The inaugural Super Bund Music Festival opens on the Bund in Shanghai's Huangpu district on Oct 17. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
The inaugural Super Bund Music Festival kicked off in Shanghai's Huangpu district on Friday, offering audiences a fusion of global sounds, including global jazz legends, Chinese musical stars and popular bands.
Running through Sunday, the festival will feature about 70 musicians from across the globe. Transcending national and cultural boundaries, a diverse group of artists will take the stage set on the Bund, using music as a universal language.
"This music festival is not exclusive to any specific music genres, but more about the fusion that blends the popular genres in Shanghai together, such as jazz, musical and pop," Huang Ye, saxophone player and music director of Jazz at Lincoln Center Shanghai said. "We hope to present a vibrant and energetic show to global audiences."
The celebrated jazz trumpeter, Jon Faddis (second from the right), and jazz bassist Mikey Migliore (second from the left) perform at the Super Bund Music Festival in Shanghai on Oct 17. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
"The Bund is a unique cultural landmark in Shanghai that combines the traditional and the modern," Huang, who also help organize the festival, added. "We expect the festival taking place here to break boundaries and to connect Chinese and global musicians as well."
Among the big names performing at the festival is Jon Faddis, one of the most celebrated jazz trumpeters worldwide. Born in 1953, Faddis began playing at age seven, and his distinctive trumpet appears on hundreds of records and numerous soundtracks for film and television.
Describing jazz music as "spontaneous, historical and emotional", Faddis believes the genre can break down barriers and help build connections among global audiences.
Huang Ye, saxophone player and music director of Jazz at Lincoln Center Shanghai, performs at the Super Bund Music Festival in Shanghai on Oct 17. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
The 28-year-old Mikey Migliore, joining the Jon Faddis Quartet on bass at the festival, is excited about his first trip to China. He said he has always wanted to visit the nation and has met great people, enjoyed good food and patroned the clubs in Shanghai.
"Whatever mood you are in, you can find music that suits that mood," Migliore said. "Jazz is free, broad and inclusive, and is for everyone. Playing jazz is like making friendships with people on the stage musically, and I'm excited to meet the musicians here."
Musical performer Fang Shujian performs at the Super Bund Music Festival in Shanghai on Oct 17. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
Fang Shujian, a rising musical performer, is feeling excited about the fusion in the festival as well. Together with Huang, they presented the theme song of the festival that blended jazz and musical elements.
"I feel closely attached to Shanghai, as I studied here for several years and the city has witnessed my growth. I actually feel subtle about performing here, both exciting and peaceful," Fang said with a smile.
Fang shared that his collaboration with Huang has been inspiring and refreshing, and that he was impressed by the vitality and potential of the festival.
In addition to music, the festival also features gourmet foods, trendy markets and interactive installations.
