Music
Monday, 28 September 2009 05:09
Written by Jenn Chan Lyman

---

Dee Dee Bridgewater kicks off the opening night

Before the festivities take off over in Century Park, the music will begin on a more classical note with an evening at Puxi’s Yunfeng Theater, which should be an ideal venue for the elegance of headliner Dee Dee Bridgewater. Ren hopes that the composed concert setting will provide Dee Dee’s audiences with a more comfortable and intimate experience to listen to the dulcet voice of the jazz entertainer.

Dee Dee’s ready to take us on a magical musical journey with her magnetic voice, which can lull you into dreamland or entice you to kick up your heels on the dance floor. This sophisticated lady has been singing and scatting with famous cats from the American and Parisian jazz scenes since 1969. Backing her up will be Nicholas Bouloukos and the JZ All Star Big Band, whose fifteen or more members are sure to get your buttons a-rattle. Bouloukos has already had preliminary conversations with the down-to-earth diva and so far we’ve heard that they will be presenting a set based on Dee Dee’s Grammy-winning tribute to Ella Fitzgerald, Dear Ella. International artists often bring their own bands, but when they don’t, it gives our very own musicians a chance to shine.

Before Dee Dee takes the stage, an ensemble made up entirely of Shanghai’s own Chinese musicians will be putting together an opening set as Jazz Shanghai. Bouloukos mentions that this act is the one that he’s most looking forward to at this year’s festival. All sorts of local talent will be congregating on stage: mischievous melodies by our own dulcet diva Coco Zhao, mellow and intense riffage from guitar guru Lawrence Ku, bop-worthy tempos from pianist Huang Jian Yi and many others. For fans of classical jazz and supporters of local talent, this evening is one not to miss.

Yunfeng Theater, Oct 16, 7.30pm. RMB150-1500. For tickets, call 6217 2426 or 6217 3055.

< Prev		Next >