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The local renowned jazz extraordinary Eugene Pao will meet his friends - Ted Lo, Tots Tolentino, Sylvain Gagnon and Tamaya Honda - to perform "casual jam" and music from his newly released album "This Window" in a wonderful night.

Born in Hong Kong, Pao spent more than a decade in Seattle at school and college, all the while absorbing music. Upon his return to Hong Kong, Pao's passion and commitment to music grew and is now total. Being one of the Asian's top Jazz musicians and the first Hong Kong jazz musician to publish album globally, Pao has performed with numerous superstars, like Eddie Gomez, Kazumi Watanabe, Michael Brecker, Ernie Watts and Jimmy Witherspoon. He has also released albums with jazz greats and hosted a popular radio programme called "The Jazz Show" in Hong Kong. In 1992 Japanese trumpet legend Terumasa Hino asked him to join his Asian All Star Band featuring jazz musicians from different Asian countries. They have since toured all over Asia, Canada and the USA. Pao made his breakthrough in 1994 by recording a CD entitled "By the Company You Keep" in New York with Jack Dejohnette on drums, John Patitucci on acoustic bass and Michael Brecker on tenor saxophone. Being an accomplished composer as well as soloist, his fretboard artistry has earned him praise and respect from fans and dozens of world-renowned jazz greats he had played with.

Graduated with a degree in Arranging and Composition in 1996 from Berklee College of Music, Ted Lo moved to New York City to start his career as a free-lance jazz pianist. Since then Lo has worked and recorded with numerous artists. He is now residing in Hong Kong and has continued to establish himself as a diversified musician in all areas of the music industry.

Mario Martin Allid "Tots" Tolentino was born in 1959. He studied flute at the Conservatory of Music, University of the Philippines, and furthered his music training in soprano, alto and tenor saxophones at the Berklee College of Music, Boston. Before he became a soloist in 1990, he has worked as session musician for almost every major artist on the commercial scene in the Philippines. He has released three albums which two of them brought him awards.

Hailed as one of the best bass players of its generation, Sylvain Gagnon has extensive international touring and recording experience. He is a virtuoso of jazz bass playing and has experience in music from many continents and styles ranging from rock to standard jazz, from Carnatic to African music, from funk to Latin music, from solo to big band. He is a good music reader, can accompany any kind of artist with a minimum or no preparation. His technical abilities and great musical sense have helped him build a string reputation as a leader.

Born in a family of musicians, Tamaya Honda has toured in Japan and Hong Kong and released albums in the past decade. He formed his own band "Tamaya Honda - Planet X" in 1997 and performed in jazz festivals in Japan. His technique and own style has also been recognized by musicians and fans.

Presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, "Jazz Concert by Eugene Pao and Friends" will be staged at the Hong Kong City Hall Concert Hall at 8pm, March 27 (Monday). Tickets priced at $150, $120 and $80 are now available at URBTIX outlets with half price concession for senior citizens, people with disabilities and full time student. A 10% discount is also available for the Friends of Hong Kong Cultural Centre.

For programme enquiries, please call 2734 2935 while ticketing and reservation on 2734 9009.

End/Monday, February 14, 2000

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