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Teriver Cheung

About Me

Teriver Cheung is one of the most exciting jazz guitarists/composers in the new generation. Currently based in New York City, the Hong Kong native had the opportunities to tour and perform with world renowned musicians such as Eddie Gomez, Bernard Wright, George Garzone, Billy Drummond, Taylor Eigsti. Teriver had already brought his music internationally to the US, Poland, China, Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Taiwan and Mexico, and appeared on different music festivals and venues.

The Hong Kong native began his musical journey at age 5 playing the piano. His early exposure to classical music has contributed to his future style of composing as well as playing. At age 16, he switched to guitar and discovered his love in jazz music. After several years he has already found himself performing with some of the best local jazz musicians in the city.

In 2004, Teriver went on to receive his Bachelors of Jazz Studies at the University of North Texas with a scholarship. There he studied with Fred Hamilton, performed and recorded with the 2 O’clock lab band. Outside of the school he had established his name in the Dallas/ Fortworth Area and had performed at the Fort-worth Main Street Festival, Wild Flower Festival, Denton Art and Jazz Festival to name a few. He also had the exciting experience performing or recording with some of the world-renowned musicians such as Bernard Wright, Quamon Fowler and Shelly Carroll.

In 2007, Teriver formed his group Nobody’s Business and recorded the debut album “Forward Momentum”, followed by a busy year of national and international touring to Japan, Hong Kong, Mexico and different parts of the US.

In 2009, Teriver relocated to New York City. Since then he has been playing an active role in the jazz music scene both as a bandleader and sideman. He has been performing with incredible musicians such as George Garzone, Taylor Eigsti, Dana Hawkins, Davy Mooney, Toru Dodo, Linda Oh, Yasushi Nakamura, Ross Pederson to name a few. He continues to share with his music to different parts of the world.

In 2011, Teriver had toured with the Eddie Gomez Quintet and performed at 4 cities in China, Hong Kong and Taipei, including Jz Club, ChangSha international Jazz festival, Jazz world Festival, T-union, Riverside Music Live House, and the OCT Loft festival. During the tour he was featured and introduced on NOW TV, HKEJ, as well as a few other magazines and radio interviews. He had also finished another tour in Poland with Przemyslaw Straczek in Poland in the same year, performing no less than 10 shows including the Jazz W Ruinach festival.

As a versatile musician, Teriver is not limited as a Jazz guitarist. He co-lead a soul/funk group called ‘Nuf Said and has been performing regularly in New York City. The band is scheduled to record its first album in Jan 2012 followed by a CD release tour. Teriver also works as a freelance guitarist for different R&B, Hip Hop, and singer song writer projects.

Teriver recorded his first album “My Nocturne” in the summer of 2011. Stay tune for the release.

With the strong influences of traditional/ modern classical, jazz, rock, pop, electronic and world music, Teriver’s music seeks to push the envelope of music boundary. As a result his music refused to be classified in one genre. As he enjoys taking risks and bringing surprises, his music is always full of passion and excitement.

My Jazz Story

I was born and raised in Hong Kong. I started playing classical piano when I was 6 but I really began to focus on playing music as a career when I switched to jazz guitar at the age of 16. I was drawn to the unlimited possibilities and freedom in the world of improvisation. I was also fascinated with the harmony of jazz music. in 2004 I made my first big move to attend the University of North Texas to study with the great faculties there including Fred Hamilton, Ed Soph, Stefan Karlsson and Lynn Seaton. In 2009 I moved to NYC to further my career. I have recently released my debut album "My Nocturne" under Tippin' Records, and have been touring around the world to share my music.