MANILA, Philippines–It’s been a while since notable jazz artists came to perform in Manila—the most recent was George Benson and Patti Austin at Smart Araneta Coliseum in September 2013; and Lee Ritenour and Dave Grusin at the Philippine International Convention Center in November 2012.
This year’s edition of the Philippine International Jazz Festival (Pijazzfest) opened a few days ago in a low-key manner, announcing its lineup and schedule to its Facebook friends instead of mainstream media.
Nonetheless, the roster of performers looks exciting, to be highlighted by American singer-pianist Diane Schuur performing with the all-Filipino AMP Big Band on March 1 at The Theatre at Solaire.
The 61-year-old Schuur, who was born blind, started singing professionally at age 10. She was on the bill at the Monterey Jazz Festival in 1979 when Stan Getz—the saxophonist best known for recording “The Girl From Ipanema” with Astrud Gilberto—was impressed by Schuur’s rendition of “Amazing Grace.”
Getz played on Schuur’s first three albums, including 1988’s “Timeless,” which went on to win a Grammy Award.
Twelve of Schuur’s albums have reached the Top 10 on Billboard’s jazz charts; she remains active today in the live circuit.
Her coming gig with the AMP Big Band—the country’s foremost exponent of jazz and its wide branches—promises to be an exhilarating experience.
Rose Fostanes, Joe Bataan
Other performers on that same show are Pinoy vocal trio Baihana and “The X Factor Israel” season one grand winner Rose Fostanes.
The rest of the schedule of the 2015 Pijazzfest, which organizers have dubbed “Ang Galing ng Pinoy,” are as follows:
Bar Tour
AMP Big Band, Feb. 23, 9 p.m., Balete@Kamias (175 Kamias, Sikatuna Village, Quezon City; tel. 4343554)
Cultural Night
Diwa de Leon, Mantra Fusion, Humanfolk, Rose Fostanes, Kristen Fletcher Trio, Romy Posadas Latin with Popoy Valmonte and Mitch Frohman, The 4th Element, Claude Diallo Situation, Feb. 24, 6 p.m., 12 Monkeys Music Hall and Pub (5/F Century City Mall, Kalayaan Ave. Makati; tel. 0917-5703222)
Pianofest
Wowee Posadas, RJ Pineda, Kristen Fletcher, Bong Infante, Elhmir Saison, Claude Diallo and introducing Vincent Saavedra, Feb. 25, 6:30 p.m., Manila Pianos (2/F CW Wine Depot, 2248 Chino Roces Ave. Makati; tel. 8178268, 8195977)
Bar Tour
Bratpack, Manila Blues Experience, 4th Element (India), 8:30 p.m, Strumm’s (110 Jupiter St. Bel-Air, Makati; tel. 8954636)
Jazz at the Hyatt
Mitch Frohman, 8 p.m., Hyatt City of Dreams Manila (Asean Ave. cor. Roxas Boulevard; tel. 8008080)
Fil-Israel Night
Rose Fostanes, Arthur Manuntag, 7:30 p.m. Music Museum (Greenhills Shopping Center; tel. 7216726)
Jazz at the Hyatt
Romy Posadas with Johnny and Rosanna Gaerlan, Luis Sollano (Singapore artist), 8 p.m., Hyatt City of Dreams Manila (Asean Ave. cor. Roxas Boulevard; tel. 8008080)
International Jazz Gala
Raoul and the Wild Tortillas, Kristen Fletcher Trio, Rose Fostanes, Claude Diallo Situation, Joe Bataan, Mitch Frohman, The 4th Element, Feb. 27, 6 p.m. Main Atrium, Shangri-La Plaza Mall (Shaw Blvd. Mandaluyong; tel. 6321933)
Jazz at the Hyatt
Leo Lesaca Quartet, 8 p.m., Hyatt City of Dreams Manila (Asean Ave. cor. Roxas Boulevard; tel. no. 8008080)
Dancefest
Diwa de Leon, Chillitees, Russell Flamenco, Las Duras with Ana & Michael, Feb. 28, 5 p.m. Robinsons Magnolia (Aurora Blvd. cor. Doña M. Hemady Ave., Quezon City)
Latin Jazz Fiesta
Claude Diallo Situation, Romy Posadas Latin, Mitch Frohman, Fred Block, Joe Bataan, Penthouse, Feb. 28, 7 p.m., Eclipse, Solaire Resort and Casino (Aseana Avenue, Parañaque; tel. 8888888)
Jazz at the Hyatt
Yonggi (Hong Kong artist), Feb. 28, 8 p.m., Hyatt City of Dreams Manila (Asean Ave. cor. Roxas Boulevard; tel. 8008080)
Jazz at the Hyatt
Alvin Cornista Trio, Mar. 1, 11 a.m., Hyatt City of Dreams Manila (Asean Ave. cor. Roxas Boulevard; tel. 8008080)
