2012 Borneo Jazz Festival: Musicians to come up with local jazz music

KUCHING: Sarawak can produce its own style of jazz music and present it to the world, says Tourism Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg.

He thus challenged all jazz musicians here to compose a unique blend of jazz music by fusing it with the sound of the local multi-indigenous music scene.

“We have the capacity to do so. While it is good to hear foreign bands playing jazz music here we too need to present our own blend of jazz music to the world,” he told a press conference about the upcoming 2012 Borneo Jazz festival to be held at ParkCity Everly Hotel in Miri from May 11-12.

The two-day show is organised by Sarawak Tourism Board Leisure and Properties, a subsidiary of STB and Tourism Ministry.

Abang Johari, who is also Housing Minister, said that for a start, jazz musicians might have to prove their talent before they could be selected to present the state at any level.

“We have personalities such as Bob, Hafiz and many others who have competed in the Akademi Fanstasia and who can contribute to the local music scene,” he added.

On Miri as the venue of the jazz festival, the minister said Miri was an ideal venue in keeping with its status as a resort city and its natural ambience by the sea.

“Also, Miri straddles Sabah and Brunei which have a sizeable number of expatriate populations who love jazz music.”

Meanwhile, STB chief executive officer Datuk Rahsid Khan said the (jazz) festival would be able to create an economic spin off to the tune of RM15 million to the local economy this year..

“It generated an income of RM13 million last year and we hope to record more this year,” he added.

Continue reading at: 2012 Borneo Jazz Festival: Musicians to come up with local jazz music

.
.

Borneo Jazz finale draws 5000 crowd

MIRI: The weather was good when an audience of more than 5,000 gathered for the finale of Borneo Jazz 2011 on Saturday night.

The festival running into its sixth year drew lovers of jazz music from Malaysia, Brunei, the peninsula and overseas.

A random survey conducted by The Borneo Post at the event that night revealed a large number in the audience who want Malaysian jazz queen Sheila Majid to perform in the next edition of Borneo Jazz.

A fan believed Sheila could attract more locals and Bruneians. She would stir interest in and awareness of jazz music among the people.

“I think it would be interesting if we could see Sheila Majid perform in this festival and I’m sure she will attract more people. I have never missed this festival and always wonder if she is among the performers,” she added.

“If they can invite famous jazz performers such as Maria Muldaur and John Hammond from US, why can’t the organiser invite Sheila. I believe most of her fans and jazz music lovers wish to hear her sing in this festival,” she added.

Muldaur and Hammond were the main performers in Borneo Jazz 2011 which concluded Saturday.

The other performers were SIU2 from China, State of Monc (Holland), Les Doigts De L’Homme (France), Yuichiro Tokuda’s Ralyzz Dig (Japan), Cunha E Piper (Brazil/Australia), Victor Yong and The Electric Carnival Band (Malaysia/Canada), Dhruv (India) and CQuence (Miri).

The audience was captivated by Muldaur’s energetic performance and powerful voice.

Continue reading (Incl. Pic) at: Borneo Jazz finale draws 5000 crowd
.
.

Miri can be jazz haven

MIRI: With its mix of multi-racial and cosmopolitan society, Miri should be able to become a jazz music centre in this region.

Expressing this optimism, Minister of Tourism and Heritage Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg said he was inspired by the good response from performers and jazz music lovers at the Borneo Jazz 2011 which concluded on Sunday night.

“We have two international music festivals in the state, namely the Rainforest Music Festival in Kuching and Borneo Jazz here in Miri. Rainforest Music Festival has become the icon of the traditional, ethnic and folk music and songs internationally,” he said.

Abang Johari, accompanied by his wife Datin Jumaani and permanent secretary to the Ministry of Social and Urban Development Datu Ik Pahon Joyik, was among the audience at the festival held at ParkCity Everly Hotel here.

Abang Johari noted that the festival had attracted a growing following every year and more participation from places beyond Asia such as America, Canada and Europe.

“Apart from that, Miri is also located near Brunei which is where we could tap into the international visitors and tourists including the expatriate communities to come as tourists to Miri,” he added.

The presence of Miri born Victor Yong and The Electric Carnival Band also boosted his confidence.

Born in Miri and now living in Canada, Victor marked his musical return to Miri through Borneo Jazz with his Latin inspired Carnival Band.

Though growing up with rock and roll, Victor’s love for jazz eventually moved him into a career as an international guitarist.

Continue reading (Incl. Pic) at: Miri can be jazz haven
.
.

