Eugene Pao

Simply put, Eugene Pao is Hong Kong’s most publicly recognized jazz musician and his name is synonymous with jazz in our city. Such reputation cannot be more deserving as Eugene has been at the vanguard of promoting jazz in the territory through his performances and recordings over the last thirty plus years.

Hong Kong first discovered its own guitar hero in the mid 1980s when Eugene returned from studies in the US and began playing around town. Recognition came early from leading international jazz musicians. Some of his early recordings featured such legends including bassist Eddie Gomez, blues great Jimmy Witherspoon and saxophonist Michael Brecker.

Jazz greats with whom he has recorded and performed on stage over the years include Jack DeJohnette, Michael Brecker, John Patitucci, Joey Calderazzo, Marc Johnson, Eddie Gomez, Terumasa Hino, Bob Berg, Ulf Wakenius, Mads Vinding, Ernie Watts, Martin Taylor, Jimmy Witherspoon, James Moody, Bill Bruford, Jeff Berlin, Bobby McFerrin, Eric Marienthal, Kazumi Watanabe, Richard Galliano, Toninho Horta, Georgie Fame, Laura Fygi, Randy Brecker and many more.

Over the last three decades, Eugene Pao has truly established himself as Hong Kong’s premier jazz guitarist. He continues to travel the world for performances at international jazz festivals, concert halls and jazz clubs, and to take part in recording projects. As a composer, he has contributed music to countless TV commercials, and his film soundtracks have been nominated for best original score at the Hong Kong Film Awards.