Jive to a Night of Jazz at Sing Jazz Festival and The Late Show

Any jazz fan would have been just as elated as I was once I heard that Sing Jazz Festival was returning for the fourth consecutive year. As you would have guessed it, I absolutely adored all that jazz happening at the venue.

The Singapore International Jazz Festival 2017 ran from 31 March to 2 April and there’s even The Late Show segment on both Friday and Saturday nights. Festival-goers would have seen the likes of heavyweights in the jazz scene such as award-winning Esperanza Spalding and Corinne Bailey Rae at this year’s event.

The Late Show was equally exciting with dazzling performances by Al McKay’s iconic Earth, Wind & Fire Experience, the sassy Saxx In The City, Incognito’s Jean-Paul ‘Bluey’ Maunick and more. The festival is simply THE place to be, for avid jazz fans and raving party animals alike.

The Late Show

If you enjoy jiving to jazz music in a club-like venue, The Late Show is for you. The atmosphere was unbeatable – it certainly set a party tone for the night without losing all that jazz. In fact, jazz music is so versatile it meshes well with other genres of music you won’t find yourself noticing.

How can a late-night party be complete without booze? A bar was easily accessible to festival-goers who wanted to grab a drink in between sets, especially with the wide array of concoctions to choose from. For those who preferred to have a drink in hand while grooving to the beats, there was a free standing area right in front of the stage. There were also standing tables at the back for individuals who needed a breather from all the action happening.

Phenomenal Acts 

At The Late Show on Saturday night, Saxx In The City started the night off all soulful and smooth before British acid jazz band, Incognito took the jazz up to a whole new level. The crowd reached an all-time high when Incognito showed off their wide spectrum of musical talents in “Nights Over Egypt”.

There were even the jazzy and funky rendition of Bruno Mars’ Uptown Funk and the classic “Ghostbusters” we all never got tired of hearing. As the last act for on Saturday night, Rudimental rounded off with massive hits such as “Feel The Love” and “Waiting All Night”, which had the dance floor heaving with people.

I was anticipating the arrival of Rudimental’s set with bated breath as I’ve loved their music even before “Bloodstream”, which was a collaboration with British singer, Ed Sheeran. The DJ sure knew how to pander to the preferences of the crowd, which clearly lapped up every track the pop band played.

The entire line-up has been nothing but phenomenal, especially with humourous and entertaining performers.

Main Stage

Aside from The Late Show, there were outdoor performances at the Main Stage, Event Plaza in Marina Bay Sands. The line-up in the day on Friday (starting from 4.30pm) had some extremely talented and versatile musicians in the likes of pioneering UK-based jazz DJ Gilles Peterson with the Zara McFarlane Band featuring Nubya Garcia, Aaron James Lee Trio and Corinne Bailey Rae.

The same time period on Saturday late afternoon saw local band Raw Earth paying homage to American blues singer, B.B. King, R&B legend Ray Parker Jr. and virtuoso singer-songwriter and bassist Esperanza Spalding taking everyone’s breath away.

On Sunday, Adam Hall and The Velvet Playboys from Perth featuring local singer Alemay Fernandez started the performance, then followed by funky US bassist Nik West and singer songwriter Raúl Midón. The closing act was performed by HITMAN David Foster & Friends – a line-up of international stars including the R&B singer-songwriter-producer Brian McKnight, American recording artist Chaka Khan, YouTube sensation Thirdstory, Indonesia’s singer-actress Dira Sugandi and, Nick Zavior from Singapore.

There’s a reason why Sing Jazz Festival is onto its fourth year running and it’s bigger than ever. All the more this is an event you should cross out your calendar for next year.