Summer of sax appeal
Yalong Bay in the southernmost tip of the Hainan Island used to be known as the Hawaii of China, thanks to its unspoiled waters, powdery sands and ever-glowing sun. Now rich jazz rhythms are adding more charm to the island paradise. In late April three major hotels on the Sanya strip initiated the first Yalong Bay Jazz Festival along a two-kilometer strip of beach.
Six bands performed on three stages, which were spread across the white sandy beach. The audience faced the sea so they could lap up the ambience of seaside jazz event. Many jazz fans just laid on the sand, gazing at the stars above while listening to the magic sounds on the stage.
Asia's Kenny G, Koh Mr. Saxman, and his band from Thailand at the first Yalong Bay Jazz Festival in Hainan Province. Photos by Shi Xiaobing |
When one of the international bands, Latin Project, played their dynamic melodies, everyone stood up and shook their bodies under the starry sky.
On the last night, all the six bands stepped on one stage and jammed to their hearts content. Behind the stage, fireworks exploded in the sky and people screamed in excitement.
Although music is said a universal language, the six bands brought their own unique interpretations.
Liu Yuan lived up to his name as "God father of Jazz in China" through his band's rearranged classics and original melodies, causing a major stir among the crowds.
Jungle Cat was fond of fusing traditional jazz, electronic music and impoverished dancing.
Asia's Kenny G Koh Mr. Saxman's band from Thailand endowed songs composed by their respected King with jazz flavor, while Rhythm Dog presented a unique Chinese version of blues.
Andy, who plays trumpet in Latin Project, knew most members of the other five bands well. For him, the festival is not only a platform to show their music, but also a chance to communicate with friends.
"The speed of JR (a band made of two Chinese and an Australian) in making jazz as a Western music into their own Chinese style is amazing," he said after listening to their rehearsal. "They played well before, but they play great now."
Liu, as an established saxophonist who has been performing around the world, said he came to the bay to present music, which was becoming the beautiful scenery.
The jazz beach festival was the brainchild of Hilton Sanya's general manager Dirk De Cuyper before he convinced the other two GMs of the Sheraton and Marriott to band together.
The three heads agreed on choosing jazz as the festival's feature music, but with different reasons. "As an Italian, maybe I should have chosen opera," Claudio Nardini, GM of Sheraton laughed, "but jazz is much less selective." Cuyper said he considered jazz the best choice because it appealed to a sophisticated and more educated group, who made up of the major tourists to the bay. Christine Wasfy, the Marriott chief, was more detailed in her preference for jazz.
She said jazz was a kind of music, which allowed musicians to mingle with members of other bands. "Sanya is a place for people to make friends and mingle, so jazz is the best choice," she said.
The festival was free to tourists staying at the three hotels. Outsiders had to pay 50 yuan ($6) and the income would be donated to Bright Connection, a local charity fund to help children suffering from cerebral palsy and autism.
The organizers said they hoped the festival would not be the only and last one. They plan to involve all the hotels around the bay and create a gala event.
(China Daily 05/10/2007 page19)
