8 reasons why you can’t miss this year’s Jazz Marathon

Kicking off the thrilling two-day jazz marathon is Hong Kong’s very own Patrick Lui Jazz Orchestra. Led by award-winning pianist, keyboardist, composer, arranger and producer Lui, the homegrown jazz orchestra is known for its original big band works, some of which performed under the direction of Grammy nominee Dr Gene Aitken, as well as a variety of music festivals including Clockenflap. That’s some impressive resume. Lui is also a frequent collaborator with popular Hong Kong band RubberBand, who will also be making an appearance at this year’s Jazz Marathon along with saxophonist Will Vinson for what promises to be an electrifying performance. Apr 27, 5.30pm

Legendary French gypsy jazz guitarist Angelo Debarre joins an already impressive lineup for the Jazz Marathon, bringing his mastery, enthusiasm and passion to Queen Elizabeth Stadium. Considered to be one of the masters of jazz in the style of Django Reinhardt, Debarre is still to this day at the top of his game and will treat Hongkongers to an unforgettable set. Making up the trio are Raanji Debarre and Denis Chang, with a special guest appearance from Hong Kong violinist Sharon Lui. Apr 27, 6.55pm

Made up of three talented Italian jazz musicians, Danilo Rea, Enzo Pietropaoli and Fabrizio Sferra, Doctor 3 have gone from strength to strength since their formation back in 1998. With several critically-acclaimed albums under their belt, Doctor 3 is famed for their original jazzy interpretations and improvisations of Italian works and pop music that ranges from the Beatles to the Red Hot Chili Peppers to Domenico Modugno. Seriously, their repertoire is accessible to all listeners. Experience their overflowing enthusiasm and creativity in person. The doctors are in. Apr 27, 8.25pm

Swedish jazz guitarist Ulf Wakenius boasts quite the resume. Formerly a member of the Oscar Peterson Quartet, one half of guitar duo Guitars Unlimited (which apparently rocked Scandinavia in the early 80s), a current member of bass icon Ray Brown’s trio and leader of his band, Wakenius is undoubtedly one of the best jazz guitarists in the world right now. Here’s your chance to see Wakenius strut his stuff and perform some seriously smooth tunes. Apr 27, 9.50pm

Three brilliant jazz acts are coming together and bringing in their own unique musical and cultural influences for one hell of a jam session. Veteran Hong Kong jazz pianist Ted Lo, who previously was a member of the Ron Carter Quartet and collaborated with the likes of George Lam and Eason Chan, joins forces with Morrocan percussionist Rhani Krija, a well-established musician who recently contributed to Sting’s new album Sacred Love, for the opening of this one-night performance. Completing the group is the Chinese Ensemble on Jazz, which features budding talents in the wind, plucked-string, bowed-string and percussion sections of Chinese music. It’s the ultimate east-meets-west musical performance. Apr 28, 5.30pm

German quartet Quadro Nuevo has managed the impossible art of perfectly marrying the melodies of old Europe and the lightness of Mediterranean music into an entirely new genre of its own. In fact, it has been lauded as Europe’s answer to the Argentine tango. Promising big swinging rhythms and wild improvisations, Quadro Nuevo’s energetic performance guarantees to be off the charts. Apr 28, 6.55pm

Consisting of eight members hailing from Spain, Argentina, Chile and Cuba, world music group Patax has managed an impressive feat by elevating fusion music and weaving flamenco, funk and Afro-Cuban together. With percussionist Jorge Pérez at the helm (a rarity in any jazz group) and local jazz singer Angelita Li joining the stage, look forward to Patax turning their performance into a giant celebration. Apr 28, 8.25pm

Closing the impressive two-day jazz marathon is American jazz-rock band Steve Smith and Vital Information. Led by the one and only Steve Smith, aka the drummer of iconic band Journey, the self-proclaimed high-energy, creative jazz unit features deep jazz roots and sleek modernism. Expect Smith and his buddies to tear up the stage with virtuosic drum displays. This is one performance not to be missed at this year’s Jazz Marathon. Apr 28, 9.50pm