Leonardo Susi, born in Sao Paolo, Brazil, started drumming 18 years ago and now plays drum set and percussion styles ranging from rhythm and blues, jazz, Afro-Cuban, pop and rock in shows all across China. Since coming to China five years ago, he was a frequent performer at the JZ Club in Shanghai; now he plays a nightly set at CJW and teaches percussion. Fresh from a gig at an international jazz festival in Hong Kong, the musician stopped by a 6LD class at Dulwich College Beijing and spoke to students – who play trumpet, flute, drums, saxophone and clarinet – about his love for jam sessions. He also showed off samba beats on the pandeiro.
Samuel Teale, 10, British
What do you play?
Regular drums, symbols, and the snare. Anything can be percussive – like your body.
Jer-Ja Chuang, 10, American
What band do you play for?
I play with a lot of bands. I play at a bar in
Beijing called CJW. I’m also part of a percussion duo called Quilombo, as well as play percussion pieces with DJs. I also play with people who play other instruments, like the erhu.
Jessica Wang, 11, American
Where in China have you played?
Beijing, Shanghai, Nanjing, Wuxi, Suzhou, Wuzhou, Hong Kong and Guangzhou.
Lucas Pos, 10, American
Who is your favorite musician?
Me. No, I’m kidding. Herbie Hancock, the
famous jazz musician. Do you guys know Frank Sinatra? No?
Lucy Chi, 10, Japanese
What inspired you to be a drummer?
First I was a bass player, and then I rented a drum set and started playing. I liked the sound – you have to use your whole body and mind to play. I keep asking myself why I play the drum set – it’s just something I love.
Soo Bin Moon, 10, Korean
Have you ever played with famous people like Hollywood stars?
I’ve played with famous people in Brazil, but no, not with Hollywood stars.
Cameron Lee, 10, American
When did you start composing?
I’ve only composed one piece. But I started playing the drums 18 years ago.
Peter Meyer, 9, American
What is your favorite music genre?
I like any kind of music that relaxes me, but I mostly play jazz.
Thalia Dudek, 11, Australian
What have you composed?
“Brotas and Cartagena” – it has three or four different kinds of rhythms at once, so it’s hard to play. The music is a 7/4 time signature.
Nicholas Kill, 10, British
Do Chinese people like your music?
Some like it, some don’t. Sometimes they ask, “Can you please play softer because we are trying to talk.” They like Latin music more than jazz. Sometimes jazz is not easy to listen to.
Arantxa Arriola, 10, Chilean
What do you think of music in China?
It’s growing fast, like everything in China. They still have to learn a lot about Western music.
Jack MacMillan Perich, 10, Australian
Where is your favorite place to play?
Hong Kong – it’s beautiful. I just played there last weekend at the Hong Kong Jazz Festival near the sea. The vibe was wonderful and so many people come up and talk to you after.
Nicholas Kill, 10, British
How often do you perform in a day?
I play three 50-minute sets per day, every day except Sunday.
Madeline Kirkwood, 10, American
Where do you stay when you travel?
I live in a hotel. It’s like my home.
Jessica Wang, 11, American
Do you play for fun?
I often join jam sessions to play with friends for fun. A jam session is when musicians meet in some bar to play for free – it’s like a party.
Samuel Teale, 10, British
How much do you get paid?
Enough to survive.
