Review by William Chan
The Gregory Wong Quintet delivered yesterday a captivating jazz performance at Macau Cultural Centre’s (CCM) Black Box Theatre Box II. The band featured local trombonist Gregory Wong alongside four talented Taiwanese musicians: saxophonist Kevin Liu Tang-Wen, pianist Gwo Jun-Yu, double bassist Liu Yu-Jia, and drummer Lin Jia-En.
The Macau Post Daily published an interview with Wong on September 27.
The concert primarily showcased bebop jazz music, with elements of samba, European jazz, and contemporary jazz styles. All the musicians demonstrated remarkable skill and stability. Gwo particularly stood out with his extensive jazz vocabulary, consistently surprising the audience. The horn players seamlessly blended with the band and delivered stellar solos.
This was the first time I experienced the Black Box Theatre Box II, which is slightly smaller than Box I. The overall atmosphere was positive, with well-designed lighting. The open curtains at the back of the box allowed the audience to enjoy a view outside, including sights towards the Sands casino, adding an additional visual element. The performers were in closer proximity to the about 100-strong audience compared to traditional auditoria, creating a more intimate connection that made it easier for the musicians to captivate and engage the audience.
Despite that, I felt the environment was somewhat limiting, not providing the freedom of movement I had expected. Sitting through a nearly two-hour jazz performance wasn’t the most optimal way for me to fully enjoy the music. However, it’s undeniable that the two black boxes have introduced new avenues for local performers, expanding the possibilities for artistic expression.
The Gregory Wong Quintet performs at the Macau Cultural Centre’s Black Box Theatre Box II yesterday. – Photo: William Chan
