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"A Night in Tunisia by Dizzy Gillespie was my first encounter with jazz music. It's so different from what I have learned. I love it so much," says Dai, who is now in his second year of study at the middle school affiliated with the Central Conservatory of Music, majoring in both classical and jazz piano.

At age 9, he persuaded his parents to let him take jazz and Latin lessons along with his classical piano education. He also listens to rock and pop music and is a big fan of John Lennon.

According to Dai's father, Dai Bin, a jazz fan, his son enjoys playing impromptu for hours after finishing the practice assigned by his teachers.

"He feels no pressure and relaxes by playing piano, which is just the spirit of jazz," his father says.

Veteran bassist Huang Yong, founder of the Beijing Nine Gates International Jazz Music Festival, has invited the young musician to the opening concert at the 7th Beijing Nine Gates International Jazz Music Festival in 2012, which won Dai more performing opportunities in China and abroad.

"He often comes to watch live jazz performances at Beijing's popular music venues, such as CD Cafe and East Shore Jazz Cafe, with his father. One day, I was surprised to see him onstage, improvising with the bands," Huang says. "His music is completely mature and beyond his age. It's not just skill but also emotions."

One of Dai's teachers, jazz pianist Kong Hongwei, who formed one of China's pioneering jazz bands, Golden Buddha, taught Dai for more than five years. Kong was amazed by Dai's talent and passion for jazz.

"Like many children who learn instruments in China, Dai participated in many competitions. But besides awards, he enjoys playing onstage for audiences," says Kong.

Dai's debut album was made with the help of Sennheiser Media, which has named him as the first recording artist under the label to promote young and upcoming talents around the world.

"We've worked on this album for two years and we've experienced in the studio a true live performance by the three musicians," says Marc Vincent, president of Sennheiser Greater China, who was in Beijing to release the album.

chennan@chinadaily.com.cn