CCP: All jazzed up

The following piece is by Joseph R. Atilano, an authority on popular music.

Jazz is a genre that is considered both music and an art form. It is one of the most expressive and sophisticated genres and in the last 20 years, there have been drastic changes brought by artists bringing in their own musical influences and styles to jazz, which will only further benefit it in the long run, giving it a rich and multi-layered sound.

Jazz musicians exhibit palpable passion and fluidity in their performances. They can effectively translate their thoughts into music. They are able to interact with the audience through their performances and feed off from the reaction of the crowd. They can also adjust their playing style at the spur of the moment depending on the mood and atmosphere of the venue where they are performing. That is called “improvisation.” It is also not rare to see a member of a jazz band performing solo with his instrument during the performance before joining everyone else again. That is called “soloing.” These are just a few of the characteristics and important jazz terms that we can learn.

When I think of jazz, the first names that come to my mind locally are Johnny Allegre and internationally, the likes of jazz greats and important music figures like Miles Davis and Louis Armstrong.

With the help of CCP we will be able to have a better understanding and appreciation of jazz. We will be able to dig deeper into the world of jazz, from its beginnings, developments, sub-genres and its pioneers who shaped the direction of jazz music forever. The CCP is doing a great job and embracing a noble cause with the launching of the first jazz festival in the CCP. Everyone can learn and benefit from this festival. It will be a good introduction for anyone wanting to get into it with the lectures, discussions and live performances. This festival will also serve all musicians of different genres and all music lovers. Here is our chance not only to learn but also to watch some of the best local and international jazz musicians within the confines of the CCP Complex.

The sound and influence of jazz can’t be tied to only one part of the world because it has its European beginnings and its major influence in America came mainly from the black people from New York, Chicago and especially New Orleans. Needless to say, jazz has branched out and spread to even the farthest corners of the world. That is one true trait of music - it is really universal and jazz is evidence of it.

Jazz, like most genres, is hard to pin down and define. Because it is a musical form, it constantly develops and evolves to branch out to different sub-genres. The significance of jazz can be noticed by its varying styles, innovations and complexities. The fact that jazz is still undergoing changes today shows that it is timeless and classic. Jazz has its own sub-genres from swing, rag-time and big band music. Each musician can choose the variety and style he is accustomed to playing. Jazz has become a prolific and ever-evolving genre that is being embraced by more musicians everyday.

But to learn and understand jazz more, the CCP is providing a chance for every music enthusiast to learn and enjoy the wonders of this unique genre. It is launching The Story of Jazz: 1st CCP International Jazz Festival 2011 on August 23-28. A stunning array of 150 musicians from various jazz groups will come together to “jive and jam” in the different venues of the CCP which will be transformed into one big jazz club with intimate lounges. Jazz musicians and singers from the Philippines and other countries will tell the story of jazz. In this six-day much-to-look-forward-to event starting from one P.M. all the way to eight P.M., lectures and performances of jazz in all its variety of styles — bepop, blues, ragtime, modal, experimental, big band and fusion will be held.

Heading the roster of world renowned performers will be royal hartigan and blood drum spirit from the USA, Korean Shun Kikuta from Japan, Neris Gonzalez from Spain, jazz vocalist Charito, guitarist Joric Maglanque, Michael Bourne, Bleu Rascals, Lowcal, Blue Rats, Faith Gospel Singers, the UP Jazz Ensemble, UST Jazz Ensemble, Cooky Chua and Bluesviminda, Majam, Emy Munji, and the AMP Band.

A video documentary on the Story of Jazz in the Philippines produced by Richie Quirino and Collis Davis Jr. will also be shown. Performance venues are the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (Main Theater), Tanghalang Huseng Batute (Studio Theater), and the Silangan Hall. The MKP Multi-Purpose Hall will be the venue for all lectures.

Ticket prices to the events at the Main Theater are P800, P600, P400 and P200. Tickets prices to all concerts at the Tanghalang Huseng Batute and the Silangan Hall are at P300. All lectures and workshops are at only P100. The standard 50% discount for students and 20% for senior citizens will apply.

For more inquiries, conctact the CCP Box Office at 832-3704 or call the CCP Music Division at 8321125 loc. 1604-1605.

Erratum (Aug. 10 column): The bombastic piece was titled thus because it presumably had for its inspiration and (should be the) devil himself.