At just nine years old, Honda Nhat Anh delivered a remarkable jazz performance that left the audience in awe, masterfully interpreting three iconic smooth jazz pieces: Autumn Leaves, Fly Me to the Moon, and Bésame Mucho during the Honda and Jazz minishow in Hanoi.

Set in an intimate venue, the event offered a special musical experience. Despite his age, Honda showcased exceptional command over his instrument, effortlessly blending technique with emotional depth.

Beyond smooth jazz, Honda also demonstrated his advanced musical maturity by performing jazz standards - complex compositions revered in the jazz world and regularly interpreted by global artists. Pieces such as Yardbird Suite, Lady Bird, and This I Dig of You highlighted his deep understanding of harmony and rhythm, underscoring his profound grasp of jazz heritage.

Not limiting himself to international jazz, Honda also explored Vietnamese contemporary hits with jazz arrangements, including Tình đầu quá chén, Tái sinh, and Một vòng Việt Nam. His interpretations offered a fresh and relatable twist for local audiences, bridging jazz with Vietnamese popular culture.

Over the past two years, Honda Nhat Anh has garnered several notable accolades: first prize in the Vietnam preliminary round and first place in his category at the 2024 Hong Kong International Music Festival; second prize in modern instruments at the Light Up Music Competition 2023.

According to his mentor, jazz artist Bui Hoang An, “Honda is the most remarkable student I’ve ever taught. While his young age is striking, what truly astounds me is his musical thinking and improvisational intuition - on par with someone far older, with years of experience. That kind of musical sensibility is not something you typically see in a child.”

“Honda is my pride, and it won’t be long before he becomes a pride of Vietnam’s music scene. When you see someone like him perform, you just know they’re going to achieve something extraordinary,” Bui Hoang An added.

Honda and Jazz was not only a memorable milestone for a talented 9-year-old, but also a hopeful sign for the Vietnamese jazz scene - where young musicians are beginning to make their mark through sincere passion and disciplined learning.

Tinh Le