BIG BAND BASH 2003

FROM THE THOMSON JAZZ CLUB

For the first time ever in Singapore, and as part of the celebrations for the 10th Anniversary of Thomson Jazz Club, we are bringing together every single big band in the country for an unforgettable evening of jazz music. 8 jazz ensembles, including all three of the Thomson groups, NUS Jazz Band and music ensembles from ITE, Singapore American School and United World College will perform swing, jump, Latin, funk and vocal music. Jitterbugs Swingapore will provide more slick dance moves.

Sun 11 May

Botanic Gardens

3:30-7:30pm

Admission Free

Source: Events from the Thomson Jazz Club

REPORT

Many jazz fans in Singapore do not like big bands. If you, like them, also hate big bands, that is probably because you have also been hearing all the `wrong things' from the radio and CDs. But believe it or not, I also used to hate big band sound because it sounded sharp and noisy over the radio and CDs until I heard it live at the Chijmes Just Jazz series.

In my opinion, big band must be heard live. It is only then can you hear and feel the energy and brilliance of the brass instruments. It is an experience you probably can never get from your hi-fi. Lindy Hoppers are no different. So this is the day they have been waiting for. Nothing beats swinging to a live big band.

I was glad that I tried listening to a big band that Sunday at Chijmes because I had nothing better to do. I did not regret my decision. It opened a whole new world to me. You should try it too.

You may say that this is the wrong time for a great event like this. It was Mother's Day. The Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) was keeping many at home. And just before the concert began, it started to rain. Yes, you have every excuse not to be there. But that did not deter our devil-may-care jazz fans and Lindy Hoppers. Why not? 'Cos there were four hours of live big band and swing music and it was all for free! It is definitely hard for our locals to resist that. Not only that. You can also expect to see the best jazz musicians, Lindy Hoppers and all that jazz here in Singapore that Sunday!

This event also showcased many new bands comprising members as young as school-going teens. It is heartening to know that more and more people are learning to appreciate jazz even at a very early age. I believe our jazz scene is here to stay and set to grow in the near future.

It has not been easy for me to build these web pages as there are 8 big bands and one Lindy Hop group to talk about. If it is not as good as my earlier works, I sincerely seek your indulgence. Unfortunately, the video clips did not turn out well. Some were `shaky' and not well-focused. Thus I did not upload them onto the Net so that you do not get `motion sickness'. Nevertheless, they were copied onto a DVD. Anyway, do come in and see what Thomson had put together for you.

PROGRAMME

3:30

Institute of Technical Education Jazz Band

3:55

Singapore American School Middle School Jazz Band

4:20

Thomson Band III & Lindy Hoppers

4:55

United World College Jazz Band

5:20

Singapore American School Second Group

5:45

Jitterbugs Swingapore

6:05

National University of Singapore (NUS) Jazz Band & the NUS Jazz Choir

6:30

Thomson Swing Band

7:05

Thomson Big Band

7:30

Encore!

ABOUT THE THOMSON JAZZ CLUB

If the concert has excited you to play or sing jazz, then join the Thomson Jazz Club. For more details, click About The Thomson Jazz Club.