Lao Dan

**Lao Dan** is a boundary-pushing experimental musician and improviser based in Beijing, known for his raw, visceral approach to free jazz and traditional Chinese instrumentation. Blowing frenetic, unpredictable lines on the saxophone and mastering the haunting tones of the *sheng* (a traditional Chinese mouth organ), he’s become a key figure in China’s underground avant-garde scene. His work often collides chaotic energy with moments of stark tranquility, drawing from both global free-improv traditions and his cultural roots. Releases like *Live At Willimantic Records* and *Chinese Medicine* showcase his knack for spontaneous, collaborative performances, while *Crossing A River By Rope* leans into more meditative, textural explorations.

Active since the 2010s, Lao Dan frequently tours internationally, partnering with experimental artists across genres and continents. Whether solo or in collective settings, his music feels like a rebellious conversation between ancient and futuristic soundscapes—unpolished, urgent, and deeply human. For those diving into his discography, expect anything from saxophone skronk to delicate sheng whispers, all delivered with unapologetic intensity.