Review: Sing Jazz 2017

Mega jazz festival Sing Jazz was back this year and bigger and better than ever, bringing together both old favourites and newer, modern singers shaking up the music scene.

On Day 1 of the festival, Grammy Award-winning headline act Corinne Bailey Rae spent the afternoon sharing her experiences and thoughts on her monumental music career at Marina Bay Sands’ Artscience On Screen: In Conversation With. The event gave students from Sing Jazz Academy and beneficiaries of Marina Bay Sands – School of the Arts (SOTA) and 10 Square – a unique opportunity to get up close and personal with the inspiring Corinne.

Corinne’s performance later on did not disappoint either, as she rounded off Day 1’s Main Stage performances with an uplifting, powerful performance that roused the crowd’s spirits and made full use of the build up created by opening acts DJ Patrick Oliver, Aaron James Lee Trio, along with Gilles Peterson and The Nubya Garcia Band feat. Poppy Ajudha & MC Earl Zinger.

The fun didn’t stop there though, as the first night delved right into The Late Show straight after at 10pm with Ernesto Enriquez Trio, followed by Al McKay’s Earth, Wind & Fire Experience and Citrus Sun Superjam. Those that stayed long enough were treated to UK electronic house duo Basement Jaxx towards the end of the night to bring the house down with their electronic DJ set. Day 1 ended at 4am, so it was time to get some shut eye before cycling around again later on for Day 2.

 

Although beset with rain, Day 2 of Sing Jazz kicked off with a roar with Raw Earth as they took to the Main Stage to perform their BB King Tribute. The one and only Ray Parker Jr. just needed to sing the ‘Ghostbusters’ theme to wow the crowd, before the incredible four time Grammy Award-winner Esperanza Spalding came onstage to deliver a heartfelt performance. Ending off Day 2’s Main Stage performances were Youssou N’Dour & Le Super Etoile De Dakar, bringing the crowd to its feet with a wave of applause.

Of course, being Saturday night, why let the night end there? The Late Show was back once again, and started off with an opening act by Indonesia’s Saxx In The City. The much-anticipated Incognito took to the stage next, followed by legendary soul tunes from Bluey Maunick All-Star Superjam. You’d think that that’s enough excitement for one day, but then British band Rudimental came on to bring down the house as Day Two drew to a close with an explosive DJ set.

We’re somehow still standing after two days of Sing Jazz, and we wouldn’t have missed Day 3 for anything. Despite not having a Late Show this time around, the Main Stage performances were even bigger and better than ever, with Adam Hall & The Velvet Playboys featuring local favourite Alemay Fernandez lighting up the crowd with their R&B jazz set. The flamboyant and colourful Nik West, with her purple mohawk and high energy took to the stage next and played her electric bass while singing, her cool factor striking a chord with the crowd, before Raul Midon Trio’s brought down the pace with some heartstring pulling vibes. Finally, rounding off Day 3 and in fact, the entire Sing Jazz 2017 was the super team Hitman David Foster & Friends, featuring stars and music legends Chaka Khan, Brian McKnight, Thirdstory, Dira Sugandi and Nick Zavior. David Foster even invited a fan, Roze Kasmani, up from the audience to join him on stage for a song, making for a dream come true and an unforgettable weekend overall at Marina Bay Sands. How could we possibly wait another year before the next edition returns?

Photo Credit: Bryner Tan, Sing Jazz