DESCRIPTION:
Min Xiao-Fen's FROM HARLEM TO SHANGHAI AND BACK recasts the work of legendary jazz trumpeter Buck Clayton, Chinese composer Li Jinhui, Count Basie and Duke Ellington, along with Ms. Min's own compositions.

Jazz trumpeter and composer Buck Clayton was a leading member of Count Basie's Old Testament orchestra. He brought Kansas City Swing to Shanghai in the mid-1930s and worked closely with the father of Chinese popular music Li Jinhui, who contributed hundreds of songs to the Chinese musical canon. Clayton is credited for helping close the gap between American jazz and traditional Chinese music. His effect on Li's music helped ushered in a brief era of "Chinese jazz" and helped change musical history.

'Buck Huckles' composed by Buck Clayton
'Reunion' composed by Li Jinhui
Arranged by Min Xiao-Fen & Steve Salerno

Min Xiao-Fen - pipa
Steve Salerno - guitar
Dean Johnson - bass
Satoshi Takeishi - drums

Performed at Brooklyn Central Library -- February 16, 2014

Audio recording, 2nd camera - Scott Friedlander
Audio mix & video edits - Michael Lytle
First camera, A/V Producer - Don Mount