PLTC is an exciting new band featuring the individual talents of four of China's leading improviser's. The band plays fresh, original compositions with a focus on group interplay and spontaneous improvising. Together they form a dynamic and tight ensemble, which aims to take the listener on a unique musical journey. Originally formed in June 2005, the band has completed a successful recording (soon to be released) and is currently on its second round of gigs in Hong Kong and Shanghai.
Lawrence Ku and company will be returning to Hong Kong in the second week of December for several concerts. Lawrence is a wonderful guitarist/composer of the Boston school, who has been living on the mainland for the past few years. The quartet is completed by: Toby Mak on trumpet - who also contributes several tart compositions to the band book, and Cleveland's Chris Trzcinski keeps things moving from the drum chair. Hong Kong's own Peter Scherr on bass.
The band comprises of:
Lawrence Ku, Guitar - Lawrence has been Beijing's leading jazz guitarist and jazz educator since he moved there in 1997. He has performed throughout China as well as internationally. Most recently his band, The Lawrence Ku Septet, was featured at the Helsinki Jazz Festival in June of 2005. He studied jazz at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston where he has performed with such jazz greats as Joe Lovano, Gunther Schuller, Maria Schneider and George Russell. Recently, Lawrence has relocated to Shanghai where he leads his bands: The Lawrence Ku Septet, The Red Groove Project and his trio Triptych. This time around PLTC will perform many of Lawrence's new compositions.
Peter Scherr, Acoustic Bass - Visiting Artist-Teacher at MDI - Peter is an American double bassist/composer/musical strategist living in Hong Kong. Formerly a member of the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra, he is currently the man behind many of the most exciting and challenging musical presentations currently heard in Hong Kong and China. With over twenty years of experience performing in every musical setting, Mr. Scherr has performed and recorded with leading creative musicians such as his brother Tony Scherr, Kenny Wollesson, Jim Black and Anton Fier, Bruce Huron, John Carlson, Matt McMahon and Simon Barker among others. His own releases as a leader, "The Blue Album" and "Dual Mono: Williamsburg" are available through 1/Hr Records.
Toby Mak, Trumpet - An established member of the Australian jazz community, Toby is now based in Shanghai. He has studied and performed in New York, Tokyo, Hong Kong and throughout Australia. Originally a trumpet student of Motown legend Gil Askey, Toby then went on to study improvisation at the prestigious Victorian College of the Art's in Melbourne, a virtual breeding ground for creative musicians in Australia. In 2003 he released his debut album Joyfull on the Newmarket label and was a finalist in the national jazz soloist competition at the Wangarrata Jazz Festival. A long time collaborator with Peter Scherr he is a versatile and skilled instrumentalist.
Chris Trzcinski, Drums - Chris is a drummer/composer with diverse musical tastes and experience. His ability to adapt and bring forth an adventurous voice has made him the most in-demand, and respected drummer on the Shanghai scene. Chris began studying drums at the age of ten, and started his professional career at fourteen playing with local jazz musicians and various big bands. He then moved on to study music at the Dana School of Music where he developed his strong sensibility for music and art. Chris has since has shared the stage with the likes of: Ira Sullivan, Kenny Burrell, Buddy Morrow, Dick Johnson, and Frankie Avalon; and groups such as: The Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, and The Living Sound Ensemble
