Jazz Affair 2002 by NUS Jazz Band

RHYTHMS AND RHAPSODIES
THE CENTRE FOR THE ARTS CELEBRATES MUSIC
22 February - 17 March 2002

Jazz Affair 2002 by NUS Jazz Band
Opening Show

22 Feb 2002, 8pm
The Hall, University Cultural Centre

BETTER THAN EXPECTED

The NUS Jazz Band has certainly opened the Rhythms and Rhapsodies with a loud bang! Not only were the pieces popular, the musicians were also excellent. Besides, they have also found a new and young Black female vocalist, Rojo. To top it all, the audience were finally treated to an impressive impromptu Lindy Hop performance by some members of the audience!

A BAND OF EXCELLENT MUSICIANS

Having attended almost every one of the Band's concerts since the year 2000, I can vouch that they have improved a lot! Boasting of many well-accomplished musicians such as saxophonist Otrie Barrett, the Band gave a performance that is the best I have ever heard.

INTERNATIONALISING JAZZ

The most refreshing part of the first set was when it ended with four guest musicians playing the Chinese flute, gu zhen, the tabla and the Indian drum in the style of jazz. However, it is certainly not the first time I have heard jazz played with Asian instruments like the Chinese er hu or pi pa or in Asian style as in the recent Vietnamese Jazz concert. While the sound of the gu zhen reminds me of the Japanese jazz band Hiroshima, still, hearing the Chinese flute and the Indian drums in jazz style for the first time finally convinces me that jazz is truly international.

VOCAL SUPPORT

Accompanying the Band was vocalist Rojo. Currently pursuing her studies at the NUS, Rojo boasts of a voice and singing style that easily draws the crowd to applause with all their might. Also joining in the vocals in the second set, when four vocalists gave their Tribute to Louie Jordan, was the Thomson Jazz Club's Honorary Secretary, Mr John Wong. I first heard John at the Thomson Jazz Jam and later at a jam session at the Harry's Bar. His deep rich voice and excellent singing also led the crowd at Harry's to cry, "Encore"!

The audience was then pleasantly humoured when conductor Rick Smith successfully mimicked Louie Armstrong while John played Jordan. Finally the second set closed with the appearance of the guest vocalist, Bebe Price. Like Rojo, Price also never failed to delight the audience especially with her rendition of "Deedles Blues" and "You Can Have It".

LET THE GOOD TIMES SWING

Finally, no Big Band and Swing music is complete without the lovely Lindy Hoppers. Thanks to the two members of the audience who bravely hopped on stage while the four vocalists gave their Tribute to Louie Jordan. In the midst of the Tribute, two more couples joined in to grow a Big Apple. In the grand finale when vocalist Price told us "You Can Have It", all the ten dancers were swinging energetically on stage. And if you have guessed correctly, yes, the lovely dancers are members of the Jitterbugs Swingapore.

For a long time, the Savoy-style school had accompanied the Band at Harry's and also at the recent Singapore International Jazz Festival 2001. Thus their unannounced appearance that evening is no surprise.

ENCORE!

While you know that the audience is pleased with the concert when they cried "Encore", you need not wait until the end to know the score. For all throughout the concert, the enthusiastic and roaring applause of the audience after every piece tells it all. And when you hear that, you know that you have spent your evening well at the University Cultural Centre.

THANKS

Having said all that, we would not have such a pleasant evening if not for the hard work and contribution of many. My compliments goes to the conductor Rick Smith and the President of the NUS Jazz Band, Wee Siang, for the complimentary tickets and making the necessary logistical and musical arrangements for the audience to dance. Finally on behalf of the NUS Jazz Band, I would also like to express my thanks to the Lindy Hoppers from the Jitterbugs Swingapore for the great show on stage.

Good night!

Saturday, 16 September 2006