Gypsy Jazz

Denis Chang – Guitar
Az Samad – Guitar
Ismahairie Putra – Violin
Zulhilmy Zulkifli – Bass

Fascinated by the music of French Gypsy guitarist Django Reinhardt, Taiwanese-Canadian guitarist Denis Chang’s spent his formative years alongside the Gypsies of France, Belgium, Holland, and Germany, where he learned to play the style of music that is now known as Gypsy Jazz. There, he learned to understand the Romany way of life, and was completely immersed in the culture. He is one of the few gadje (non-Gypsy) to have learned Romanes, the language of the Gypsies. In concerts, he is one of the very few outside of the Gypsy community to sing rare Gypsy songs in Romanes. Audiences can expect to learn more about Gypsy culture and the meaning behind these rare songs!

In 2008, Denis had the honor of being invited to perform with the legendary Les Paul at the Iridium in New York. In 2009, he received the Entrée en Scène Award by Loto-Quebec and the Résidence Award in Quebec City at the Rideau Showcase.

In 2012, he was invited to perform with the legendary Gypsy guitarist Dorado Schmitt (one of the stars of Tony Gatlif’s film “Latcho Drom”) at the end of his US tour. Dorado then gave Denis the guitar that he used for the tour; a generous gift that he treasures to this day.

He has worked with the top performers in Gypsy Jazz, such as The Rosenberg Trio, Joscho Stephan, Gonzalo Bergara, Paulus Schäfer, Tcha Limberger, to name just a few. Other renowned musicians that he has worked with include James Carter, Mark O’Connor, Stephane Wrembel, Frank Vignola, etc.



Guitarist-Composer-Educator Az Samad has recorded with Grammy Winners Flaco Jiménez & Max Baca; graduated & taught at the prestigious Berklee College of Music; performed in the United States, Europe & Asia; and appeared on 22 CDs ranging in styles from Tex-Mex, Contemporary Jazz to solo acoustic guitar. His works have been described as “richly textured, poetic and atmospheric”.

Az has been exploring Malay jazz including the music of P. Ramlee, Jimmy Boyle and most recently Singapore’s Zubir Said. As the musical director and guitarist for A Zubir Said Tribute, Az led 5 shows at Esplanade Outdoor Theatre, Singapore with an 11-piece ensemble performing brand new arrangements he wrote.

As a film music composer, he’s collaborated with filmmakers James Lee and We Jun in their short film projects. Az composed the music to Salvaj, winner of the best short film at The 27th Malaysia Film Festival.

As an educator, Az has taught at Berklee College of Music (USA); Wesleyan University in Middletown, Connecticut (USA); San Jose State University (USA); Northern California Music & Art Culture Center, San Francisco, CA (USA); De Anza College (USA); Culturefest in Pipestem, West Virginia (USA) ; The Freight & Salvage in Berkeley, California; Thomas Leeb’s Residential Acoustic Guitar Camp in Turracher Höhe (Austria); Guitar Concept (Hong Kong); Shanghai Street Studios (Hong Kong); Macau Strings Association (Macau); Mosaic Music Festival (Singapore); Maestro Guitars (Singapore); University of Asia and The Pacific (Philippines); Langkawi Live (Malaysia); UCSI University (Malaysia); Universiti Teknologi Mara (Malaysia); Young Choral Academy (Malaysia); Malaysian Institute of Art; Moonshine Anniversary (Malaysia); Sixstrings (Malaysia); DrumStore (Malaysia); The Guitar Store (Malaysia); Malaysian Jazz Piano Festival; Penang Island Jazz Festival (Malaysia); Penang House of Music (Malaysia); and International College of Music (Malaysia).

Feb 28 & March 1, 9PM
Admission fee RM64
RM10 off for students with valid Student ID, at the door.