Cuong Vu Explained

Cuong Vu
Birth Date:19 September 1969
Birth Place:Saigon, Vietnam
Genre:Jazz
Occupation:Musician
Instrument:Trumpet
Years Active:1994–present
Label:Avant, Knitting Factory, Origin, Cuneiform, Nonesuch
Associated Acts:Pat Metheny Group, Orange Then Blue

Cuong Vu (Cường Vũ) (born 19 September 1969) is a Vietnamese-American jazz trumpeter. In addition to his own work as a bandleader, Vu was a member of the Pat Metheny Group. He is the first American person of Vietnamese descent to win a Grammy Award. He won twice for Best Contemporary Jazz Album through his work with the band.[1] He is currently associate professor and chair of jazz studies at the University of Washington.[2]

Biography

Born in Saigon on September 19, 1969, Vu immigrated to Seattle with his family when he was six. At 11, he began to play the trumpet. He received a scholarship from the New England Conservatory of Music.

After graduating Vu moved to New York City in 1994, and formed the group Ragged Jack with Jamie Saft, Andrew D'Angelo, and Jim Black. Vu has worked with Laurie Anderson, David Bowie, Dave Douglas, Myra Melford, Gerry Hemingway, and Mitchell Froom.[3]

While a member of the Pat Metheny Group, Vu won two Grammy Awards for Best Contemporary Jazz Album: Speaking of Now, The Way Up;[4] [5] and one nomination for Best Pop Instrumental Performance for the song "As It Is."[6] He worked with Metheny mainly as a trumpeter, but also contributed vocals, guitar and various small percussion.

Vu's trio consists of bassist Stomu Takeishi and drummer Ted Poor.

Vu serves as chair and professor in the jazz studies department of the University of Washington's School of Music.[7]

Discography

As leader

As sideman

Awards

Year Nominees Category Nominated for Result
Cuong Vu (As a member of Pat Metheny Group) "As It Is"
Speaking of Now
The Way Up

See also

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Cuong Vu Artist. grammy.com. March 15, 2021.
  2. Web site: Cuong Vu. All About Jazz. 18 August 2016.
  3. Web site: Credits Of Cuong Vu. Allmusic. 26 February 2023.
  4. News: Complete list of Grammy nominees; ceremony set for Feb. 23 . January 8, 2003 . August 15, 2023 . . 5 . . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20110816095514/http://articles.sfgate.com/2003-01-08/entertainment/17470880_1_vanessa-carlton-norah-jones-steve-mcqueen-sheryl-crow/5 . August 16, 2011 .
  5. News: The Complete List of Grammy Nominations. June 30, 2010. December 8, 2005. The New York Times. 3.
  6. Web site: 2002 Grammy Award Winners. Grammy.com. 1 May 2011.
  7. Web site: Cuong Vu | School of Music | University of Washington.