The Taipei Cultural Center in New York presents the Taiwanese Golden Melody Award band Vincent Hsu & Soy La Ley Afro-Cuban Jazz Band (徐崇育 & Soy La Ley 古巴爵士樂團 ) with local partners, including New Orleans Jazz Museum, NOLA River Festival(LA), FirstWorks Festival, Providence, Rhode Island (RI).
The band's newest program of "Jazz Changed, Jazz Changes, Jazz Changin'" live performance film will be premiered at NOLA River Festival website on Sep. 18, 2021 at 9:00 PM EDT.
Bassist and composer Vincent Hsu reflected on three questions while producing this live performance film with his ensemble, the Soy La Ley Afro-Cuban Jazz Band—"How has jazz changed the world?" "How is it changing the world?" "How has jazz itself changed?"
A devotee of Afro-Cuban music, Hsu made the film to showcase his original compositions, and to share a glimpse of everyday and traditional life in his native Taiwan. The performances were shot at scenic locations unique to the island nation. Hsu aims to show that jazz is alive and well beyond its birthplace, and as the title suggests, to show how this music is always evolving. Ultimately, the film is a tribute to this uniquely African-American art form, as well as an acknowledgement of the indelible impact it has left on people and societies around the world.
Formed in 2010, Vincent Hsu & Soy La Ley Afro-Cuban Jazz Band aims to infuse their Taiwanese roots to the practices of jazz and Afro-Cuban music style, leading audiences to experience the unpredictability of jazz improvisation through Afro-Cuban rhythms.
Born and bred in Taiwan, award-winning bassist and founder/bandleader Vincent Hsu launched his musical career in New York City and was mentored by legendary musicians. Hsu has been touring worldwide, including Madrid International Jazz Festival, Busan Jazz Festival, Taichung Jazz Festival, National Theater & Concert Hall Summer Jazz Festival, and Macau Jazz Festival, among others.