‘Kicking It’ with the Classics: An Interview with SHAOLIN JAZZ

Photography by Ryan M. Brown
Written by Sage Battle for 3 Chambers

Saturday September 7th, 2024

Kicking off in 2011, SHAOLIN JAZZ has been transforming how audiences experience music and cinema. A creative fusion of Wu-Tang acapellas and jazz instrumentals can be cited as the building blocks for the movement, led by the duo DJ 2-Tone Jones and Gerald Watson. Their sound philosophy has evolved and can be witnessed in different formats- from mixtapes to lectures for the culture. In this exclusive 3 Chambers interview, the pair discuss their roots, creative process, and what’s next for their distinctive live-action art performances.

The Birth of SHAOLIN JAZZ

It started as a conversation. It is critical to highlight that what began as a unique musical experiment—a mixtape combining the raw energy of “Wu-Tang Clan acapellas with smooth jazz instrumentals”—has grown into a multi-faceted cultural movement. DJ 2-Tone Jones sets the stage by discussing the early days: “SHAOLIN JAZZ started with conversations in the basement, just hanging out with friends, blending the two genres. The name ‘Shaolin’ comes from the Wu-Tang reference to Staten Island, and jazz, well, that’s self-explanatory. We wanted something that reflected both influences but without being tied directly to the Wu-Tang name. It was about owning our creation.”

The mixtape received an unexpected boost when members of the Wu-Tang Clan themselves acknowledged the project, further solidifying SHAOLIN JAZZ’s place in the underground music scene. Now as agents for fusion, 2-Tone Jones and Watson have branched out, and their mastery doesn’t stop on the stage.

Expanding into Events and Art

Over time, the SHAOLIN JAZZ project has expanded beyond music. Watson reflects on how their work began to take on new dimensions: “We started hosting events—lectures on the relationship between jazz and hip-hop, art shows that featured works with hip-hop, jazz, and martial arts themes. We also launched CAN I KICK IT?, where we screen cult classic martial arts films and remix the soundtrack live. Our goal is to create a new, unforgettable experience for fans of both music and cinema.”

Their events have a specific aesthetic, one that is both nostalgic and also kick ass. One of their signature experiences is the CAN I KICK IT? film screenings, where movies like Kill Bill are reimagined with their high energy soundscapes. The motivation behind it? To invent a new face and appreciation for the films. And their take is phenomenal- “Sometimes, people say they don’t even want to watch the original anymore after experiencing our version,” says 2-Tone with a laugh.

The rise of streaming also prompted them to launch CAN I KICK IT? : TV, an online platform that brings the SHAOLIN JAZZ experience to audiences at home. Watson adds, “What we’re doing is unique—you won’t find it anywhere else. The curated combination of music and film is something special, and we’re excited to expand that online.” Watson and 2 Tone Jones have created a discography that anyone can enjoy. For the person who is just getting into martial arts films and the hip hop connoisseur, these exclusive yet extremely tasteful experiences have fused past culture in with current contemporary culture while maintaining a very creative edge.

On Kill Bill

So why Kill Bill?

DJ 2-Tone Jones took the time to talk about the focus of the ‘CAN I KICK IT?’ experience. They began with the iconic Shaw Brothers movies and Bruce Lee films. And over time they’ve branched into contemporary action cinema while still staying true to the action packed edge. They’ve done wonders in blending an audio culture with a vibrant visual tradition.

“Kill Bill is just one of those movies that, you know, when it came out, there weren't a whole lot of martial arts films that were trying to still keep that kind of throwback feel,” 2 Tone Jones stated. While their expertise lies in the fusion between visual, audio, retro, and neo, the historicity and respect for the sentimental feel for the volume one feature still remained intact. In fact, it was elevated.

SHAOLIN JAZZ provides a newer, reinventive, approach to the viewership experience of cult classic action and martial arts cinema, especially through the presentation of the soundtrack. They provide an additional commentary through their use of soundbites and track-lists. It’s done through design. It’s an art you would have to witness for yourself in real time.

I sat in the balcony, a full theater will make you search for seating. I prefer a bird's eye view anyway. The swords, the Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66’s, motorbikes, and the retro framing of the action packed flick harmonized with the energized SHAOLIN JAZZ set list. I would jump at the opportunity to see SHAOLIN JAZZ’s interpretation of Volume 2 in a heartbeat.

Facing Challenges and Staying True to the Vision

Despite their success, the duo faces significant challenges, particularly with licensing and the world of copyright. “There’s a lot of red tape when it comes to remixing films and music,” explains Watson. “It’s a learning process, and it can sometimes limit where and how we perform. But we’ve always tried to respect the artists and the original material while still putting our own spin on it.”

Their deep respect for the original creators shines through in their work. Even with these hurdles, SHAOLIN JAZZ remains dedicated to their mission of blending cultural forms in innovative ways.

The Future of SHAOLIN JAZZ

As they look ahead, SHAOLIN JAZZ will continue to reach for the stars. Their next move? Expanding their live events, online presence, and collaborations. Watson and 2-Tone envision curating an entire film's score with no restrictions, potentially working with legends from the music and film industries on the west coast. “We’re always evolving, always pushing the envelope,” they say. Maybe L.A. should say hey.

SHAOLIN JAZZ isn’t just about score or movies—it’s about the experience of the blending of culture itself, and how different forms can come together to create something new, something that pays homage to the past while boldly moving forward with style.