ISLAMABAD, Dec 8: Jazzy rhythms came to Nysa Lounge in Islamabad Saturday night where three-member Cuban band A3’s genre blending artistry was recognised by a select crowd as uniquely fresh.

“The percussionist is out of this world,” said a music lover Hassan Fancy.

A3’s trombone player Ariel Perez, Ana Maria Califf on the Yamaha keyboard and Alberto Batista on drums were a unique company featuring something joyous, new and something jazz.

The ensemble’s sound combined a hearty mix of Caribbean rhythms, quite a bit cleverly staged, especially while collaborating with local musicians.

The sight of the artists, rocking back and forth, was as much an experience to see as the interplay was to hear.

There was a definite change of atmosphere at the Nysa Lounge, which often hosts gigs for local and visiting foreign musicians.

Unlike all the other concerts, this one was intended for small audience, probably around 60 to 70 people.

“I love the intimate atmosphere and accessibility of the artists, especially the tantalising mix of great music and good-looking people,” said another participant. Two star guests were Coke Studio guitarist Omran Shafique and singer Quratulain Baloch.

Ariel Perez had a wonderful rapport with his guest artists, especially Salman Adil on the flute, in bringing out the very best of his potential.

“It was an incredible experience to be able to chat with the performers. I feel like I got to know them a bit, and that brings the experience of listening to a good performance to a whole new level,” said Nida Abbasi.

Alberto Batista was arguably a melodic drummer whether playing the skins or the cymbals with the sticks. His solo almost blew the crowd away.

Responding to each and every surprise with such an ease, from her band members, Ana Maria was given the unbelievable task of laying down the driving melodies on her keyboard making music deadly serious.

And behind the soul themed compositions whether it was ‘Claudia’, ‘Mambo Inn’ or ‘Caribe’ Ariel Perez on trombone reveled in playing at smooth speeds.

At slower tempos, he created a lovely, delicately judged musical flow. But his technical artistry could be as exhausting as they were thrilling.

And hinting on inviting more artists to Pakistan, Cuban Ambassador Zenen Buerjo was delighted to see the young Pakistani crowd appreciate the jazz band.

“This is the start of a very good musical relationship between the peoples of the two countries,” said the ambassador.