My friend Benjamin will be playing the drums for three separate groups next, next week (5, 6, 7, 8, and 10 March). All shows will be 45 minutes at the Esplanade Concourse, and will be free, so if you want to support local talent, these shows ought to make good evening entertainment.
For 5, 6 March (two sets, at 7.15p.m. and 8.15p.m.) [via Esplanade]:
Cool Classics with The Rit Xu Quintet
Singaporean jazz flutist, Rit Xu was awarded 1st prize in the Juniors Division at the Thailand International Jazz Conference Solo Competition 2011. He also won the US National Flute Association’s Jazz Masterclass Competition during the 39th annual NFA Convention at Charlotte, North Carolina. Tonight’s programme includes an interesting selection of timeless jazz standards and well-known tunes. Rit is joined by Regi Leo on guitar and Colin Yong on bass, as well as up-and-coming drummer Benjamin Low and pianist August Lum.
Line-up includes:
Flutes: Rit Xu
Guitar: Regi Leo
Piano: August Lum
Bass: Colin Yong
Drums: Benjamin LowSong List*:
1.Sympathetique
2. Cheek to Cheek
3. Let’s Cool One
4. Silence is Golden
5. Sonnymoon for Two
6. Scrapple from the Apple
7. Blusette
8. The Nearness of You
9. When I Fall in Love
10. 我不管你是谁
11. 爱神的箭
12. 爱神的箭
*accurate at time of print
For 7, 8 March (two sets, at 7.15p.m. and 8.15p.m.) [via Esplanade]:
Off The Cuff
Off the Cuff is a four-piece group of music lovers formed in 2009. The quartet first met in the NUS Jazz Band and this spurred on jam sessions filled with much fun and laughter. Off the Cuff is back with arrangements of familiar jazz standards guaranteed to tantalise, delight, and provoke.
Song List*:
1.Blue Monk
2.Bye Bye Blackbird
3.Alice In Wonderland
4.Yardbird Suite
5.Invitation
6.Wave
7.Round Midnight
8.Pure Imagination
9.The Way You Look Tonight
10.So What
*accurate at time of print
For 10 March (9.15p.m.) [via Esplanade]:
Joel Chua Trio
The Joel Chua Trio was first conceived in Christchurch, New Zealand in 2008 when Luke Belcher, Michael Thompson and Joel played together. At the end of 2009, Joel left returned to Singapore, grinding the Trio to a halt. In 2010, Joel Chua joined the Bright Young Things programme where he met drummer Benjamin Low who introduced him to bassist, Jonathan Ho. The music and infectious energy and synergy between the three was unmistakable and unknowingly, a new Joel Chua Trio was formed.
The Joel Chua Trio will be playing a set of completely original material which hopes to be as engaging as it is musical. Joining the Trio will be guests Rit Xu on flute and Vincent Tan on tenor saxophone.
At the risk of sounding like someone from the Esplanade marketing department, or someone from the Social Development Unit, these should all be great with dinner and good company, so do check them out if you have the time.
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