Richie Goods & Chien Chien

Bassist Richie Goods and vibraphonist Chien Chien met in trumpeter Jeremy Pelt’s band, and instantly formed a strong musical bond. During the pandemic, they talked deeply about the Black Lives Matter movement and the increasing acts of violence perpetrated against Asians. They decided to do a project that would unify people and invoke imagery of love and peace. Not only was the music they produced awesome, but their friendship deepened as they explored the stereotypical discord that often exists between the African American and Asian communities. The partnership produced three recordings, and led to an ongoing performing and recording project entitled Connected.  Chien Chien arrived in the US in 2015 to explore jazz, which led to studies with Vijay Iyer and a masters degree in Jazz Studies at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, and a meeting with Jeremy Pelt which led to her joining Jeremy’s band, recording her own music, and being named as the Rising Star of the vibraphone in the 69th Downbeat Critic’s Poll. Richie has an amazing list of performing and recording credits, including a long stint playing bass with Mulgrew Miller, who Richie credits for much of his success. Other jazz and popular artists he’s played with include Chris Botti, Sting, The Headhunters, Louis Hayes and the Cannonball Adderley Legacy Band, Lenny White, Milt Jackson, Whitney Houston, Lisa Fischer, The Manhattan Transfer, and Christina Aguilera.