Grace Leong Zhe Fui

Grace Leong is a pianist with an usual story. An East Malaysian native with two brothers, she grew up fighting with them over the video gaming console. The rivalry promptly ended when she discovered the allure of the video game soundtracks. The riveting sound tracks captured her imagination and soon her fingers began to dance at the piano - an unexpected musical seed was planted. That seed was watered by a daily dose of Joe Pace’s “Shake The Foundation” gospel album, film scores, and world music, blossoming into a deep love affair with jazz. Suddenly, she found herself performing indie/pop rock music in hotels, on cruises, and in pubs around Asia, including Macau, Singapore, and Thailand. These experiences only grew her desire to pursue jazz seriously, and she applied to the West Virginia University (WVU) despite her unconventional background. Once accepted, she flew to the US despite knowing she only had the finances to study for a semester. However, in her second semester she received a Fine Arts scholarship which she owes to God’s grace. In 2013, she also was awarded a graduate teaching assistantship at the University of Iowa.

Leong continues to perform as a leader and sideman in various ensembles and settings. She has performed alongside Orquesta Alto Maiz, Parranderos Latin Combo, Wycliffe Gordon, the Des Moines Big Band, Rod Pierson’s ‘Not So Big’ Band, Local on the 8’s band and Duology. She has received invitation to perform in annual jazz festivals in Iowa (2014 and 2015) and West Virginia (2013), and she also won the WVU young artist concerto competition in 2013.

As a recording artist, Leong’s debut CD as a leader “Moving Forward” (2015) features her original compositions. She also recorded with upcoming jazz saxophonist Jeff Miguel on his “Perseverance” CD release in May 2015 and with Johnson County Landmark Big Band Crescendo in 2014. Leong has also composed, arranged and recorded an album “Tap” for a dance education project from Leap and Learn.

Leong’s jazz inspirations include Thelonious Monk, Herbie Hancock, Sullivan Fortner, Robert Glasper, Cory Henry and more. As a musician, connecting with the audience is a vital part of her musical philosophy. Not surprisingly, she savors every opportunity she has to educate and share her love for jazz, and the pedagogical exploration of jazz continues to be one of the highlights of her jazz career. Now that she is almost back home in Asia, she is excited to make more music and bridge the gap in jazz education between the United States and Asia.

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