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突破創新爵士樂邊界 - Cuong Vu 越洋富 越南裔美籍爵士小號手( 即將完工的竹南全民運動館2025.5.4)

 






越洋富(Cuong Vu)是一位越南裔美籍爵士小號手,被廣泛認為是他那一代最具創新精神的音樂家之一。他出生於越南西貢,年幼時隨家人移民至西雅圖。他十一歲開始演奏小號,後來獲得新英格蘭音樂學院的獎學金。


畢業後,富於一九九四年搬到紐約市,並迅速投入當地的下城爵士樂圈。他組建了自己的樂團「破布傑克」(Ragged Jack),並與許多著名的音樂家合作,包括戴夫·道格拉斯(Dave Douglas)、蘿瑞·安德森(Laurie Anderson)和大衛·鮑伊(David Bowie)。二〇〇二年至二〇〇五年,他擔任派特·麥希尼樂團(Pat Metheny Group)的成員,因此獲得了顯著的國際聲譽,並為樂團贏得了兩座葛萊美最佳當代爵士專輯獎:《現在而言》(Speaking of Now)和《向上之路》(The Way Up)。


富的音樂以其獨特的小號音色為特徵,經常融入電子效果並突破風格界限。他以領導者的身份發行了幾張廣受好評的專輯,展現了他融合了爵士、搖滾和電子音樂元素的獨特作曲美學。評論家經常強調他創造豐富音響織體和進行富有遠見的即興演奏的能力。


十首「代表性」的音樂作品,考量到他作品的廣度和多樣性,這實屬不易,但以下十首值得注意的音樂貢獻,可讓您一窺越洋富的藝術才華:


〈As It Is〉(選自派特·麥希尼樂團專輯《現在而言》):展現了他富有抒情性的小號演奏,置於當代爵士樂的背景之中。

〈Telescope〉(選自派特·麥希尼樂團專輯《向上之路》):在他更為廣闊和實驗性的環境中,突顯了他獨特的音色。

〈Acid Kiss〉(選自專輯《破布傑克》):展現了他早期對融合電子音色的前衛爵士樂的探索。

〈It's Mostly Residual〉(選自專輯《It's Mostly Residual》):這首曲子突顯了他的三重奏樂團充滿活力的互動以及富不斷演變的聲音。

〈Leaps of Faith〉(選自專輯《Leaps of Faith》):展示了他以非傳統編曲手法演繹標準曲目的獨特方式。

〈Something〉(選自專輯《Leaps of Faith》):他對披頭四經典歌曲的創新演繹,揭示了他探索多元音樂來源的意願。

〈Your Turn to Drive〉(與大衛·鮑伊合作,選自專輯《Toy》):在搖滾樂的背景下,呈現了一段獨特且略帶憂傷的小號獨奏。

〈Brittle Like Twigs〉(選自「越洋富三重奏+」專輯):說明了他的三重奏樂團創造複雜且引人入勝的音景的能力。

〈Indigo Mist〉(選自與理查·卡本合作的專輯《Indigo Mist》):這項合作展現了他更偏向氛圍化和實驗性的一面。

〈Change In The Air〉(選自「越洋富四重奏」專輯《Change In The Air》):這是一部較近期的作品,突顯了他與四重奏樂團持續探索新的音響領域。

目前,越洋富是華盛頓大學的爵士樂研究教授兼系主任,持續影響和塑造下一代的爵士音樂家。



Cuong Vu is a Vietnamese-American jazz trumpeter widely recognized as a leading voice among innovative musicians of his generation. Born in Saigon, Vietnam, he immigrated to Seattle with his family at a young age. He began playing the trumpet at 11 and later earned a scholarship to the New England Conservatory of Music.


After graduating, Vu moved to New York City in 1994, where he quickly became involved in the downtown jazz scene. He formed his own group, Ragged Jack, and collaborated with numerous prominent musicians, including Dave Douglas, Laurie Anderson, and David Bowie. He gained significant international recognition as a member of the Pat Metheny Group from 2002 to 2005, contributing to two Grammy Award-winning albums for Best Contemporary Jazz Album: Speaking of Now and The Way Up.


Vu's music is characterized by his distinctive trumpet sound, often incorporating electronic effects and pushing stylistic boundaries. He has released several critically acclaimed albums as a leader, showcasing his unique compositional aesthetic that blends elements of jazz, rock, and electronic music. Critics often highlight his ability to create rich sonic textures and engage in visionary improvisations.


10 "iconic" tracks given the breadth and diverse nature of his work, here are 10 notable musical contributions that offer a glimpse into Cuong Vu's artistry:


"As It Is" (from Pat Metheny Group's Speaking of Now): Showcases his lyrical trumpet playing within a contemporary jazz context.

"Telescope" (from Pat Metheny Group's The Way Up): Features his distinctive sound in a more expansive and experimental setting.

"Acid Kiss" (from Ragged Jack): Exemplifies his early explorations into avant-garde jazz with electronic textures.

"It's Mostly Residual" (from It's Mostly Residual): A track highlighting his trio's dynamic interplay and Vu's evolving sound.

"Leaps of Faith" (from Leaps of Faith): Demonstrates his unique approach to standard repertoire with unconventional arrangements.

"Something" (from Leaps of Faith): His inventive take on the Beatles classic reveals his willingness to explore diverse musical sources.

"Your Turn to Drive" (with David Bowie from Toy): Features a distinctive and somewhat mournful trumpet solo within a rock context.

"Brittle Like Twigs" (from The Cuong Vu Trio +): Illustrates his trio's ability to create intricate and compelling soundscapes.

"Indigo Mist" (from Indigo Mist with Richard Karpen): A collaboration showcasing his more ambient and experimental side.

"Change In The Air" (from Cuong Vu 4Tet's Change In The Air): A more recent work highlighting his continued exploration of new sonic territories with his quartet.

Currently, Cuong Vu is a professor and chair of jazz studies at the University of Washington, continuing to influence and shape the next generation of jazz musicians.