ABOUT US

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It’s 2001 and the music environment is beginning to implode. The slogan we used to see at the bottom of record ads “Available on LP and Cassette” is just a vague memory and “Home Taping is Killing Music” is a joke compared to the excessive and rampant illegal downloads. Pirated CDs and DVDs are everywhere.

Despite those odds, we decided to set up Jazz World, the record store. This was done out of necessity for there weren’t any record stores willing to stock an impressive array of  jazz titles.  The big stores had so-called jazz sections, but instead of the thrill of finding gems or classics, many would come out empty handed. As a result, Jazz World was established. 

It has not been an easy ride, but Jazz World is still here, thanks to your amazing support. We’ve moved with the times, including moving offices five times as a result of excessive rent increases or being told to leave because the landlord was going to tear down the building. Now, we’ve done away with the office idea!!

And apart from selling CDs and LPs, Jazz World began moving towards the world of live performance a few years back. With a network of established contacts around the globe, Jazz World has presented everyone from the jazz giants of Herbie Hancock and John Abercrombie to young Asian acts such as the amazing ukelele player Jake Shimabukuro, the talented fingerpicking guitarist Kotaro Oshio and Korean jazz stars Winterplay.

Jazz World has a special relationship with European jazz acts many of whose albums are sold at the store. Guitarists such as Ulf Wakenius, the Swedish trombonist Nils Landgren and the amazing Italian pianist Enrico Pieranunzi have all played in Hong Kong to rapturous applause.

We’ve had an amazing ride. Larry Carlton, Steve Gadd, Robben Ford, The Hiromi Trio Project, Dominic Miller, The Aristocrats are just some of the acts we’ve had the pleasure working with. Watch this space for more impeccable artists coming to these wonderful Hong Kong shores …..

 

Clarence Chang

Jazz World

jazzworldcds@gmail.com