Borneo Jazz kicks off with a preview

MIRI: The Borneo Jazz 2011 kicked off with a welcoming dinner and preview show held at Marina Bay Restaurant on Thursday night.

The dinner for performers, sponsors and invited guests was graced by Assistant Minister of Tourism Mong Dagang and Assistant Minister of Infrastructure Development and Communication cum Senadin assemblyman Datuk Lee Kim Shin as well as Miri mayor Lawrence Lai.

“This event is very appropriate. It has put Miri and Sarawak on the world map where jazz lovers from all over the world gather to be part of the event,” said Mong in his address.

He revealed similar events in the pipeline apart from Borneo Jazz and Rainforest World Music Festival to make Sarawak known among music lovers of various genre all over the globe.

The event on Thursday was also to give the audience a sneak peek at what will be served at the actual event last night (May 13) and tonight.

Entertaining guests at the preview show or opening concert were Miri’s own ‘CQuence’ and ‘Dhruv’ all the way from India.

There was a cultural performance by the Orang Ulu community to the accompaniment of live sape music by local musicians.

Continue reading (Incl. Pic) at: Borneo Jazz kicks off with a preview
.
.

Royal Brunei Airlines gives Sarawak tourist destinations a boost

MIRI: Sarawak was given a boost yesterday when Royal Brunei Airlines (RBA) brought in Australian travel agents to the state on a familiarisation tour.

“There is certainly a market for jazz and this is definitely a product catering for different segments of the market. After trekking in the tropical rainforest, they can relax and have a good time in the festival,” said RBA sales account manager Carol Baker.

The airlines yesterday played host to 10 Australia agents on a familiarisation trip to both Mulu National Park and Borneo Jazz.

According to Baker, the agents on the trip were mostly Borneo wholesalers and specialists offering special packages to Sabah, Brunei and Sarawak.

“They specialise in adventure and trekking holidays. They have come to experience what Sarawak has to offer to different Australian tourist market,” said Baker adding that Thailand, Fiji and Bali were traditional destinations among Australians.

The airline is looking at Borneo as a new exciting and energetic destination.

It is becoming a trend among Australians to appreciate nature through activities such as jungle trekking, caving, and boating.

The familiarisation trip is also to illustrate to the Australian agents the easy connectivity from Brunei to Miri by road (three-hour drive).

Meanwhile, Sarawak Tourism Board chief executive officer Rashid Khan told The Borneo Post that the initiative was in response to the board’s trip to Australia where they had marketing talks with Royal Brunei Airlines in Brisbane and Tourism Malaysia’s Sydney office.

Continue reading (Incl. Pic) at: Royal Brunei Airlines gives Sarawak tourist destinations a boost
.
.

Borneo Jazz 2011 kicks off today

MIRI: Borneo Jazz 2011 commences today until Sunday at ParkCity Everly Hotel.

The festival promises an enjoyable experience with artistes hailing from every corner of the globe – India, China, Japan, France, Brazil, Holland, Australia, United States, Canada and Malaysia.

The event, organised by Sarawak Tourism Board hopes to generate RM10 million in revenue and targets a crowd of 10,500 this year.

Sarawak Tourism Board chief executive officer Rashid Khan yesterday disclosed that responses from the tickets sales are very encouraging.

He also said around 60 per cent of the crowd are from outside Sarawak.

Eight bands will heat up the festival’s stage this year.

They are Maria Muldaur (USA), State of Monc (Holland), Yuchiro Tokuda’s Ralyzz Dig (Japan), Victor Yong & Electric Carnival Band (Malaysia/Canada), Les Doigts De L’Homme (France), John Hammond (USA), Cunha & Piper (Brazil/Australia) and SIU2 (China).

Four bands will be performing each night.

Opening the festival will be the respected guitar player from Mumbai – Dhruv.

He will perform at the opening night, tonight at Marina Seafood Restaurant.

Joining him will be ‘CQuence’, a band formed in 2008 by a multicultural group of friends in Miri.

The opening night is open to the public and dinner is included in the cost of tickets.

Grammy award winner, John Hammond who has repeatedly been voted as one of the top 10 blues artistes in the world, will take the stage tomorrow night with his combination of brilliant guitar and rack harmonica performance.

Hong Kong’s Ng Cheuk-yin, a sheng (mouth-organ) wizard, will also be present and he will be taking this five thousand year old instrument well into the 21st Century, promising to produce an unimaginably rich and unique new jazz sound.

His ‘SIU2’ augments the traditional jazz rhythm section of bass, drums, and piano with other traditional Chinese instruments such as the ‘sanxien’ and the ‘zheng’.

