Tag: Michael Veerapen

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Malaysia Travel Guide

Freedom To Be Blue: DELGRES In Borneo Jazz

Freedom To Be Blue: DELGRES In Borneo Jazz

April 17, 2017

KUCHING, Saturday – The three-man band Delgres from Guadeloupe and France will be performing their Blues at Borneo Jazz on May 12 to 13 at ParkCity Everly, Miri.

A child of Caribbean heritage born and raised in France, Pascal Danae discovered his love of Blues in his ancestral home of Guadeloupe, and in the painful but meaningful history behind the conception of the Blues genre.

Originating in Louisiana, United States during a turbulent time of post-slavery racism, the creation of Blues was a response from the descendants of African slaves and Afro-Caribbean exiles to their daily hardships, as well as their protest against discrimination.

The namesake of the band ‘Delgres’ is Louis Delgres, a Guadeloupian hero who fought against the re-establishment of slavery in 1802.

By mixing Guadeloupian beats and tunes with old Louisiana Blues, a connection has been made over oceans, creating a singular Blues experience of two lands sharing a common denominator, which is using music to lament injustice while rejoicing and advocating freedom.

Through his music, Pascal Danae seeks to fight oppression in the way that founders of Blues did, channelling the voices of his ancestors through a melancholic Dobro guitar accompanied by sousaphone and percussions, painting a picture in a time when hopelessness and hope came together.

Pascal performs the Dobro guitar, while Raphaël Gouthiere plays the New Orleans sousaphone and Baptiste Brondy mans the drums.

This year marks the 12th edition of the festival and will feature international acts like Delgres from Guadeloupe/France, Laila Biali from Canada and Osaka Monaurail from Japan, along with local legends such as Fluoroscent Collective featuring local violinist Nisa Addina and Michael Simon’s Asian Connection, featuring legendary pianist Michael Veerapen.

The Festival will be expanding its musical outreach programme, where aspiring musicians can learn the basics of Jazz Keyboard from professional musicians, by introducing additional classes for percussions.

The Festival includes night performances with sitting and dancing areas and a wide lawn for night picnics surrounded by arts, crafts and food stalls.
Additional information on the festival and festival tickets, visit www.jazzborneo.com.

Borneo Jazz is organised by Sarawak Tourism, endorsed by Tourism Malaysia and is jointly supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Sarawak and partnering with Malaysia Airlines as the presenting sponsor.

BJ2017 Delgres

BJ2017 © Remy Solomon

BJ2017 ©Pierre Danae

Photo by ©Pierre Danae

BJ2017 delgres

Issued by:
Communications Unit
SARAWAK TOURISM
T: +6 082-423600  F: +6 082-416700
E: [email protected]

About Sarawak Tourism

Introduction
Sarawak Tourism Board was incorporated under the Sarawak Tourism Board (Incorporation) Ordinance, dated 12 November 1994.

Objectives

  • To achieve its objectives of increasing tourist arrivals into the state.
  • To create awareness among the trade, media and public of the diversity of Sarawak in terms of tourism products, both on a regional and international basis.
  • To position Sarawak as a prime destination for culture, nature and adventure tourism in the above areas.
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Malaysia Travel Guide

Got A Yearning For Free Music Lessons?

Got A Yearning For Free Music Lessons?

April 11, 2017

KUCHING, Tuesday – The Borneo Jazz “Outreach Programme,” a free music learning session, is back by popular demand and will be held over the festival weekend at ParkCity Everly Hotel, Miri.

The Programme is held on the Borneo Jazz festival days and provides aspiring musicians with teaching sessions led by professional performers, some of them veterans in mentoring the younger generation.

On Friday, May 12, the class called “Make Me Hip” teaches contemporary keyboard at 2.00pm to 3.30pm led by James Boyle of ‘Akademi Seni Budaya Dan Warisan Kebangsaan’ (ASWARA) College. The drumkit and percussions concert clinic, “I Got Rhythm!” will be at 4.00pm to 5.30pm on the same day, led by CaboCuba Jazz’s Nils Fisher and Armando Vidal.

On May 13, the class on improvising at the keyboard, “I Want To Break Free” is at 9.30am to 11.00am led by Michael Veerapen from the Michael Simon’s Asian Connection. The final class on brass instrument technique and tone production, “Blow Your Horn!” will be at 11.30am to 1.00pm and is led by Michael Simon and Terry Hsieh from Michael Simon Asian’s Connection.

The Programme was launched last year with one session on keyboard, and received great response from the public. Sarawak Tourism has decided to expand it further to incorporate a wider range of instruments.

It is also part of Borneo Jazz’s goal to not only promote the appreciation of music, but also encourage and further enhance the technical skills of local aspiring musicians especially the young.

