Last Updated on August 14, 2024
In the ever-evolving sphere of the music industry, it is the unique talents who can captivate audiences, defy norms, and echo the diversity and fluidity of music that shine the brightest. Bingfan “Jason” Ji, a gifted guitarist, has achieved international recognition, redefining the artistry of music through his innovative mastery of this versatile instrument.
Born and raised in Australia, Jason embarked on his musical journey at the tender age of 11. He began with private classical guitar lessons under Christine Yeong, showcasing a natural ability to break free from constraints and experiment with diverse guitar styles. This relentless pursuit of knowledge and growth led him to the renowned Berklee College of Music, where he secured a scholarship, honed his craft in various contemporary styles, and emerged as a holistic musician. His captivating performances, including impressive solo fingerstyle pieces, have delighted audiences in Italy and across the globe.
His talents brought him to the esteemed stage of China’s Got Talent, where he left both the judges and millions of viewers awestruck with his remarkable performance. He was the only artist selected from the Queen’s Theatre audition in New York, solidifying his position in the music world.
Jason’s reputation and musical prowess have led him to numerous esteemed opportunities. He was handpicked as a performer for the prestigious Concert For One series organized by the Celebrity Series of Boston, a coveted position given to only a handful of artists from over 150 applicants. His enchanting performances echoed through Harvard’s Science Center Plaza and Cambridge Chin Park, captivating diverse audiences.
His notable performances led to an invitation to an exclusive closing party attended by the CEO of Celebrity Series, event organizers, fellow artists, and press. Moreover, he achieved international recognition as the guitarist for Sofar Sounds, playing for sold-out audiences in the Seaport District and Worcester, and as a resident performer at the Gary Leavitt & Friends Radio Show on 95.9 WATD.
In addition, Jason has contributed his talents to charitable organizations, such as the Boston Home, an institution known for its exceptional clinical care for adults with advanced Multiple Sclerosis and other neurological disorders. Simultaneously, he has utilized his organizational skills as the Music Coordinator & Performer for Clark University’s Events, overseeing music production for prestigious venues like the Harvard Art Museum and the Museum of Fine Arts (MFA).
Jason’s influence extends beyond his live performances. His membership in dynamic platforms like Firework and Shoudify has been recognized by notable publications, even earning a “#1 New App We Love” ranking on the App Store. Through the Shoudify Influencer program, he’s further established himself as a sought-after musical influencer.
One of Jason’s crowning achievements was his performance as the main acoustic guitarist at the Agganis Arena for the Commencement Concert. This Boston-based venue, renowned for its state-of-the-art facilities and excellent acoustics, has a seating capacity of over 7,000 and regularly hosts high-profile events. Being selected as the principal acoustic guitarist for such a significant event further attests to Jason’s exceptional skills and capacity to captivate audiences at the highest level.
Bingfan “Jason” Ji is an artist who consistently pushes the boundaries of guitar music. His unique blend of talent, innovation, and dedication has catapulted him into the spotlight, setting him apart as a musician of rare calibre in the vibrant global music industry.
Join us on our conversation with Bingfan as we discover more about his unique abilities.
It’s a pleasure to have you with us today, Bingfan. Can you recall the exact moment when your journey with the guitar began? Did you start with professional lessons?
I began playing guitar at around the age of 11. My journey started with private lessons from Christine Yeong. Although our focus was on classical guitar, she encouraged me to diversify my repertoire and stylistic range. Later, I enrolled in the music program at John Forrest Secondary College and delved further into the world of classical guitar. Yet, I continuously sought out various other guitar styles to practice online.
Subsequently, I transferred to Rossmoyne Senior High School for their specialized classical music program. My educational journey culminated as a scholarship recipient at Berklee College of Music, where I studied a broad spectrum of contemporary styles. This experience shaped me into a well-rounded musician.
Could you describe your earliest public performances?
One of my earliest solo public performances was during a tour across five cities in Italy. I recall our first gig quite vividly—it was an outdoor event, and I was slated to perform a Tommy Emmanuel arrangement of “Classical Gas.” However, the drummer misplaced his cymbal. To prevent any delay, the music director asked me to perform a solo without the orchestra.
Luckily, I had an extensive solo repertoire committed to memory at that time, so I quickly selected a couple of pieces. The audience’s response was overwhelmingly positive! From that moment onwards, for every performance we did in Italy, I became the opener, kickstarting the show with a few fingerstyle solo pieces. In retrospect, I am incredibly thankful for being adequately prepared for such an opportunity.
