Jazz Royale Festival

Thailand is about to write another chapter of the world's jazz history when a number of world-class jazz musicians will gather in the Kingdom to not only create the inaugural "Jazz Royale Festival", but also honour beloved King Bhumibol Adulyadej on the occasion of his 80th birthday.

According to the Golden Jubilee Network, an online mass-educational project initiated by Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, H.M. the King is one of Thailand's best jazz musicians. He has composed 43 musical works which rank among the most well known in the history of Thai contemporary music. He has shared his musical interests with varied groups of musicians and members of the general public. His achievements in music have been internationally recognized, and have been presented with the highest accolades both in Thailand and abroad.

As December 5, 2007 will be his 80th birthday, all Thais have prepared celebrations to honour the love and tenderness he has given to his people throughout his six decades on the throne.

His Majesty's favorite instruments are the saxophone, clarinet and trumpet. He also plays the guitar and piano. He is able and willing to join with any musical group or orchestra. In jazz, he enjoys playing both annotated musical arrangements and impromptu sessions: he is very good at solo improvisation. In 1960, in New York, he played the saxophone and clarinet with world renown musicians such as Benny Goodman, Jack Teagarden, Lionel Hampton, and Stan Getz. All agreed that His Majesty was a highly gifted exponent of jazz. The "Jazz Royale Festival" is one of the government's initiatives to honour H.M. the King's musical talent. The event will be featured with a number of the world's well-known artists; namely, Kenny G, McCoy Tyner Trio, James Moody, The Dizzy Gillespieâ„¢ All-Star Big Band, Paquito D'Rivera, Chris Botti, Marta Topferova, Ahmad Jamal, Claudio Roditi, Nancy Wilson, Regina Carter Quintet, Georgie Fame, Roberta Gambarini, and Oriental Jazz Quartet featuring Cherryl Hayes. More importantly, these high profile artists will play H.M. the King's musical work during this festival.

The festival is set to take place next month during December 9-17 in four major cities in Thailand. The first stage will start in Bangkok at Sanam Suapa during December 9-10. The second stage will follow at the Horseshoe Point in Pattaya during December 11-12. The third stage will be held at Sanam Hor Silp in Chiang Mai University during December 14-15, and the curtain will be closed at Karon Beach in Phuket during December 16-17.

The Tourism and Sports Minister H.E. Dr. Suvit Yodmani said that the purpose of holding the "Jazz Royale Festival" is to celebrate H.M. the King's 80th birthday on December 5, 2007, and part of the proceeds will go to the H.M. the King for projects under his royal patronage.

"This is a great opportunity for all of us to celebrate the King's 80th birthday together. Besides, the event is aimed to attract foreigners from both Asian and Western countries, including those who live in the Kingdom and local people," said the Minister "The event is also in line with TAT's plan to boost the tourism industry in Thailand and encourage foreigners to visit Thailand. The Ministry may consider including the jazz festival in the calendar and encourage tour agents to promote this event as one of the country's key events."

Kenny G, one of the world's greatest saxophonists, confirmed to take part in this event, said, "I am extremely excited to come to Thailand in December to perform in celebration of the King's 80th birthday. I am honoured to be a part of the festivities and look forward to performing for all my friends in Thailand!! Khop Khun Khrap!!!!"

Georgie Fame is also another artist to participate in this greatest jazz festival in Thailand "I am honoured to be invited to perform for His Majesty the King's 80th Birthday celebration. I am very excited considering it is my first performance in Thailand and such a significant event. We say Chok Di! (Good Luck!)"

"Hope that will do" said Georgie Fame.