Way encapsulates the balance between extremes, emphasizing a thoughtful and harmonious approach to life in the context of music.
Vocals/ Caitlin Magee
Australian-Taiwanese vocalist and radio host Caitlin Magee 凱琳 graduated from the Australian National University School of Music. Her music career took off in Asia after winning the Taichung Jazz Festival competition in 2017. As the vocalist and co-founder of Zy the Way 中庸, she has become a prominent figure in Taiwan's jazz scene. Beyond performing, Caitlin hosts ICRT's afternoon radio show 'Sweet Talk' and the jazz program 'Razzamajazz.'
Piano/ Matt Fullen
Pianist and composer Matthew Fullen, now based in Taipei, is celebrated for his interdisciplinary collaborations and jazz expertise. In addition to co-leading cross-genre ensemble Zy The Way 中庸, he is music director and house pianist at fine jazz venue Theater Trattoria and music director of Dadaocheng International Arts Festival (TTTIFA).
Woodwinds/ Jim Geddes
Versatile musician Jim "J" Geddes, 高杰, brings a unique blend of Eastern and Western influences. Based in Taipei since 2016, he founded Zy The Way 中庸 and TPO Jazz Orchestra. Jim's jazz, rock, and pop expertise extends to saxophone, clarinet, and flute. A performer at major festivals, he's made waves in Taiwan's music scene
Double Bass / Derrick Lin
Derrick Lin, renowned Taiwanese bassist, seamlessly navigates pop, jazz, and classical genres. Founder of Zy The Way 中庸, Derrick manages and plays bass for TPO Big Band. His versatility includes work with artists like 安溥, 王若琳, and film scores. Derrick crafts immersive bass lines, performing globally at festivals and concerts.
Drums / Steven Ma
Distinguished Taiwanese jazz drummer Steven Ma's journey began in 2011, training in New York under notable drummers. Returning to Taiwan, he performed across Asia, collaborating with Andy Jaffe Septet, Hsieh Ming-Yen Quartet, and Zy The Way. Steven's drumming skills contributed to award-winning albums, and he's co-owner of Sappho Live Jazz in Taipei
Poetry Reading / Tzu-Yung Tsai
Bruce Tsai, a Taiwanese artist, defies limitations with profound talents in multimedia production, music, and fitness. Despite cortical blindness, he navigates life through photography, capturing its essence in contemporary art. As the founder of "Guess What," their debut a cappella album "ONE" earned a Golden Melody Award nomination, marking success in domestic and international competitions.
We thank the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Australia for their support in making this performance possible at the Australian Centre on China in the World.
