The 8th Penang International Jazz Festival (PIJF)

1st – 4th December, 2011

Jazz By The Beach – Main Stage Performances (3rd/4th December, 2011)

RM63 per person per night

JAZZ BY THE BEACH PROGRAMME – Day One

Saturday, 3rd December 2011

6.30pm – 7.10pm : Fred Cheah & The JazzHats

7.20pm – 8.00pm : Espen Eriksen Trio

8.10pm – 8.50pm : Michaela Rabitsch & Robert Pawlik Trio

9.00pm – 9.40pm : Jiyoung Lee Quartet

9.50pm – 10.30pm : Yuri Honing Wired Paradise

10.40pm – 11.30pm : SHAKATAK

(N.B. Programme is subject to change)

Starting at 6.30pm on Saturday the main event kicks-off with local born Penangite – Fred Cheah whose musical journey started at an early age with appearances in school concerts and later to performing in local penang clubs. In 1975, Fred relocated to Australia and continued with his music career appearing on TV and performing in jazz clubs. Accompanying Fred are The JazzHats, comprising of Frankie Chai on bass, Ken Eoh on keyboards and Jasmi Budin on drums.

Following on from Fred at 7.20pm is The Espen Eriksen Trio consisting of Espen Eriksen (piano), Lars Tormod Jenset (bass), Andreas Bye (drums) plays highly melodical and lyrical instrumentals with elements from Scandinavian folk, melancholia and shades of the deep woods. The jazz world is not short on piano trios, but it´s not every day that one comes across a new trio with a personal musical language.

Since the release of the trio’s debut “You Had Me at Goodbye” in 2010 to massive positive response, the Espen Eriksen Trio have impressed at jazz venues such as Molde Jazz, Maijazz, Vossajazz, Sildajazz, National jazz scene (Victoria), Kvarteret, Hadeland Jazz Forum and many more.

Visit their official website HERE. (http://www.espeneriksentrio.com/)

8.10pm sees the silky velvet voice and brilliant instrumental technique of The Michaela Rabitsch & Robert Pawlik Trio famous as this co-led trio of Composer, singer and jazz trumpet player, Michaela Rabitsch and her ingenious partner, Composer and incredibly fluid guitarist Robert Pawlik. Their representation of jazz with catchy melodies, strong harmonies, groovy rhythms and adventurous improvisations in a fine balanced vocal-instrumental mix.

Graduating from renowned music colleges in Austria, Michaela and Robert, have released a number of albums in different formats over the past ten years. Providing the rhythm for the trio on tabla with a rare and endearing ease of presence is the young and talented Indian percussionist Vinayak Netke.

Visit the official website at http://www.michaelarabitsch.com/

9pm sees the following act, The Jiyoung Lee Quartet. Ji young Lee, a former pianist for legendary jazz trumpet player Maynard Ferguson and his Big Bop Nouveau Band, toured all over the United States right after which she earned her Masters degree in jazz studies from the University of North Texas. Originally from Taegu, South Korea, Jiyoung started playing classical piano at the tender age of 6 and pursued her passion for jazz as a professional musician in 1999.

Upon her return to Korea, Jiyoung continued her journey in jazz with teaching jazz programs, playing and recording for several jazz bands including Im Dal Kyun Quartet, JSFA, etc. Other members of her quartet are Dal Kyun Im (Saxophone), Chris Varga (Drums) and Choi Eun-Chang (Bass).

9.50pm will see the Dutch saxophonist Yuri Honing, who has been considered one of the main representatives of European jazz perform his set – Yuri Honing Wired Paradise. Yuri Honing, who built a unique personal style based on jazz, pop and non-western musical traditions, had his first international success in 1996 with his album “Star Tracks”.

{youtube}4NoY3Ou4hl0{/youtube}

{Artist : Yuri Honing Wired Paradise (Stage : Jazz Island – Date : 2010.10.15)

Line up : Yuri Honing (tenor & soprano saxophone), Keisuke Matsuno (guitar), Stef van Es (guitar), Mark Haanstra (bass), Joost Lijbaart (drums)}

He has recorded more than 14 albums and toured more than 40 countries. A major highlight was being awarded the “Edison” (Dutch Grammy) for his album “Seven” with Paul Bley, Gary Peacock and Paul Motian.

With Yuri Honing Wired Paradise, Yuri has released three albums. Other members of the band include Guitarist – Stef van Es, Bass Player – Mark Haanstra and Drummer – Joost Lijbaart.

More details on Yuri Honing HERE http://www.yurihoning.com/en/home

At 10.40 it is time for the last and headlining act – SHAKATAK. Shakatak have over a 30 year period released over 50 CDs plus 3 DVDs and enjoyed a level of success and career longevity rarely paralleled in contemporary music. The band, who, are known primarily as serious jazz/funk musicians, enjoy both high “cult” status and instant recognition as a household name due to their numerous hit recordings such as “Nightbirds”, “Invitation”, “Day By Day”, etc.

The band, consisting of four original members – Bill Sharpe (keyboards), Jill Saward (lead vocals, percussion & flute), Roger Odell (drums) & George Anderson (bass) is supported by Alan Wormald (guitar & backing vocals) and Jacqui Hicks (backing vocals & flute).

Visit the official Shakatak website HERE. http://www.shakatak.com/

JAZZ BY THE BEACH PROGRAMME – Day Two

Sunday, 4th December 2011

6.30pm – 7.10pm : Amir Yussof Acoustic Project

7.20pm – 8.00pm : Eva Bjerga Haugen with EET

8.10pm – 8.50pm : Ulf & Eric Wakenius – Father and Son

9.00pm – 9.40pm : Rusconi

9.50pm – 10.30pm : Rio Sidik Quartet

10.40pm – 11.30pm : Nina Van Horn

(N.B. Programme is subject to change)

OTHER PERFORMANCES

SUNDOWN @ TSG

An Indie Programme featuring Liyana Fizi, Bihzhu and Asmidar & The Moustache

Date : Thursday, 1st December 2011

Time : 6.30pm to 9.30pm

Venue : Tropical Spice Garden

Entry charge RM10 (inclusive of 1 soft drink)

Snacks and beverages on sale

“An Evening With Rio Sidik Quartet”

Date : Thursday, 1st December 2011

Time : 10.00pm – 12 Midnight

Venue : G Spot @ G Hotel

“An Evening with Nina Van Horn”

Date : Friday, 2nd December 2011

Time : 10.00pm – 12 Midnight

Venue : G Spot @ G Hotel

WORKSHOPS / FORUM / SHOWCASES

SATURDAY, 3rd December 2011

“Jazz Trio Fusion” Workshop By Michaela Rabitsch & Robert Pawlik Trio

Time : 10.00am – 11.30am

Venue : Tropical Spice Garden