Interested parties need to register in advance with the Miri Music Centre.  More information on the Outreach Programme can be found on the festival website at www.jazzborneo.com.

Borneo Jazz is organised by Sarawak Tourism, endorsed by Tourism Malaysia and is jointly supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Sarawak and partnering with Malaysia Airlines as the presenting sponsor.

CABOCUBA - Nils

Image shows CaboCuba Jazz’s Nils Fisher, co-conductor of the “I Got Rhythm!” Drumkit and Percussion Concert Clinic.

CABOCUBA - Armand

Image shows CaboCuba Jazz’s Armando Vidal, co-conductor of the “I Got Rhythm!” Drumkit and Percussion Concert Clinic.

BJ2017 Outreach James Boyle

Image shows ASWARA College’s James Boyle, conductor of “Make Me Hip!” Contemporary keyboard class.

MICHAEL SIMON - PubPhoto - Michael Veerapen-2

Image shows Michael Simon Asian Connection’s Michael Veerapen, conductor of “I Want to Break Free!” keyboard improvisation class.

MICHAEL SIMON - PubPhoto - Michael Simon

Image shows Michael Simon, co-conductor of “Blow Your Horn” brass instrument tone production and technique class.

BJ2017 MICHAEL SIMON outreach

Image shows Michael Simon Asian Connection’s Terry Hsieh, co-conductor of “Blow Your Horn” brass instrument tone production and technique class.

Issued by:
Communications Unit
SARAWAK TOURISM
T: +6 082-423600  F: +6 082-416700
E: [email protected]

About Sarawak Tourism

Introduction
Sarawak Tourism Board was incorporated under the Sarawak Tourism Board (Incorporation) Ordinance, dated 12 November 1994.

 Objectives

  • To achieve its objectives of increasing tourist arrivals into the state.
  • To create awareness among the trade, media and public of the diversity of Sarawak in terms of tourism products, both on a regional and international basis.
  • To position Sarawak as a prime destination for culture, nature and adventure tourism in the above areas.
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Tourism Malaysia

Mezze Hits the Spot

Words by Ariel Chew, Photos by Zainal Abidin Othman


The classy and relaxing Mezze Lounge

At Mezze, one can be assured of a good time for the mind, tummy and soul.   Tucked in a cosy corner at Damansara Heights, the unassuming looking bistro and lounge is an oasis for those who would like to kick back and relax to soothing jazz tunes while nursing a glass of fine wine amidst a quiet chat with friends. 


The excellent Nuits Saint Georges Pinot Noir

Mezze boasts of an extensive wine and whisky list befitting its reputation as one of the best-stocked cellars in town.  Their collection of liquor hail from France, Spain, Italy, Australia, New Zealand, Chile, USA and even from new wine producers such as India, Lebanon, Morocco, Mexico, Uruguay and Brazil. 

The wines range from very reasonable selections priced below RM90 to a pricier range of vintage Bordeaux and Burgundy wines.  As for whisky, Mezze’s stock includes the Lowlands, the Highlands, the Speyside, Islay and other Scottish isles.

For the hungry and peckish, Mezze, thankfully, gives equal attention to their culinary offerings which can satisfy even the most demanding foodie.

The widespread menu is as unpretentious as Mezze’s crowd and gives good value for your money.  Mezze, a Mediterranean word, means ‘to share’ and the generous portions of the food underlines this well.  The dishes are made from the freshest and finest ingredients and frankly, they simply refuse to be pigeon-holed.  They can be anything from French-inspired Duck Liver Pate to Prawn with Curry Leaf of Thai origin, a plate of cured meats from Italy and Spain to the very American juicy Beef Burger with Pulled Pork.

 

Deep Fried Camembert is a feast for cheese lovers

The Jamon Corquettas is simply to die for

The Duck Liver Pate is a must-try

Yummy cheese platter excellently paired with Gewurztraminer, a fruity French White Wine

If you are stumped for choices, ask the very friendly and knowledgeable Operations Manager Sarah Kwok Lecomte for ‘to-die-for’ food selections and the charming Sommelier Sebastien Philippe Lefrancois for wine pairing and cheese recommendations.


Jazz pianist Michael Veerapen doing what he does best at Mezze Lounge

Friday nights are fabulous Jazz nights at Mezze. Expect to see the likes of the Michael Veerapen trio, Joanna Bassey and similar astounding Asian jazz greats performing live in the fully equipped Mezze Lounge located above Mezze Bistro. 

The sound system is so good you can hear every tinkle Michael Veerapen’s exquisitely fluid fingers hitting the piano keys even when you are seated right at the back of the room. 

Whether it’s good music, fabulous food or fine wine, Mezze certainly hits the spot. 

Location:
No, 132, Jalan Kasah,
Medan Damansara 50490,
Kuala Lumpur
 

For more information, visit www.mezze.my.