IN November 2011, Unesco declared April 30 as International Jazz Day, seeking to highlight and elevate jazz music as an art form of great import.
As the great Nina Simone said, "Jazz is not just music, it is a way of life, it is a way of being, a way of thinking". The story of jazz, its history intertwined with the African American experience, is written into the quest for human dignity, democracy and civil rights. It has given strength to the struggle against discrimination and racism.
This Day is intended to raise awareness of the virtues of jazz as an educational tool, and a force for empathy, dialogue and enhanced cooperation among people.
"This tenth International Jazz Day is an opportunity to celebrate once again this rich musical tradition. Jazz is a multiple reality, forged through encounters between cultures, instruments and people.
“For decades, jazz has been vibrating with everything that musicians have put into it, while continuing to invite us to new horizons at the turn of each chord," said Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of Unesco.
Internationally, Unesco will hold an All-Star Global Concert at 5pm EDT (5am Malaysia time).
It will be hosted by Michael Douglas and featuring performances by Herbie Hancock, Marcus Miller, Andra Day, Dee Dee Bridgewater, John McLaughlin, Dianne Reeves, Joe Lovano, Angelique Kidjo, John Beasley (Musical Director) and many more.
Closer to home, Kuala Lumpur jazz club and restaurant Kind A Blue will host and present the International Jazz Day 2021. However, they will not be able to host any live events due to the pandemic and will instead present digital concerts featuring various jazz artistes from around the world including Malaysia. This will include previous recorded shows as well as feature previous Jazz Day concerts.
Elsewhere, UiTM Faculty of Music brings the UiTM-Unesco International Jazz Day Concert online. Highlights will include Rizaltony Group featuring Kamrul Hussin, Alwagera, AzieDarwish, Hajarul Bajunid, Sarah Alia, Sharir Sharis, Ahmad Munir and Dollah Gambus. Juxtaposition of ethnic and cultural inspiration for music themes incorporated with western jazz styles will be showcased. In addition to that, a list of new compositions will premiere in this concert. – The Vibes, April 30, 2021