Do you have a preference between solo performances or playing with a band? Does playing solo offer more space for experimentation?
I truly appreciate both experiences! I tend to approach playing solo and playing with a band as two distinct mindsets. In a solo performance, I’m tasked with handling the melody, the rhythm section, and adding ornamentation to form a complete fingerstyle arrangement—all on a single instrument.
Conversely, when playing with a band, the guitar is just one element of the larger ensemble. Here, my focus is on blending seamlessly into the collective sound and providing what the band requires. Usually, this isn’t as technically demanding as a fingerstyle arrangement.
However, one advantage I enjoy about playing with a band is the freedom from having to incorporate all the other aspects of the ensemble into my performance. Being able to play single-line solos with full backing can be incredibly enjoyable.
You had the opportunity to perform on China’s Got Talent. How did you feel about your performance results?
Receiving four affirming votes from the judges was truly gratifying. The significance of the competition was underscored by the stature of the judges, who included the director of the Chinese Musicians Association, the executive director of the China Pop Music Association, and a judge who was ranked 6th on Forbes China’s Celebrity 100 list.
As the only person chosen from the Queen’s Theatre audition in New York, I was flown to China for the televised national competition. The music director of the show requested that I also showcase some of my singing abilities. My performance began with parts of the percussive fingerstyle piece “Fight!” then, in a dramatic turn, I proceeded to clip off each string, one by one, until only the low E string remained. With just this single string, I accompanied myself singing an original tune onstage.
I was delighted that the judges appreciated my innovative approach. The performance was aired on one of China’s largest provincial TV stations, Dragon TV, reaching millions of households. The judges even suggested that I might be the “hidden gem” they had been hoping to discover. Reflecting on the experience, I feel truly grateful for the opportunity.
Is your incorporation of your influences intentional, or does it occur naturally?
Influences naturally shine through in my playing nowadays, alongside my unique percussive style. From Tommy Emmanuel to Chet Atkins, from Kotaro Oshio to Emil Ernebro, these artists have shaped who I am as a musician. While I strive to create arrangements that showcase my own style, there are certain influences that remain ingrained.
The fingerstyle genre originated from the roots of ragtime and blues guitar, with trailblazers like Chet Atkins, and Jerry Reed mastered the captivating ‘boom-chick’ style that still resonates with me and influences my playing. I believe it’s important to pay homage to those who have inspired you, while simultaneously maintaining an unwavering pursuit of your own unique sound.
How did it feel to be endorsed by Godin & Seagull Guitars?
I was overjoyed. Godin Guitars, the parent company founded 50 years ago, has grown to become one of the largest and most dynamic guitar manufacturers in North America. During my time in Australia, I had the opportunity to try out Seagull guitars by Godin, and I was immediately struck by how comfortable they are to play. From the smooth action to the neck feel, these instruments left a lasting impression. Needless to say, I was thrilled when they endorsed me to be an ambassador for their guitars, and they even offered me their Artist Mosaic Bourbon Burst model at a special artist price.
The guitar played like a dream, and the addition of the LR Baggs Anthem pickup inside made it sound incredible in live performances. It arrived just a couple of days before a major show at the Agganis Arena, which held great significance considering its impressive capacity of 7,200. The arena has hosted world-class acts such as Alicia Keys, Bob Dylan, and Disney On Ice, and has been sponsored by major corporations like Xfinity, Pepsi, and Geico. Throughout the months I played the guitar, I received countless compliments on its remarkable sound.
Before we wrap up, could you share some details about your ongoing projects?
Currently, I am immersed in the creation of a five-song EP, consisting of four vocal tracks and one instrumental fingerstyle piece. I’m incredibly excited to release these songs and share them with the world. Alongside music creation, I am diligently preparing for my upcoming gigs, which include performances at Tuscan Kitchen, gigs with Cover Story Entertainment and Speechless Music, as well as at Brigham and Women’s Faulkner Hospital.
Furthermore, I have the privilege of returning to Fenway Park, this time to perform in one of their ballrooms alongside Emi Mcswain, the Music Director for the Fenway Park performance. Additionally, I eagerly anticipate my continued involvement with Sofar Sounds, where I will be performing in the months to come. Lastly, I am thrilled to announce that I will be taking the stage at Soulfest this August as the guitarist for the band Renee & the Renegades, where we will have the opportunity to captivate the ears of 5,000 to 10,000 listeners.
