Chien Chien Lu is a Taiwanese-born jazz vibraphonist, contemporary percussionist, and composer renowned for her contributions to the jazz world. Her unique blend of classical training and jazz innovation has garnered attention and accolades, establishing her as an emerging artist of note.
Born in Taiwan, Chien Chien Lu found her initial musical spark through piano lessons at the tender age of six. Her passion for percussion blossomed when she was ten, setting the stage for a journey in music that blends both classical training and contemporary jazz influences. She pursued classical percussion in her home country, eventually achieving a master's degree in classical music from the Taipei National University of the Arts in 2015. Her serendipitous introduction to jazz occurred in 2012 through a jazz radio station in Taiwan.
Chien Chien Lu's pursuit of jazz led her to the United States in 2015, where she studied at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, earning a Master's in Jazz Studies in 2017. Additionally, she attended the Banff Jazz Residency under the guidance of Vijay Iyer, an experience that expanded her understanding and mastery of jazz.
Lu's career began to flourish with her involvement in the Jeremy Pelt Quintet in 2018. Her debut album as a leader, "The Path," released in September 2020, captivated audiences and remained in the JazzWeek Top 20 for 20 weeks. Recognition of her talent continued as she won the "Best Jazz Song" at the Golden Indie Music Awards for "The Path."
Chien Chien Lu's remarkable rise in jazz is underscored by several accolades. She has been named in DownBeat Magazine's "25 for the Future" list and as one of the 10 Emerging Jazz Artists of 2023 by the Recording Academy. Her talent was further recognized in DownBeat Magazine's 69th Annual Critics Poll, celebrating her as a "vibraphone rising star."
Lu's approach to jazz is an eclectic mix shaped by her Taiwanese heritage, classical foundation, and a love for groove-driven melodies. Influenced by legendary vibraphonist Roy Ayers, she interpreted his classic, "We Live In Brooklyn Baby," showcasing her genre-crossing style that fuses classical, Taiwanese traditional music, and jazz elements.
Lu's impressive performances have been witnessed at prestigious festivals such as the Clifford Brown Jazz Festival and the DC Jazz Festival. Her global appeal is evidenced by her tours across Europe, Asia, and the United States. Starting with a monthly residency at Chris' Jazz Café in Philadelphia back in 2016, she has performed with notable artists like Okkyung Lee at The Stone in New York City in 2017.
Her collaborations include significant work with Jeremy Pelt, performing on his albums and as part of his band. She has also worked with composer Ching-Mei Lin and bassist Richie Goods, who produced her debut album.
Chien Chien Lu's innovative sound and impressive trajectory from classical roots to jazz prominence highlight her dedication and exceptional artistry. Through her creative endeavors and collaborations, she continues to make a profound impact on the jazz scene.
Want to know when Chien Chien Lu joins Holican?
Subscribe to get notified when this artist claims their official page and starts sharing content.