We may at the receiving end of a barrage of modern festivals (the latest being Future Music Fest and The Gathering's insane multi-genre line-up) but we can never forget the everlasting presence of jazz. While the genre is all-too familiar with the older crowd, it's a genre left with little footprints by the young. We've waxed lyrical on how there are acts out there who are revitalising jazz for a new generation (one of whom is on this line-up, by the way) and Singapore International Jazz Festival (aka Sing Jazz) is helping to propel that further by adding a modern, chart-topping act into 2015's line-up: Jessie J.
A move to introduce jazz to an unfamiliar crowd and a brand-new demographic, Jessie J has been announced as one of the headlining acts of Sing Jazz 2015. A soulful singer in her own right, she has melded classic R&B influences into her unique brand of pop music. She's joined by legendary jazz pianist Ramsey Lewis, trumpeter Chris Botti, the one and only Bobby McFerrin, a capella group Naturally 7, multi-instrumentalists Courtney Pine with Alan Barnes, Indonesian jazz icon Indra Lesmana, Italian jazz organist Alberto Masico along with Singapore's very own Jeremy Monteiro and The Steve McQueens. We're also happy to announce that Snarky Puppy, last seen here at Kallang Theatre back in October, will be making an appearance as well. There will also be an additional stage called the Singha Stage featuring more excellent acts like Charlie Lim, Men in Groove, L.A.B. and more!
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"From mainstream jazz to smooth soul, R&B and acid jazz, contemporary pop even, Sing Jazz is in reality a celebration of all 'jazz-inspired music', offering something for everyone, whether you're a jazz aficionado or simply a lover of 'live' music performed at the very highest levels," says David Lyndon Smith, Sing Jazz's Artistic Director. "The artists and fans who came to this year's inaugural festival enjoyed themselves thoroughly, and so we're excited to be back with another stellar line-up featuring some of the best in the business!"
Jazz is certainly close to the heart of Michael Tay, the co-founder of Sing Jazz. He remembers the stacks of jazz CDs he got from his brother as his starting point into its world. Ever since then, the genre has remained close to his heart. He also believes the festival can do a lot of good for our local music culture. "Sing Jazz, with its international line-up of world-class musicians, offers a serious opportunity to brand Singapore as a preeminent venue for regional and global jazz." says Michael. "However, to make it sustainable, we have to also raise the level of the local jazz scene. Both Sing Jazz and the Foundation for the Arts and Social Enterprise will act as catalysts to create opportunities to showcase our local musicians and intervene to nurture their musical development. If we do it right, the world of possibilities will open up for our local musicians."
Tickets for Sing Jazz 2015 are now on sale at Marina Bay Sands and Sistic. There's an introductory offer going on with only 500 3-day passes released for only S$255 each. Single-day tickets will be released for sale at S$125 per day after this promotional period.
UPDATE: Looks like the people at Sing Jazz have made good on their second announcement, adding in Yuna, Chaka Khan, Incognito and Brand New Heavies to the lineup. Tickets on sale now.
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