About

Ginger Beef is on a mission to drag instrumental pop back into the mainstream. 

The band is the first major collaboration of the husband and wife team of award-winning flutist Jiajia Li and veteran producer/multi-instrumentalist Warren Tse (AKA MSG). Since moving to Calgary after getting her master’s degree in classical performance, Li’s profile has soared in numerous local music scenes, and you’ve almost certainly heard MSG’s work, even if you don’t know it. He has worked with Jann Arden, written music for the Calgary Stampede Evening Grandstand Show, and produced music for off-Broadway shows such as Chicago — he is also the organist for the Calgary Flames.

The result: a gleaming pop artifact which balances dazzling instrumental performances and catchy melodies with deep grooves. Ginger Beef brings high-energy instrumental acrobatics to life with Li on a range of flutes — both Chinese and western — and MSG on synth, keys, and guitar. Backing up the duo are a lineup of top R&B and jazz players from Calgary’s robust Gospel music scene.

Ginger Beef released their Juno-nominated debut album in October 2023, hitting #1 on CJSW, CFRU, and CJRU campus charts. The band has been nominated for three YYC Music Awards and has blown away crowds at music festivals (Sled Island, International Jazz Days Festival presented by JazzYYC, Calgary Folk Music Festival) and large venues (Calgary Flames and Stampeders games)