Les Doigts de L’Homme will take gypsy jazz to the next level.

Continue reading (Incl. Pic) at: Borneo Jazz 2011 kicks off today
.
.

Borneo Jazz 2011 goes green

MIRI: Borneo Jazz 2011 is also promoting and creating awareness on environmental and green issues to those attending the festival from May 12 to 15.

Sarawak Tourism Board chief executive officer Datuk Rashid Khan in a press conference here yesterday said: “Miri is always far ahead in terms of environmental issues and STB wants to play some role and contribute towards this effort by trying to reduce the amount of waste, especially plastic waste.”

“As you can see in any event, wastes are created by attendees. We will be working with the city and other agencies on these matters,” said Rashid, adding that they have been working closely with Miri City Council and got the framework from Natural Resources Environmental Board.

Drinks vendors have been advised to use bamboo to reduce or minimise the usage of plastic cups or mugs to serve beers and other beverages.

“We have engaged with vendors to make sure that they comply. The concept of using bamboo is not only environmentally friendly but also unique. We have tasted it before and it didn’t affect the taste or quality of the beer,” he added.

Bamboo has been widely used as drinking cups by people in this part of the world. It is part of the culture and lifestyle of Asians here, he added.

The introduction of bamboo cups or mugs would be a unique experience for both locals and foreigners going to the festival.

Continue reading at: Borneo Jazz 2011 goes green
.
.

France's Les Doigts de L’Homme at Borneo Jazz 2011

Come May 13, Les Doigts de L’Homme will be serving up their explosive and eclectic interpretation of gypsy music on the Borneo Jazz stage in Miri.

An incorporation of exciting up-tempo rhythms and elements of swing, rock and even punk-influenced scales, Les Doigts de L’Homme’s music is unmistakably authentic.

With influences of rock vibes and various traditional musical styles synonymous with the Balkan region, the band members will also be displaying top-notch musical skills and powerful showmanship, reaching beyond the limits to produce a refreshing new sound.

So make sure you don’t miss this chance to see them performing on stage.

For the opportunity to jam together or meet them personally, then be at the musical meetings.

Running from May 13 to 15, promotional tickets for Borneo Jazz 2011 are still available only online at www.ticketcharge.com.my until April 30.

Otherwise you can also purchase your tickets at any of Sarawak Tourism Board’s Visitors Information Centres located in Kuching, Sibu and Miri.

Continue reading (Incl. Pics) at: France's Les Doigts de L’Homme at Borneo Jazz 2011
.
.

Dutch sextet to perform at Borneo Jazz 2011 in Miri

KUCHING: State of Monc will be one of 10 acts featured at Borneo Jazz 2011 at Parkcity Everly Hotel, Miri from May 12-15. The Dutch sextet will perform on the main stage on May 14.

From the beautiful country of Holland, State of Monc creates an undeniable compelling vision of where jazz is going.

At the cutting edge of pumping dance, complex break-beats and more traditional jazz, the band built around Arthur Flink and Hielke Praagman spins a unique, new sound that ushers in a new era of its own.

A press release said State Of Monc has put the Netherlands firmly on the map of the future of jazz.

Within the last few years, the group has sold out at top clubs, rocked major festivals, and built a loyal audience internationally.

As children of the dance age trained in traditional jazz, State of Monc fuses a slick electronic sound with pure jazz on acoustic instruments with an almost deceptive ease.

State of Monc has a musical story to tell, which they do with amazing drive and variation, all the while toying with the balance between electronics, brass and acoustic bass and percussion.

Continue reading at: Dutch sextet to perform at Borneo Jazz 2011 in Miri
.
.

America’s First Lady of Roots Music to sing at Borneo Jazz

KUCHING: Multiple Grammy nominee Maria Muldaur, perhaps best known for her seductive top-ten single “Midnight at the Oasis”, will perform at Borneo Jazz 2011.

Maria Muldaur is often referred to as America’s First Lady of Roots Music.

From her teen years as part of the folk revival of the sixties, to her recent ‘bluesiana’ efforts, Maria has released more than 35 records that have been embraced by fans and critics alike.

She has been garnering many awards and accolades including a Grammy nomination in the Traditional Blues category for her 2005 release “Sweet Lovin’ Ol’ Soul”, a “Best Adult Alternative Album of the Year” award by the National Association of Independent Record Distributors for 1992’s “Louisiana Love Call”, and many more.

In 2010, Muldaur was nominated again for the Grammies.

Maria Muldaur was also the third woman ever to be on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine. Her singing is a gift she still takes on the road most of the year. She has mastered many musical genres: blues, early jazz, gospel, folk, country, and R&B.

