The International Jazz Trio performed at Kuch Khaas here on Monday before a riveted audience. The embassies of the Netherlands and the US brought the trio to Pakistan to share the universality of music, said a press release issued by the Dutch embassy.
Dutch Ambassador Gajus Scheltema said that the Dutch have had a long history in the region and cultural exchanges such as the visit of the Jazz Trio were a means of bringing experiences from The Netherlands to Pakistan.
The delightful performance was greatly appreciated by those present. The Trio had already played at a fundraiser in Karachi and will next be travelling to Lahore.
The Intercontinental Jazz Trio gets its name from the fact that each member hails from a different continent.
Representing North America, Tim Armacost plays saxophone. From Europe, Joris Teepe is the adventurous bassist and the band’s virtuoso drummer, Shingo Okudaira, is the delegate from Asia.
The group started playing together in 1995 in New York City, where each member relocated in the early ‘90’s to pursue their dreams of mastering the language of jazz.
The band is currently celebrating the second printing of their debut CD “Live at the Bimhuis”, recorded in the Netherlands on one of their first tours together.
Joris Teepe, the Dutch musician, said, “Even though the roots of jazz is in New Orleans and New York, it is rapidly spreading all over the world as an art form that combines structure and improvisation. We are thankful that we get a chance to bring it to Pakistan.”
Published in The Express Tribune, March 5th, 2013.