Biography

The Hsu-nami

The Hsu-nami is an international renowned progressive rock band from the United States. The Hsu-nami, named after the frontman Jack Hsu, became known as the first “Progressive Erhu Rock” band in the world. The Hsu-nami integrates an amplified ”erhu”, a two-string spike fiddle used in Chinese classical and folk music, into an instrumental progressive rock sound. Their music is marked by virtuosic erhu melodies and shredding licks, in place of vocals, as intertwined by heavy guitar riffs, tasteful guitar solos, funky rhythms, and metal-driven rock drumming. Part of the new-fusion rock movement, the Hsu-nami redefines the 1960s and 1970s fusion rock sound.

Hsu-nami’s music was featured in the 2008 Summer Olympic in Beijing. The track “Rising of the sun” was the theme music representing the Chinese Basketball team entrance theme.

Click Hsu-nami Wiki Page . Click Erhu/二胡 to learn more about the traditional Chinese instrument.

Jack Hsu ??? a.k.a. “Hsu-nami” (Er-Hu/二胡/Chinese Fiddle)
Born in Taipei, Taiwan, Jack started learning the violin at the age of 4 years old. In 1990, Jack toured the western U.S. playing the violin in over 20 states with an orchestral group called VIP. Moving and settling into Tenafly, N.J. in 1995, Jack studied under famous Chinese violinist, Siqing Lu. Jack was a member of the Northern Regional and All-State Orchestra of New Jersey for 6 years. In 1998, Jack travel to Nankin, China started studying the Erhu, and won first place in the yearly annual Nankin Erhu performance competition after learning for just two months. In 2006 he won the prestigious Michael Jay Skully performing arts award from Ramapo College.

Jack has done soundtracks for short films such as “Light Fixture” by Bil Thompson. “The Photographer” by Bil Thompson, Zhen Yu Lin and Debora Prado. “La Jaula Del Monarca (A Monarch Cage)” which world premiere on slamdance festival 2007 by Paul Di Palma

Also collaborate and worked on different projects with famous Taiwanese DJ/producer, DJ4, Jay Szu, Top Guitarist of Asbury Music Award Doug Mikula. and numerous of musicians across the world.

Brent Bergholm a.k.a. Ovar (Lead Guitar)

From Holmdel, NJ, Brent has studied with accomplished jazz guitarist Andrew Light, and jazz bassist Tony Cimorosi. Being a fan of all kinds of music he enjoys playing everything from hip cat jazz standards to mile a minute shred solos. During his remaining semesters 2007 he won the prestigious Michael Jay Skully performing arts award from Ramapo College.

Vinny Belcastro (Guitar)

Shortbus move

From Holmdel, NJ, Vinny has played in various bands, being the main composer in each band. One of the high points of his gigging came in August of 2003 when his first band opened for the Misfits at the Stone Pony. Vinny also currently writing and recording solo material.

Derril Sellers (Bass)

From South Bound Brook, NJ, Derril stole his first, broken bass guitar at the age of 16. He brought it home, rewired it, and began playing. From then on he has immersed himself not only in playing music in a variety of bands, but also in the technical side of sound as an audio engineer. Derril has partnered with 4 of his colleagues in the audio industry and founded Prism Post, an audio post-production company with a studio in the Chelsea in Manhattan. Derril also mixes music at Prism, including The Hsu-nami’s new album, “The Four Noble Truths”.

John Manna (Drums)

From Wharton, NJ, John started playing the drums at the age of 11. He was jazz trained in percussion for many years under Nick Scheuble. During high school he performed in many school concerts and various small bands.

Tony Aichele (Guitar)

From Manville New Jersey, Tony picked up his first bass guitar at the age of 13. After a year of constant practice and devotion his interest moved to electric guitar. He progressed very rapidly for a young self-taught guitarist. He has played in local bands and in jazz ensembles during high school.

The Hsu-nami

來自美國紐約，團名 “The Hsu-nami” 是由團長(二胡手)許正杰Jack所命名，整個團體以二胡為主奏並融入搖滾吉他及重金屬音樂，充分顯現出東西方文化的交流互動。他們的努力漸漸的受到廣泛的好評，並且成為了美國第一個最具有特色的二胡搖滾團體。Hsu-Nami的音樂也在2008年的北京奧運成為一大特色，他們的創作”Rising of the sun”也被採用於中國籃球代表隊的進場主題歌曲。

The Hsu-nami

２００５年秋、東西が融合、そこに二胡ロックフュージョングループが結成されました。The Hsu-nami。彼らは中国の二胡という伝統ある楽器を新しいかたちで色んな分野の聞き手たちに広めています。中国の娯楽音楽として親しまれた二胡がアメリカにおいて生まれた、現代ならではのロックミュージックバンドです。

2年という短いキャリアのなかでHsu-namiはYellowcard、Nightmare of You、The Parlor Mob そして Jet Lag Gemini 等のメジャーロックバンドたちの前座を務め、またニューヨークのユニオンスクエアで開催されるあらゆるアジアフェスティバル（CAPA Fest) そして The Passport toTaiwan Fest) に出演、演奏しています。ニュージャージー州にあるStone Ponyやthe Mexicali Blues Cafe、そして
かの有名なニューヨークのCBGBの閉店ライブなど沢山のライブスタジオで好評活動し、活躍の場を広めています。