Jazz band breaks new ground

Chan (second from left) with the band’s pianist Tay Cher Siang (right), drummer KJ Wong (left) and bassist AJ.

JOHOR BARU: A local jazz band, WVC Jazz, is hoping the global fame of the film Crazy Rich Asian will help them enter the international music scene.

WVC Jazz Ensemble saxophonist Julian Chan, 40, said it was a great opportunity for the band to play a part in the movie.

“Our only scene in the movie was during a party where four of us performed as a band.

“Even though it was a small part, we got some recognition,” he said here.

Chan said it was his friend, Junji Delfino, who suggested giving WVC Jazz the part to film director Jon Chu.

“We got to work with Chinese jazz singer Jasmine Chen in that scene where she played the part of the singer in the band.

He said the scene was shot in Kuala Lumpur.

He said being a part of an international movie was a good experience for him and his band mates.

Chan, who developed an interest in jazz music and saxophones when he was in his teens, has been part of WVC for about six years now.

WVC comprises four musicians including a pianist, saxophonist, bassist and a drummer who have toured the region extensively to promote jazz music.

They have performed in Singapore, China, Taiwan, Thailand and Macau since they were formed in 2006.

The group will also perform at the 15th Johor Arts Festival.

Crazy Rich Asian has led to a cultural phenomenon in the international movie industry scene as its all-Asian cast push for more diverse media representation for minorities in Hollywood.

The romantic comedy that was shot mostly in Singapore and Malaysia depicts the glamorous life of a rich Asian family and the culture that surrounds them.