ISLAMABAD, March 4: At Kuch Khaas on Monday, a group of three artists brought the sounds of jazz to Islamabad where an audience including expatriates, Pakistanis, men and women tapped their feet to the music.
The group’s visit to Pakistan has been arranged by the Dutch embassy.
The ambassador of the Netherlands in Pakistan, Gajus Scheltema, opened the concert by introducing the group, the International Jazz Trio.
The group’s name derives from their biography, as each member represents a different continent: Joris Teepe, the bassist, is from the Netherlands; Shigo Okudaira, the drummer, is from Japan; and Tim Armacost, the saxophonist, is from North America.
The International Jazz Trio began playing together in 1995, in New York City, where each had relocated to immerse himself in jazz music. Their debut CD, “Live at the Birmhuis”, was recorded in the Netherlands during one of their first tours.
“While jazz is a quintessentially American art form,” the ambassador said, “the diversity of the trio makes their music particularly interesting.”
He thanked the Embassy of the United States for co-sponsoring the event.
Peter Brennan, a representative of the American embassy, spoke briefly on the long-standing relationship between the US and the Netherlands, beginning when, in the 18th century, the Dutch were the first to recognise the US as an independent nation.
Brennan also spoke briefly on the history of jazz, emphasising the universality of music, which, because it lacks linguistic barriers, can appeal to a much broader audience.
His comments were echoed by the Dutch bassist, Joris Teepe.
“The roots of jazz are in New Orleans and New York,” he said, “but it is spreading all over the world. Jazz combines structure and innovation, making it a unique form of music.”
Teepe mentioned the band’s excitement about their visit to Pakistan.
“It has been a great opportunity for us to perform here,” he said.
“A good performance involves the mood and emotions of both the artists and the audience, and we’re very thankful to have a chance to bring our music to Pakistan.”
Before coming to Islamabad, the International Jazz Trio also performed in Karachi, at a fundraiser in support of Makli and Heritage Foundation.
Asad Chanda, a member of the Kuch Khaas audience, was in fact visiting from that city, and regretted having missed the concert there.
“I met someone from the Dutch embassy at the hotel and asked for a pass to the concert,” he said, “and luckily I received the very last one.”
