The Mosaic Music Festival is coming to an end and if you did not attend any of its events, you certainly miss a great deal!.
It may be a hot Wednesday evening. Nevertheless, the Nokia Music Station (Outdoor Theatre) was already packed with eager listeners long before the concert began. The audience was apparently aroused when hot babes Annabelle Francis and the host of jazz fan's favourite radio station Lush 99.5 FM, Vivien Tan, appeared to open the show. But if you think these babes were the reason for the audience to be there, you are certainly dead wrong. Despite their mesmerising charm, they were unable to steal the limelight from the two excellent bands.
It was probably the first time many heard Farid Ali. But they were treated to a too-good-to-believe arrangement and blend of music. All his pieces were fast, lively, energetic, exhilirating and captivating mixture of traditional ethnic and contempoary jazz - something you are unlikely to hear in mainstream jazz.
A Malaysian, Farid also came with a mission - to preserve the Gambus, a traditional Malaysian instrument. The Gambus looks and sounds like a guitar. Under the hands of Farid, it could yield the sophisticated guitar solos.
If you want to hear the real thing, go and get his CD.
After the break, we received Good Omens. A new band formed by Singapore's finest musicians, it is therefore not suprising that its members are Wei Xiang (keyboard, also past President of NUS Jazz Band), Colin Yong (bass) and Boon Ngee (drums) - all long-time members of Thomson Jazz Club's big bands. Accompanied by a young talented vocalist with a big, powerful voice, Lubiana, they continued the upbeat mood with another series of fast and furious contemporary numbers.
Playing mainly Basha's numbers, they also added the classics by modernising Peggy Lee's red hot Fever. Backed by the vocalist's creative rendition, the band certainly got the audience captured.
Judging from the crowd's response, you can bet your last dollar that this is certainly one of the best free jazz concerts. If it wasn't a Wednesday night, many would stay for the final jam at 10pm.
Anthony
Founder, NUS Alumni Jazz & Lindy Hop eGroup
Co-leader, NUS Alumni Arts & Culture
SCHEDULE
Wed 15 Mar 06
|
7.30 - 8.15pm Farid Ali
8.45 - 9.30pm Good Omens
10 - 10.45pm Farid Ali and Friends |
Outdoor
Outdoor
Outdoor |
FREE
VENUE
http://www.mosaicmusicfestival.com/venueinfo.html
The Living Room
Nokia Music Station at Esplanade Outdoor Theatre (Located along Esplanade's waterfront)
Jazzology
Farid Ali & Good Omens
Nokia Music Station
7.30 - 8.15pm Farid Ali
8.45 - 9.30pm Good Omens
10 - 10.45pm Farid Ali and Friends
Farid "Mr Gambus” Ali is one of the finest jazz guitarists in the region. Now he's back in Singapore especially for the Mosaic Music Festival. He kicks off the evening performing with his band, and closes the night in a highly pumped jam with his friends from Good Omens in a soul-shaking performance that will be off the scale!
Comprising some of Singapore's finest musicians, Good Omens brings you well-known jazz standards with a twist that will leave you wanting more.
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