Ginger Beef EPK
Long Bio
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 is also the organist for the Calgary Flames.)
The resulting combination is Ginger Beef, which balances dazzling virtuosic performances and catchy melodies with deep grooves that lend pop appeal. MSG envisions Ginger Beef as a ‘funky Van Halen,’ — noting that brothers Eddie and Alex Van Halen were classically trained pianists. The music is “a little exotic, crunchy, and surprisingly satisfying”.
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, like slap-funk bassist Dave Lewis, and drummers Orlando Retana, JD Johnson and Steve Jackson.
Ginger Beef debuted their first single and music video, “Flashback” at the Camp Sled Island event in 2021, and performed at the 2022 and 2023 Sled Island Music Festival. Ginger Beef is excited to release their self-titled debut album on Oct 27, 2023.
Short Bio
Ginger Beef is the collaboration of the husband and wife team of award-winning flutist Jiajia Li and veteran producer/multi-instrumentalist Warren Tse (AKA MSG). The result: a gleaming pop artifact which balances dazzling instrumental performances and catchy melodies with deep grooves.
Press Photos
Music
https://gingerbeefband.bandcamp.com/music
Videos
Press & Reviews
“…a testament to the band’s eclectic flair and strong musicianship. In particular, flutist Jiajia Li mesmerizes with a range of dexterous, impassioned flute sequences. The project’s heady rock and jazz infusions make for a rousing production here.” — Obscure Sound (music blog)
“the group is both virtuosic and transportive, taking you to a place where the vibes are immaculate and soloists hold musical court.” – Sled Island
Socials
IG: @gingerbeefband
FB: https://www.facebook.com/gingerbeefband