This blog post will focus more on the performers of Borneo Jazz Festival 2014.
Every year, this festival attracts local and international acts. This year is no different. So far, 7 performers was announced and I'm not sure whether there will be more performers added into the list soon.
So, the 7 performers are, JunkOFunc (Malaysia), Vocal Sampling (Cuba), Brassballett (Germany), Anthony Strong (U.K), Mario Canonge (Martinique), Iriao (Georgia) and Diana Liu (Malaysia). So, there you go, 7 line ups of the jazz festival.
Quick review of the performers :
1. JunkOFunc of Malaysia.
A band made of 12 members (a large band indeed). The first debut of this band is on 2008 at Genting Internation Jazz Festival. Their genre is funk/soul with the powerful gospel influenced voice of Elvira Arul and Russel Curtis.
2. Vocal Sampling of Cuba.
All male a cappella group. The members are Rene Baños Pascual, Pedro Bernard Coto, Reinaldo Sanler Maseda, Oscar Porro Jimenez, Hector Crespo Enriquez and Luis Alzaga Mora. Founded on 20th December 1989, most of their music style are based on the rhythms of Cuban music.
Heard their music online and trust me, it will make you move.
3. Brassballet of Germany.
Before I begin, after reading their bio at their website
http://www.brassballett.com/, I go WOW!!
What can I say about this band. They claim that their name is not just a band's name but a musical revolution. They play music fuses with dances style like hip hop, salsa, street dance and etc. A must see act at Borneo Jazz Festival.
4. Anthony Strong of U.K
A man that has been claim as England new jazz superstar. Read about his bio and comments of other superstars are like "F**king amazing - Rod Stewart". Now, when an artist received such comment from a legend in the industry, he must be good, really good. Another must-see act people!
If you don't believe me, here's the link to his website and go check it out!
http://www.anthonystrong.co.uk/index.html
5. Mario Canonge of Martinique
A pianist held from Martinique. He's been playing since he was at the age of 10. After watching his video in
youtube, I find his music is calming. The kind of music that you would listen during your Sunday afternoon drive or just chilling. Beautiful, smoothing and calming. That is how I describe his music. Looking forward for his performance at Borneo Jazz Festival 2014.
Below is the link to his website:
http://www.mariocanonge.net/en/musique.html
6. Iriao of Georgia
Name Iriao comes from the common phrase “Iriao-uruao” of the famous Georgian jodling singing style ” Krimanchuli”.
Iriao’s repertoire is based on Georgian authentic folk instrumental and
polyphonic music, which has been recognized by UNESCO as being a
masterpiece of oral immaterial heritage. However, the band is not
aiming to modernize the unique Georgian polyphony music, but to saturate
and adorn it with jazz elements.
7. Diana Liu of Malaysia
Diana Liu, one of Malaysia’s most celebrated jazz musicians. Her latest
collection of songs treats listeners to a fresh burst of original and
upbeat sound, bringing together Diana’s various musical influences in
pop, jazz, bossa nova, funk/soul, gospel and experimental music.
You can also checkout her website at
http://dianaliuwy.weebly.com/
Pisco. A band all the way from Taiwan. I believe most of you have looked up for the band's background at AMF14 website but found that they only posted video and photographs of the band. Well, here's a little bit about the band (with the power of Google). This band have a unique "set-up" whereby they combine dance and rock genres. Their tagline "We Should Not Hesitate To Bring Hapiness" says it all. They have performed at major music festivals throughout Asia such as, Japan, Hong Kong, Macau and China. So basically, for those that like to dance, here is a band that you should not miss out on. Really looking forward to what this band can do this coming AMF14. For more on this band, you can visit their website at Pisco
Next up we have Soulmate from India. A band that inspired by the sound of Blues, Blues-rock, Soul, Rock 'n' Roll, Funk and R&B. In October 2002, Rudy Wallang and Tipriti Kharbangar form this band dedicated to play the Blues and spreading the awareness on this particular genre of music. Now, that is what I call heart and soul for music. Last year we have performers from India and they were awesome. This year? With a little bit of Soul, Funk, Blues and R&B, you know you're about to have the time of your life!
Beginning with a performer from Singapore, Masia One. My first impression of this performer is........how do I put this.....I was expecting a dude but guess what. It's a GIRL and she can rap dawg! I'm a huge fan of hip hop beats and believe me when I tell you this! Her beat is sick! Now, I'm exited! Ok. A little background info on her, she was born in Singapore and she became a fan of hip hop music since the age of 8. She moved to Vancouver, Canada at the age of 9 and she started to develop her interest in break dancing and graffiti. But the fun really kicks in when she start studying architecture at University of Toronto. That is when she started to write her own rhymes and performing. Thus, began her music career.
Moving on, we have Ras Muhamad from Indonesia. This is a multi-talented man. From, recording, performing, bi-lingual lyricist, book author, radio host and producer. Also, self-proclaimed Raggae Ambassodor of Indonesia. He has relentlessly and ceaselessly spread the message of Raggae from the aspects of culture and history throughout Indonesia and to the likes of South East Asian regions. Now, we get the chance to listen and enjoy his message through the sound of Raggae!
Retrospect from Thailand is next in the list. Now, this is another rock performance being showcase at Asia Music Festival 2014. The band made of Big (guitar), Bomb (bass), Not (guitar) and Nap (drum/vocal). The specific genre of rock that this band carry is industrial metal rock music, a mix of death metal and thrash metal. Another head banging session and most probably mosh-pit.
