All That Jazz

Spend the last dewy days of summer hanging out beside Victoria Harbour as soulful jazz music fills the air. From September 25 to October 2, the Hong Kong International Jazz Festival swings into town for the fourth consecutive year, attracting 300 artists from 24 countries who will spearhead 60 performances, workshops and seminars. Aiming to promote jazz music in the city, the bonanza peaks with a two-day outdoor music festival at the site of the future West Kowloon Cultural District. The open-air concerts give music lovers a rare chance to lie down on the grass, crack open a bottle of wine and soak up some smooth jazz tunes, surrounded by sweeping views of the skyline.

You can grab a two-day pass for $1,000—as an added bonus, you’ll also snag the best seats in town for the National Day fireworks on October 1. Headliners include legendary pianist and singer Freddy Cole, who gets things started with original songs and a few tributes to his late brother, Nat King Cole. As night falls, saunter to the Latin rhythm of five-time Grammy Award-winning trumpeter Terence Blanchard and percussionist Poncho Sanchez. Performing covers from Dizzy Gillespie, Conga King and Chano Pozo from their latest album, “Cubano Be Cubano Bop,” their electric style pays tribute to the golden age of Cuban jazz music from the 40s.

Beyond these acts, organizers have invited a lineup of international stars to grace the main stage. President and founder of the Hong Kong Jazz Association Peter Kai-kwan Lee sees the jazz fest as an opportunity to educate audiences that jazz can originate beyond the Americas. “Jazz is a worldwide phenomenon, and not just performed by musicians of Afro-American decent,” he says. “It’s sad to say that Hongkongers and Asians still look to America as a place to look out for artists. We want to introduce a world focus, and introduce different artists.”

Foreign guests include Portuguese songbird Maria João, backed by veteran pianist and long-time collaborator Mário Laginha. João and Laginha embody the complex influences of modern jazz—her haunting vocals are inspired by traditional Portuguese fado music fused with an African beat and bossa nova flair—resulting in a fresh, upbeat sound. French gypsy swing will also be part of the star-studded lineup, with a performance by Chico and the Gypsies, formed by the co-founder of the Gipsy Kings.

Local acts will also hit the stage during the weeklong festival. Veteran jazz pianist Ted Lo, best known for his collaborations with Eugene Pao, will play alongside his jazz strings ensemble at the Cultural Centre on October 1. The performance will also star guest vocalists Justin Lo, Marsha Yuen, Elaine Liu and Howard McCrary.

Though there’s no shortage of world-class acts washing up on our shores, open-air music festivals are few and far between. Previous attempts, such as Rockit (2006) and Clockenflap (2007), were plagued by noise complaints and forced to move indoors. But beyond problems of volume and governmental red tape, organizers are also finding it hard to convince people to entertain themselves outdoors. “Hongkongers prefer the security of indoor environments, but we’re hoping that great music will encourage people to get outdoors and leave their aircons behind,” says Lee.