Lamma Studios’ guitarist and composer Tjoe Man Cheung is a visionary artist who is gathering an international reputation for the freshness and originality of his compositions, inspired and energetic guitar playing and sure-handed bandleading. As a core member of the Lamma Studios artist roster, Tjoe brings a special flavor to our studio’s artistic offerings.
Tjoe is a Musicians Institute alumnus and a favoured sideman in the Hong Kong Pop scene, a talented Jazz & Blues guitarist and an inspired arranger and composer. Currently the official artist of Melancon, Tjoe is recognised by his creative approach, powerful soloing, unique improvisation and a splash of humour on stage.
From 2015 to 2016, Tjoe moved to London to expand his musical territory. He could often be found plying his trade at top venues like Ronnie Scott’s, Southbank Centre and Rich Mix.
Apart from active involvement in various bands and music projects, the young musician has also initiated his own project, NTBM (“Not-To-Be-Missed”), an original jazz collective featuring Tjoe’s original compositions, featuring irregular emerging musicians from around the world. The group aspires to compose original jazz tunes and perform globally. The band impressed the audiences in gigs organised by Sofar Sounds London and Hong Kong, Jazz In The Present Tense and various venues.
In 2017, Tjoe released his first LP, “and orange”, with his band NTBM. He then toured Hong Kong, China, Malaysia, Taiwan and Japan. Prior to and orange, Tjoe has also released an EP FLOW in mid 2014 and another EP FLOW LONDON in early 2016.
Tjoe is currently based in Hong Kong. After resuming to the local music scene in 2017, Tjoe has led over 100 performances with his band, such as bringing a new line-up of NTBM for Jockey Club Street Music series, a residency at Orange Peel, live streaming appearances at Wow And Flutter, Hong Kong’s biggest music festival to celebrate local bands. The band now leads the Sunday night professional jazz jam session at Peel Fresco in Central, Hong Kong’s most well known jazz venue.
Tjoes genre is a combination of many styles including Jazz, Urban Jazz, Jazz Fusion, Experimental, Improvisation. Influences: Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Wonder, The Beatles, Django Reinhardt, Sting, Thelonious Monk, Christian McBride, John Scofield, José James, Bill Frisell, Julian Lage, Gilad Hekselman, Christian Scott and Kamasi Washington.