In 1986, when Jeremy Monteiro first met Eugene Pao and heard him play at The Jazz Club in Hong Kong, he was astonished to discover jazz guitar playing of such extraordinary depth, elegance and fire right here in Asia.

That first meeting marked the beginning of a friendship and musical collaboration that has now spanned 40 years.

Eugene Pao would go on to become one of Asia’s most respected jazz guitarists, recording and performing with jazz legends such as Randy Brecker, Eddie Gomez and Steve Gadd. Jeremy Monteiro, widely regarded as Singapore’s “King of Swing,” would build an international recording and performing career of his own, working with artists including Ernie Watts, Charlie Haden and Al Foster.

Over the decades, Eugene and Jeremy have shared the stage and studio on many occasions. They have performed together at the EFG London Jazz Festival, in China, and on recordings including a project by multi-award-winning vocalist Laura Fygi. They have also worked together in the Asian All Stars, led by Taro Masahino, and in the spin-off band Asian All Stars Power Quartet, an ongoing project that continues to celebrate the power, sophistication and vitality of Asian jazz artistry.

Their musical partnership has also produced a duo album featuring the timeless songs of Michel Legrand, as well as their joint composition, “From Paris to Segré” — a musical document of their tour to perform at the first-ever Jazz & Saveurs Festival in the city of Segré, where Jeremy was honoured as a Goodwill Ambassador.

On 7 and 8 August, Eugene Pao and Jeremy Monteiro reunite at the Capitol Jazz Club to celebrate 40 years of friendship, music-making and shared artistic discovery.

Joining them are two outstanding musicians: Ben Poh, one of the finest bassists Singapore has produced, and Hong Chanut Techatananan from Bangkok, a longtime collaborator with both Eugene and Jeremy.

Together, this quartet brings a rare combination of history, virtuosity, warmth, swing and spontaneity. It is the sound of four master musicians in conversation — drawing from decades of experience, friendship and musical trust, while still searching, still playing, still taking chances.

This promises to be an evening of extraordinary music-making — elegant, fiery, lyrical and adventurous. A celebration of friendship, jazz, and the enduring creative spirit that connects musicians across borders, generations and time.