|
Four days of jazz
(Shanghai Daily)
Updated: 2004-09-23 09:12
If you're in the mood for jazz, there's plenty to choose from at the
inaugural four-day Hongqiao Jazz Festival.
From September 29 to October 3, a great mix of international and
local acts will perform including The Sound of Vienna from Austria and
Shanghai's Coco & Co, Latin Jazz Ensemble, Jazzmonk, Simon Wu & Friends
and Cotton Club. Musicians and fans alike will gather for a big dance party
which will kick off the festival at the City Center Shanghai Shopping Mall.
The Sound of Vienna, the first Austrian jazz band to stage in Shanghai,
will perform at the Shanghai Center Theater next Thursday. Tony Perez leads on
saxophone with Joschi Schneeberger on bass, Michael Kahlig on vibraphone, Jurgen
Groiss on drums and Valentin Omanfor on piano. The group enjoys popularity in
Europe and has performed at the renowned Salzburg Music Festival. "The band
boasts a bright and joyous style," says Da Lu, a local broadcasting producer for
jazz programs. "Its harmonious blend of hot Latin-style music and striking swing
rhythm should appeal to jazz fans."
In addition to performing its
classic tunes, the band has also created a specific piece for the festival,
titled "Shanghai Blues."
The band also plans to perform the jazz version
of the well-known Chinese folk song, "Jasmine Flower," together with Chinese
vocalists.
The festival is also a chance to get in touch with Shanghai's
jazz bands. Shanghai Jazzmonk, involving six young performers, has creatively
adapted age-old Chinese folk songs such as "Girl in A-Li Mountain" and "Yimeng
Mountain."
"Ever since the foundation of our group three years ago, we
have dedicated ourselves to introducing jazz music to Chinese people," says He
Le, pianist and composer.
"You know, there's no boundaries for music and
art." Coco & Co brings an exotic element to its performance, playing
electric, fiery and energetic melodies with enthusiasm. "In China, just like in
the rest of the world, jazz is alive and well," says He Yongbao, vice general
manager of Hongqiao Friendship Shopping Center which sponsored the festival.
"Despite the contrasts of East and West, jazz is a cultural medium, which is
ideal for getting people together."
Public jazz shows
Date: September 29, 8:30-11pm
September
30-October 2, 2:30-9:15pm
Venue: City Center of Shanghai Shopping Mall, 100
Zunyi Rd
Tickets: Free Tel: 6237-1118
The Sound of Vienna
Date: September 30, 7:30pm
Venue: Shanghai Center Theater, 1376 Nanjing Rd W.
Tickets: 100-800 yuan
Tel: 6279-8606, 6279-8663
|
