Friday, August 18, 2006, was my historical Jazz debut in China's third largest city, Tianjin. From August 18 to September 9, every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, I'll be at Broadies Tavern with a young quintet, comprised of Gong on bass, Kun on piano, Yun on drums, Nan on guitar and Fei on sax (lady sax player at that!), featuring Liu Ying, the band's regular singer. We were joined by Tianjin's most notable sax player, Wong Tong and his friend, Charles, who played the electric guitar like B.B. King!

After two rehearsals, these young musicians accompanied me on BOPLICITY, WHAT IS THIS THING CALLED LOVE, AIN'T HE SWEET, BLUE BOSSA, BIRTH OF THE BLUES and lots of my original blues, including,Butterfly, Nobody's Husband and Treat Me Right!

We perform to a packed houses and the owner, Chris Hagen, is ecstatic! Lots of expats are in there routing for us, happy to see Jazz and Blues in the place.

Much gratitude to Carl Hill, an expat who has lived in China for the past 11 years, working for an American chemical company. Carl met me at CJW in Xintiandi and has become a lifetime friend, for sure! He used to be a partner in Broadies, known then as Broadways. Though he is no longer a partner, he frequents Broadies whenever he's in Tianjin, home from his travels around Asia and always stays in touch with Chris, whose father, Mike was one of Carl's best friends, before his demise. I refer to Carl as Tianjin's Patron Saint of Jazz!

I am soooooooo happy to be a part of bringing Jazz to China. Last night, CCTV, China Daily and other media covered the event. On Sunday, August 20, I was interviewed Radio 92 FM by Carmen Rogers and her co-anchor, Vivian. Carmen and her husband, Jonathan, run an English School and expats from Illinois. Carmen has been so sweet to take me to a great Chinese Restaurant with her friends and lunch at Alibaba's where all the expats hang out.

Keep this link for more photos of the next three weeks of performances!

Also, keep www.divajc.com