DEL CHAI
MUSICIAN,
COMPOSER & PRODUCER
ABOUT DEREK CHAI
Derek Chai is an established professional multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, composer and producer widely known throughout the music industry as a highly respected session bass player. With a lifelong passion for music and dedication to the craft, Derek has built a career defined by absolute musical versatility. From his initial love of funk, pop, reggae and soul and folk to jazz/rock fusion, new world and classical music, he regards musical genres, not as separate entities, but as different accents, each telling a shared human story. Totally self trained musician, he has developed into an expressive and respected musician and performer, as well as a song writer, music composer and producer. Derek refuses to be confined to a single style. This unique combination of disciplines allows him to seamlessly bridge the gap between traditional orchestration, contemporary and modern electronic studio production. Throughout his journey, he has shared the stage and studio with many exceptional musical talents and celebrated artistes, earning him a reputation as a deeply creative and respected musician and music maker
DEREK CHAI THE BASSIST.
Derek has played, recorded and toured all over the world for many known artistes over the decades. Listed below. In no particular order, some of those artistes include..
PAUL HARDCASTLE
D TRAIN
Remix of Third World’s ‘Now that we’ve found love’
(click here to listen on YouTube)
'Your The One For Me'
(click here to watch TOTP on youTube)
(click here to watch ext mix on YouTube)
'click here to watch on YouTube'
‘Long Time’ Soul Train 1984
(click here to watch on YouTube)
ARROW
'Things Can Only Get Better'
(click here to watch on YouTube)
(click here to watch on YouTube)
'Your The Best Thing'
(click here to watch on YouTube)
'Blame it on Me'
(click here to watch on YouTube)
'Shoot Me'
(click here to watch on YouTube)
LULU
BANANARAMA
EDWYN STARR
(to watch live at the London Palladium click here)
BILLY OCEAN
SAM BROWN
(to watch live click here)
SHIRLEY JONES (jones girls)
KENNI BURKE
THE ULLULATORS
(click here to watch live at Kozfest)
DJ RAP
(click here) for USA documatary
DAVID GILMOUR
JOOLS HOLLAND BIG BAND
JIMMY RUFFIN
LEROY HUTSON
(to watch band rehearsal for Leroy Hutson click here)
HOWARD JOHNSON
JENNIFER HOLIDAY
BOBBY BROWN
BILLY VALENTINE
FORREST
ANNE NEASBY
(sounds of blackness)
D:REAM
(to see live in Moscow 89 click here)
PRECIOUS WILSON
ELTON JOHN
BONEY M
JAZZ/FUSION & CLASSICAL
Compostions written, performed and produce by Derek Chai
JAZZ 'N'FUSION
JAZZ 'N' FUSION
collage artwork by Corbin
"This album, 'Live Again,' was recorded entirely in my home studio alongside some great guest contributions from truly incredible players. The aim was for an easy listening jazz album of various styles from swing to jazz reggae and fusion.
While the foundation of the record is deeply instrumental, it holds some beautiful vocal layers—including my own voice on a couple of tracks, and a featured performance by my daughter Jodi Chai on the main title track.
The album also holds some truly magical secrets too. On track 3. 'The Rebirth', my other daughter when she was just four years old walked into the bedroom while I was recording some percussion on the track ( radio silence a constant battle as all those with toddlers know), which is in a 5/4 time signature and completely naturally began singing the melody but in 7/8. It fitted the pocket flawlessly. Because I left her vocals completely uncompressed, a fascinating bit of studio physics happens: if you turn your playback volume right down low, the instruments sink away, and her voice actually sounds louder as the music gets quieter. It is a true hidden gem for attentive listeners.
To anyone listening: I want these tracks to be easily accessible, so please feel free to stream previews using the LISTEN links. If you would like to download the music to keep, you can use the BUY links to pay the standard track price, or simply contribute whatever you feel the music is worth to help support the next independent projects. Thank you for listening.
'LISTEN'
click on portrait for credits/lyrics
click on butterfly to listen/support
artwork by jojo ishtar
'In loving memory of Winston Delandro. Thank you for sharing your extraordinary gift with so many of us. Your legacy lives on'
CLASSICAL
CLASSICAL
'LITTLE DARCEY DO'
composed by Derek Chai
A woodland journey.
Dedicated to the composer’s daughter, "Little Darcey Do" is an evocative, highly atmospheric two-minute orchestral vignette that tells a vivid sonic story. The piece awakens in the shadows, opening lightly with delicate woodwinds that carry a subtle, creeping sense of mystery and playful menace—evoking the nervous thrill of a child stepping cautiously into an enchanted, unknown woods.
Suddenly, the orchestra locks into a steady, driving rhythm, introducing a captivating, repeating melodic motif. Section by section, the arrangement brilliantly stacks the full weight of the symphony—sweeping strings, powerful brass, and driving percussion—building the tension and energy to a magnificent, towering peak.
Then, in a stunning dynamic twist, the massive orchestration suddenly drops away to a whisper. The texture thins out instantly as the woodwind weaves leaving, the listener in total serenity that lead the traveller to a light triangle ping vibrating beautifully into the silence.
Listen freely or make a contribution of your choice to download this 3 minute symphonic piece to own yourself and support my music.
Listen
To download / support
CLASSICAL
'Gentle sail on glass lake'
composed by Derek Chai
‘Gentle sail on Glass Lake’ opens with a warm, intimate solo piano prelude that establishes a gentle, swaying 3/4 time signature. As the journey begins, delicate woodwinds enter like a soft breeze breaking through the clouds, before a rich, legato string section blooms to carry you smoothly across the glassy water. Friendly, warm, and deeply serene, this 3-minute and 35-second symphonic movement captures the peaceful luxury of drifting under radiant morning sunbeams."
Listen freely or make a contribution of your choice to download this 3.30 minute symphonic piece to own yourself and support my music.
Listen
To download / support
CLASSICAL
'Fanfair to the chase'
composed by Derek Chai
‘Fanfare to the Chase’ opens with a majestic, commanding brass fanfare that delivers a dramatic proclamation to the listener. In response, the arrangement shifts into a flurry of fastidious, purposeful activity, woven together by a meticulous dialogue between the woodwind and string sections. This bustling preparation suddenly erupts into an exhilarating, high-energy sequence as the full orchestra unleashes a driving, fluid movement that mimics a rapid run through a sun-dappled forest. Halfway through the expedition, the composition gracefully pulls back to allow the listener to take a breath—settling into a deeply serene, sedate interlude led by light piano and delicate woodwinds. Triumphant, nimble, and beautifully cinematic, this track takes the ear on an unforgettable and richly textured classical journey before circling back to its noble, preparatory theme."
Listen freely or make a contribution of your choice to download this 3.30 minute symphonic piece to own yourself and support my music.
Listen
To download / support
POP 'N' DANCE
Multi style pop and dance tunes written and produced by Derek Chai
