T h e C h o u D o u F u B a n d
The Chou Dou Fu Band
Four make one
Even in the crazy world of jazz, it's hard to find a more international combination than this: an American, a Cuban, a Dominican a Frenchman, and a city; Beijing. Maybe it's the mix of influences, maybe it's the electric atmosphere of the 21st century exploding here in the East.
Whatever it is, it works. This is jazz at it's funkiest, or funk at it's jazziest, or neither of those. It is what it is, and it is
The Chou Dou Fu Band
Bill Zorn, guitar, with Yvan and Tim
It's a mix that's hard to define, but it takes about 2 beats to see how it works.
Hansel's percussive sound seems to come more from Africa than Cuba; though in his hands the two are closely linked. He's like the Muhammed Ali of the guitar world; he "floats like a butterfly and stings like a bee"!
Tim's rich groove is deceiving; the more you listen the more you hear. Haunting solo work, complex chordal backing, or straightout kickass funk? All there.
Yvan is simply a master jazz drummer; but that doesn't stop him from phunquing it up. Kick the groove, or play anywhere but on the beat; all things are possible.
What's so great about playing with these guys is they make it easy; not just look easy. I try to write a little, play a little, but mostly just get out of their way and let the music happen!
Bill Zorn, May, 2009
Beijing, China
