Drummer Anthony Fung's "Flashpoint" release show @ Nublu, NYC, Oct 4

Canadian drummer Anthony Fung is proud to establish himself as a composer, producer and bandleader on his sophomore album "Flashpoint," out today! The album will be celebrated at Nublu, New York City on October 4.

"FlashPoint" features Erin Bentlage (vocals), Edmar Colon (tenor/soprano saxophones & percussion), Josh Johnson (alto saxophone), Alex Hahn (soprano saxophone), Jon Hatamiya (trombone), Isaac Wilson (piano), Simon Moullier (vibraphone), Mats Sandahl (bass) and percussionists Oscar Cruz, Oscarin Cruz, Manolo Mairena alongside a string quartet comprised of Yu-Ting Wu, Niall Ferguson, Jonathan Tang and Lauren Baba. On FlashPoint, the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz Performance alumnus is excited to introduce and exhibit a new global aspect to the realm of jazz.

In contrast to his debut album "Chronicles," Fung takes credit for the composition, arrangement and production of all eight tracks on "Flashpoint." Having honed his craft under the tutelage of Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, Chris Potter and Billy Childs​, Fung now sets out on a new course to establish himself as more than a jazz drummer - he is excited to set the focus of this project to his new path as a composer, producer and bandleader.

Although "Flashpoint" serves as a showcase for the fresh perspective Fung takes with this music, the compositional process for each of these tracks pays homage to his former tutors. Recalling the writing approach of these mentors, the inspiration for each of Fung’s tunes has been derived from an array of various mediums.

"Flashpoint" showcases Fung’s desire for social unity and change. Acting as a humanitarian for the music, the LA-based Canadian native has consciously brought together an international ensemble including Swedish bassist Mats Sandahl, French vibraphonist Simon Moullier, and Puerto Rican tenor saxophonist Edmar Colon. While “A Call For Peace” was written for Colon, in remembrance of the terrifying times he endured in Puerto Rico during Hurricane Maria, “The Flash” draws attention to “Tambor Norte” - a well-known Panamanian rhythm.

Inspired by the Netflix series superhero known for his speedy run, Fung wrote this tune to incorporate the rhythm of Panamanian drums with a cinematic sound. “Forever” - a tune written about heartbreak and Fung’s favourite track of the album - is the bandleader’s first experience with lyric writing, while “St. Augustine and The Devil” highlights the drummer’s string writing. This track, featuring a lone string quartet, is inspired by a painting by Michael Pacher from the 1400’s.

MORE ABOUT ANTHONY FUNG
Drummer, composer, producer and bandleader Anthony Fung was born in Richmond Hill, Canada and has been playing the drums  since the age of ten. Currently based in Los Angeles, CA, Anthony has established himself as one of the foremost up-and-coming  drummers of his generation.

Anthony is an alumnus of the prestigious Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz Performance (2018), where he earned a master of music  (M.M.) degree while studying and performing with ​Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, Chris Potter, Billy Childs​, and many  others. Previously, Anthony also earned both his bachelor of music (B.M.) and master of music (M.M.) degrees from the Berklee  College of Music and the Berklee Global Jazz Institute under the tutelage of ​Danilo Pérez​.   

Having performed at festivals and other venues worldwide, Anthony has appeared at International Jazz Day (St. Petersburg, Russia  and Havana, Cuba), Panama Jazz Festival, Panama Percussion Festival, Sitka Jazz Festival, Monterey Jazz Festival, Toronto Jazz Festival,  and the Montreal Jazz Festival. He has performed alongside ​Danilo Pérez, Wayne Shorter, Herbie Hancock, John Patitucci,  Joe Lovano, Miguel Zenón, Esperanza Spalding, George Garzone, Luciana Souza, David Binney, Dave Douglas, Jerry  Bergonzi, Danny Rivera, Ruben Blades,​ and​ Ingrid Jensen, ​among others.   

As a bandleader, Anthony released his debut album, ​"Chronicles" (2014) with the Anthony Fung Quintet, and now his second  album, ​"Flashpoint"​ in fall 2018. Anthony also co-leads a Toronto-based band called “JabFung” with bassist Julian Anderson-Bowes. This project brings international  artists to Toronto to perform alongside local musicians. Occurring on a semiannual basis, JabFung residencies have hosted  international artists such as George Garzone (Boston), Simon Moullier (France) and Isaac Wilson (Los Angeles). Anthony proudly endorses Vic Firth Sticks, Canopus Drums, and Zildjian Cymbals.