SHOWBIZ: Jazz hall of fame in KL

Thornton. Picture by AMIRUDIN SAHIB

Lee Ritenour, Nicole Henry and Steve Thornton are among the stars at the upcoming KL International Jazz Festival, writes Dennis Chua.

ONE of the biggest names in jazz today is Lee Ritenour, an American guitarist who has recorded more than 40 albums and co-founded (with Bob James) the group Fourplay.

Another big name is Japanese jazz pianist Keiko Matsui who has recorded more than 20 albums, likewise alto saxophonist Rudresh Mahantappa from the United States who absorbs numerous musical genres and creates his own distinctive sound.

And lastly, there are soulful singers Nicole Henry and Lisa Simone Kelly, whose mother was the late great Nina Simone.

These are among the major names who will be jazzing up Kuala Lumpur on April 27-30 at the KL International Jazz Festival 2013.

In its second year, it will be held at Universiti Malaya from 11am to midnight daily. It is organised by KL International Jazz and supported by the Kuala Lumpur City Hall with Mayor Datuk Ahmad Phesal Talib as its patron.

The impressive line-up comprises 35 international and 65 local acts, making it the federal capital’s largest jazz event to date. Organising chairman Maizon Omar says: “Jazz enthusiasts and music lovers will get a taste of various jazz genres such as straight-ahead jazz, Latin jazz, smooth and contemporary jazz, and jazz rock among others.

“We will have four outdoor and two indoor music stages, plus art exhibitions, the Earth Day Run and a climb of Gunung Nuang in Hulu Langat.”

She says the Earth Day Run at the university and the Gunung Nuang Expedition, both on April 21, are tied to the festival because music and green awareness go hand-in-hand.

The festival is held on the same date annually and some of the participating musicians will also be conducting master classes for aspiring musicians.

The main stage is the Malaysia Airlines Stage where international and local acts perform together. The festival will also feature hot air balloons and targets a larger audience.

Maizon says: “There will also be a creative stage, and acoustic stage to showcase young and upcoming talents.”

She says jazz festivals are one of the most sustainable music festivals widely supported by the public and private sectors.

The organiser has the support of Malaysia Airlines, Etiqa Insurance and Starbucks among others.
KL International Jazz Festival managing director Rodin J.S. Kumar says: “Jazz festivals attract very large audiences because they appeal to jazz, blues, funk, soul and classic rock audiences alike.
“This is why jazz festivals all over the world are well-received and continue to grow, and Kuala Lumpur is fast making its mark as a jazz festival destination.”

Representing the country are the Universiti Malaya Big Band, Patrick Terbrack, The Bassment Syndicate, John Thomas Trio, John Dip Silas and percussionist Steve Thornton who will pay tribute to his late mentor Mongo Santamaria.

Thornton says he is looking forward to the festival as it is always a chance to meet new and talented jazz musicians, and reunite with established ones who are old friends.

“It’s great that Ritenour is headlining the show. I’m a big fan of his. It’s also great that the festival has a green theme because I’m passionate about conservation,” he says, adding that he gives his thumbs up to the masterclasses.

To date 4,000 tickets have been sold. Tickets range from RM45 per day (pre-sale) to RM98-RM168 for an all-access day pass.

All-excess ticket holders will be entitled to the village (main) stage as well as the indoor shows at the Experimental Theatre and Dewan Tunku Canselor.

The festival was launched at Universiti Malaya recently by City Hall deputy director-general Datuk Mohd Amin Nordin Aziz.

Details at www.klinternationaljazz.com.