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Arthur Khu

About Me

My Jazz Story

I was a classical pianist first and was studying with great teachers but the first time I heard jazz live I knew I was hooked. I had been improvising on my own for years but when I heard the interplay and drive of a jazz rhythm section my dreams of Beethoven and Brahms had some new company. My first record I bought was Chick Corea and Gary Burton in concert, Zurich. I was absorbed in the craftsmanship and marveled at how well they played together. So when the Chick Corea Electric Band came to town I had to see it. John Patitucci absolutely blew me away. He played so freely! He listened and absorbed every nuance of every instrument and processed it through his own playing instantly. Chick's compositions were intriguing, I could hear his take on all the Beethoven and Chopin pieces I had spent my youth with and heard the possibilities of my own voice developing from those elements. Strange how your entire life can transform in a matter of moments! I try to play and create knowing the value of those moments and try to give to others what was given to me!