THE BEST OF JAZZ COMES TO SINGAPORE

For the first time, renowned jazz musicians from the United States and the Asia Pacific will converge on Singapore, to perform at the Singapore International Jazz Festival from 18 to 20 May.



The Festival, presented by Singapore Airlines (SIA) and co-sponsored by Heineken and American Express, will showcase top international artistes like Lee Ritenour, James Moody, Slide Hampton, Eldee Young, Tuck & Patti and Terumasa Hino, as well as prominent regional musicians such as Eugene Pao, Tots Tolentino and Ireng Maulana. Showcasing more than 50 performances by over 150 musicians on four stages around Suntec City, the Festival promises to be the biggest in Asia this year.



Said Mr Huang Cheng Eng, SIA’s Senior Vice President Marketing Planning: “Singapore Airlines has always been a big sponsor of the Arts. We at SIA want to bring the Arts to the people of Singapore – something which we hope to do through this Festival. The Singapore International Jazz Festival is also part of SIA’s ongoing effort to help strengthen Singapore’s image as a world-class cultural event city. The Festival will serve as a new and exciting attraction to boost tourism to Singapore. We are also happy to have the support of the Singapore Tourism Board.”



Said Dr Les Buckley, General Manager, Asia Pacific Breweries (Singapore): “The Singapore jazz community has been growing steadily over the years, both in numbers and sophistication. Heineken has helped spur that growth through well-received programmes like the Heineken Green Room sessions, CHIJAZZ and the Heineken Jazz festivals since the mid-1990s. We share the community’s excitement over the forthcoming Singapore International Jazz Festival, and our current series of Jazz theme parties at various pubs are part of the build-up to the big event. Heineken remains supportive of Singapore’s efforts to reach a world-class stature in the international jazz scene.”




Said Mr Anthony Lee, Area General Manager, American Express International, Inc.: “American Express is proud to be associated with The Singapore International Jazz Festival. The Festival fits the bill perfectly as a choice event that will bring value to our customers who will appreciate quality entertainment of this genre. We have been in Singapore since 1925 and are very much a part of Singapore and the Singaporean’s life – bringing quality products and services, and participating in cultural events. Working with SIA and STB in this jazz sponsorship is further demonstration of American Express’ interest and commitment to Singaporeans towards jazzing up the local arts scene. We are pleased to continue the American Express tradition of hosting world-class programmes and events.”



The programme, crafted by Festival Artistic Director Jeremy Monteiro, offers a fabulous mix of traditional and contemporary jazz, catering to the varied tastes of jazz aficionados and those who are not familiar with the genre.



Each evening during the Festival weekend, there will be a ticketed double-bill concert showcasing performances in line with the night’s theme, at the Singapore International Convention and Exhibition Centre (SICEC).



The Festival kicks off on Friday, 18 May with the swinging sounds of the Thomson Big Band who will also feature Grammy Award-winning musicians Ernie Watts and Eldee Young. Be mesmerised by the thundering sounds of the legendary Woody Herman Orchestra under the baton of Frank Tiberi, featuring guest singer, Telarc recording artiste, Vanessa Rubin.



The following night, let your spirits soar with the inspiring soul-lifting sounds of Windham Hill stars Tuck & Patti and the smooth yet funky sounds of superstar guitarist Lee Ritenour and his band.



Those looking for a jazz “potpourri” will definitely enjoy the special “All-Star Variety Show” matinee concert on 20 May, which features performances by a number of top international and regional artistes. The concert is also a good introduction to jazz for newcomers.



The Festival closes with the hard-edged “bop” sounds of Terumasa Hino and the Asia/America All-Stars, and some of the living legends of bebop jazz: James Moody, Slide Hampton, John Faddis and John Lee, who front the Dizzy Gillespie Alumni All-Stars. Singapore’s very own Jacintha Abishegenaden will guest perform with the Asia/America All-Stars.



Experience al fresco dining and drinking on the Festival grounds at Suntec City, which will come alive with free performances by regional jazz stars and top local talent on three stages specially set up for the Festival. Great music, close friends, good food and Heineken on the tap all add up to an unforgettable jazz experience.



Other fringe events include jam sessions held each evening at the festival site and late at night at popular local jazz joints. In conjunction with the Festival, there will also be artist workshops and master classes. These are organised as part of the Festival organisers’ commitment to give local musicians the chance to learn from the masters and to build up interest in jazz amongst the young.



Said Mr Huang: “The idea is to bring jazz music not just to the jazz fans but also the masses. I hope that the Festival will help raise the level of appreciation of jazz music in Singapore and in the region.”



Tickets are priced at $120, $90 and $60, and are available through SISTIC from 31 March. American Express Cardmembers can enjoy priority booking and a 15 percent discount, from 9 March.