Throughout her career Maria has toured tirelessly nationally and internationally, developing a loyal following of fans of all ages that come out to see this versatile roots music stylist romance an audience as only Maria Muldaur can.

Meanwhile, Borneo Jazz 2011 will be held in Miri from May 12-15.

Maria Muldaur will be taking the stage on Saturday, May 14, at the ParkCity Everly Hotel in Miri. Be sure not to miss this opportunity to see her perform. So get your tickets early to avoid disappointment.

Continue reading (Incl. Pic) at: America’s First Lady of Roots Music to sing at Borneo Jazz
.
.

A touch of Brazil at Borneo Jazz 2011

KUCHING: From hot bossa nova to sambas, Cunha and Piper will be performing at the Borneo Jazz 2011 featuring contemporary and traditional compositions that have won them fans on three continents.

Fernanda Cunha rose out of the rich Brazilian jazz scene to become a rising luminary in international jazz.

She was born into a musical house and began her career in 1997 and has since toured Brazil, Europe, and North America performing at prestigious international jazz festivals.

Regular appearances at jazz festivals in Canada have helped to carve out a whole new fan base for Cunha’s post-bossa groove, and now she is repaying the compliment with her new CD Brazil-Canada.

Accompanying her will be Ray Piper, a composer/guitar player from Australia who has travelled to Brazil many times and is concentrating on exploring different areas of the country and their unique musical styles.

His compositions draw these styles featured in his new CD Sabor Do Rio, which features Fernanda Cunha’s bossa nova lyrics and vocals.

Borneo Jazz 2011 takes place in Miri from May 12-15. With artistes from every corner of the globe including India, China, Japan, France, Brazil, Holland, Australia, United States, Canada and our very own Jazz musicians, Borneo Jazz 2011 is truly an international event.

Cunha and Piper will be taking the stage on May 13 at the ParkCity Everly Hotel in Miri.

For fans of this Brazilian group, be sure to get your tickets early to avoid disappointment.

Continue reading (Incl. Pic) at: A touch of Brazil at Borneo Jazz 2011
.
.

Promotional ticket on offer for Borneo Jazz 2011

JAZZ lovers can now grab promotional tickets for the Borneo Jazz 2011 which will take place in Miri from May 12-15.

The limited tickets are available online at www.ticketcharge.com.my until Jan 15 on a first come, first served basis.

The offers include daily passes at RM35 instead of the normal price of RM60, a three-day extravaganza at RM200 and a two-day weekender at RM60.

In addition, tourism industry players are encouraged to come up with packages for visitors to enjoy the festival while experiencing Sarawak, particularly Miri, at the same time.

Continue reading at: Promotional ticket on offer for Borneo Jazz 2011
.
.

'Borneo Jazz' set to dazzle in 2011

KUCHING: Minister of Tourism and Heritage Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr George Chan announced yesterday that ‘Miri International Jazz Festival’ (MIJF) is now renamed as ‘Borneo Jazz’.

Dr Chan who is also deputy chief minister made this announcement at a press conference at his office in Wisma Bapa Malaysia.

“The rationale behind this change is to set the event on par with other international festivals. This renaming is also to capitalise on the destination, Borneo, a name that evokes images of a magical destination,” he explained.

This change, he added, will provide a new image to reflect the vibrancy of the festival as well as destination.

“As part of STB’s (Sarawak Tourism Board) transformation and continuous improvement, the festival is now geared towards a commercial basis in order to bring it to greater heights,” he said.

Among other improvements made for the festival is that it will be extended to a four day event and held from May 12 to 15, said Dr Chan.

“Next year, the festival will kick-off with the opening night on May 12 which will be open to the general public. There will also be musical meetings in the afternoon of the festival on Saturday, which is then interlude by a Sunday matinee,” he said.

According to STB CEO Dato’ Rashid Khan, new initiatives have been planned under the transformation.

“Among them, the Internship and Volunteers Program whereby STB as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), will collaborate with the academia as part of an industry advisory platform in enhancing the quality of graduates that is relevant to the needs of the industry,” said Rashid.

He also said that the program will provide a unique learning experience for international volunteers and interns while exposing them to Sarawak’s culture, nature and adventure.

“The aim is to have 70 per cent students from outside Sarawak as participants of this programme. This is another step towards bringing the festival into the international arena,” he added.

He added that STB aims to attract 10,500 visitors to the festival and 60 per cent are expected to be foreigners.

Continue reading (Incl. Pic) at: 'Borneo Jazz' set to dazzle in 2011
.
.