Drummer's Debut: A Jazz Odyssey of Self-Discovery

Chinese jazz drummer and composer Xu Zhitong has released his debut album, Unfettered Hope, on November 20, 2026. This collection of eight original compositions serves as a musical autobiography, charting his personal and artistic journey.

The album explores Xu's decade spent immersing himself in Europe's jazz scene after leaving China as a teenager. It culminates in his return to China, prompting a re-evaluation of his own artistic voice and identity.

Central to the album is the concept of narrative, exemplified by the music video for 'Lost Cat.' This animated story, featuring a black cat's journey through adversity to victory, symbolizes Xu's own experiences with uncertainty and the search for self.

Compositions like 'Cedar' are deeply personal, dedicated to his father, a rock drummer who inspired his musical beginnings. A childhood recording of their interaction is incorporated, creating a unique dialogue across time.

Xu's return to China after his European sojourn proved formative, offering a new perspective on his cultural roots. He aimed to internalize Eastern aesthetics, favoring subtlety and restraint within Western musical frameworks.

The ensemble accompanying Xu includes alto saxophonist Jan Prax, tenor saxophonist Moritz Stahl, and double bassist Nils Kugelmann, with whom he developed a strong musical rapport and trust during his studies in Munich.

Xu strives for inclusivity in jazz, aiming to create music that is warm and accessible even to those new to the genre. The album concludes with 'Twilight,' a piece conceived as a gentle, luminous farewell, reflecting a sense of warmth and embracing light.