Born and raised in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Julian has been an active
performer in the Malaysian and regional music scene since 2001. He has
graduated with a Masters degree in Jazz Performance from Queens College in New York, where he studied with jazz greats Antonio Hart, Michael Mossman, (the late) Prof. Howard Brofsky and David Berkman.
Julian has performed with both Malaysian and international artistes (both jazz and of other styles) such as Michael Veerapen (MY), Jeremy Monteiro (SG), Koh Mr. Saxman (THAI), Laura Fygi, Carmen Bradford (US), James Morrison (AUS), Eugene Pao (HK), Isao Miyoshi (JP), Tony Lakatos (GER), Jonathan Lee ??? (Taiwan), Jeff Chang ??? (Taiwan), Sheila Majid (MY), James Flynn (AUS), Anthony Strong (UK), Claude Diallo (Switzerland/NY). He has also shared the stage with many prominent musicians such as Antonio Hart, Randy Brecker, Fritz Renold, Christian Jacobs, and Bobby Watson. Julian has also performed in many festivals including Java Jazz Festival, Macau Jazz Festival, SingJazz International Jazz Festival, ASEAN Jazz Festival (Malaysia), EFG London Jazz Festival, Penang International Jazz Festival.
Julian has established himself as a prominently versatile saxophonist in the region. Julian has been a part of the WVC - Malaysian Jazz Ensemble since 2010 and has recorded several instrumental and vocal albums in that outfit. He has also performed in several big bands in the region such as the Jazz Association of Singapore Orchestra (JASSO), MPO Big Band (performing with Laura Fygi), Brass Explosion All Star Big Band featuring James Morrison. In 2018, Julian formed his own big band - the Julian Chan Jazz Orchestra (JCJO) and made their debut performance at the Damansara Performing Arts Centre in September 2018.
Julian is also an active educator, being an adjunct lecturer at the Institute of Music, UCSI University, as well as his own private saxophone studio. He also gives workshops/masterclasses in various music schools and music colleges in Malaysia.
Julian is a Yanagisawa Saxophones artiste.
