Interview by William Chan
Local jazz saxophonist and flautist Lam Chak Seng, based in the Greater Bay Area (GBA), has recently released his debut jazz album titled “Steps Forward.” Lam will be launching the album’s release concert tour with their first performance at Sifang Art Space on Avenida do Almirante Lacerda.
The tour includes a total of eight performances across the Greater Bay Area, commencing on Friday at Sifang Art Space. Following that, Lam and his group will travel to Zhuhai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Hong Kong to hold seven more concerts later this month, Lam told the Post in an exclusive interview at Sifang Art Space last week.
“Sifang” means “four ways”.
Lam, who lives in Guangzhou, pursued his studies as a master’s degree student with a full scholarship at the Royal Conservatory in The Hague. In addition to being invited to perform at various festivals and sessions, including jazz big bands, he currently serves as a saxophone instructor at The Music School Attached to Xinghai Conservatory of Music in Guangzhou.
Lam’s album consists of eight tunes that represent various stages of his life, including his early music studies in Macau, his pursuit of a degree in the Netherlands, the places he visited, his career, and the significant people he encountered along his journey. The album was recorded at the Royal Conservatory in The Hague and features Lam on saxophone, Eric Ineke on drums, Rob van Bavel on piano, Kyriacos Kesta on bass, Jim van de Klundert on guitar and José Catalá González on flute. All of these performers were Lam’s classmates and teachers at different stages of his life.
“The River of Dazzling Lights” is inspired by the vibrant nights of the Champs-Élysées in France, where the lights create a mesmerising river-like flow. “The Unnamed Shade Path” holds deep meaning for Lam as it reminds him of a small road he used to walk along during his time in the Netherlands.
Lam used German-American composer Kurt Weill’s “My Ship” to propose to his wife. “Your First Heartbeat” is a dedication to his daughter, being inspired by the extraordinary moment he first heard her foetal heartbeat.
“Begur”, a composition incorporating elements of Indian, African, and Spanish music, is a tribute to Lam’s mentor, Zé Eduardo, who introduced him to jazz and recommended he study in the Netherlands. “You Dig It?” is a tribute to his other teacher, John Ruocco, who not only taught him music but also cared for his overall development.
Lam’s appreciation for sandalwood is expressed in the song “Sandalwood.”
“Steps Forward,” serves as a reminder for resilience amid the challenges brought about by the pandemic. Lam finds strength in taking steps forward and encourages listeners not to be discouraged by setbacks.
After concluding his tour, Lam expressed his desire to arrange the album into a jazz big band format and devote more of his energy to teaching. He also expressed a wish to explore different avenues to enrich his musical journey. “I don’t necessarily consider ‘Steps Forward’ as a milestone or an achievement. It is merely a reflection of the many experiences and challenges that have shaped my life’s journey,” he said.
Friday’s performance – all tickets have been sold out – features him on saxophone, Nie Xin on drums, Chan Hon Chong on guitar and Xavi Castillo on bass. For his upcoming performances in the Greater Bay Area, visit his Facebook page: www.facebook.com/ChaksengLam.
The album can be listened to on YouTube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=LSFwiFcXgnY&list=PLr8ptb4h6w2oDa6IF47_uL9eiBrT3We_j.
Netherlands pianist Rob van Bavel
Netherlands drummer Eric Ineke
Cyprus bassist Kyriacos Kesta
Local saxophone player Lam Chak Seng records for his jazz album “Steps Forward” at the Royal Conservatory in The Hague in 2022 May. – Photos provided by Lam
Lam Chak Seng talks about his album at Pin-to Livros & Música near Camões Garden on Sunday. – Photo: William Chan
