Written & Reported by the Editorial Team of MOOK Scenic Spots Travel Life Network
The members of the Shanghai Peace Old Jazz Band range in age from 76 to 86. They have been stationed at the Peace Hotel for over half a century, living through the Japanese invasion, the Cultural Revolution, and regime changes, witnessing the glamour of old Shanghai. The one thing that has never changed is their dedication and passion for jazz. In 2011, the band was invited to the Netherlands to participate in the biggest annual jazz event: the North Sea Jazz Festival. Several elderly gentlemen, whose combined ages exceeded 300 years, embarked on a journey to “bring glory abroad.” German director Uli Gaulke followed their steps and documented this remarkable journey. Watching these playful seniors skillfully play with notes and find ease and freedom in jazz is truly captivating.
Still from the movie *Shanghai Old Jazz*. (Image provided by Tianma Xingkong)
The Origins of the Shanghai Peace Old Jazz Band
The Peace Hotel is one of China’s most legendary and prestigious hotels, located on the Bund in Shanghai. With its blend of Chinese and Western architectural styles, it stands majestically along the Huangpu River. The hotel’s design combines classical and modern elements, as well as Chinese and Western influences. It has hosted top politicians, wealthy elites, and celebrities from around the world, including comedy legend Charlie Chaplin and Nobel Prize-winning author George Bernard Shaw. From 1991 to 1994, it was ranked the “World’s Most Famous Hotel” for four consecutive years and remains the only hotel in China to have received this honor.
The Shanghai Old Jazz veterans pose for a photo in front of the Peace Hotel. (Image provided by Tianma Xingkong)
The jazz bar inside the Peace Hotel has been an important hub for jazz music in Shanghai since the 1930s. Its nightly jazz performances are often sold out, and it was once named the world’s best bar by Newsweek magazine. In 1980, the hotel established the Shanghai Peace Old Jazz Band, composed of seven seasoned jazz musicians all over the age of 75. They perform classic jazz pieces every night at the hotel and have become one of Shanghai’s must-visit attractions.
Original poster for *Shanghai Old Jazz*. (Image provided by Tianma Xingkong)
Shanghai Old Jazz
As Time Goes By in Shanghai
Release Date: 2014-07-18
Genre: Documentary, Music/Musical
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Director: Uli Gaulke
Cast: Sun Jibin, Bao Zhengzhen, Zhang Jingyu, Li Mingkang
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