ROZZ & FREQUENCY

ROZZ is a performer that defies anything generic. A studied vocal performer, ROZZ has been privileged with training from some of the world's most renowned vocal coaches, namely Imogen Casares and Christine Weitz for Jazz & Improv technique in the US.

A proud native of Penang, ROZZ, a charismatic and versatile entertainer, is accompanied by Frequency, consisting of Mohd Akhir (Keyboards), Mahazan (Strings) and Hamdan (Percussions). ROZZ and Frequency performs every weekend at BAGAN.

Website : http://www.biduanitadediva.blogspot.com/

THE RAGGY PROJECT

Raggy Project is a band that puts the Blues into diverse musical territory, venturing beyond traditional Blues journeying into Country, Folk, Rock, and even ethnic genres.

With a motto of "Great Music and Some Mayhem!", Raggy Project was formed after songwriter/guitarist/Bluesman Raggy released his album “Maybe Some Day” in 2007 and found the need to form a band to bring the emotions and messages in music to live audiences. With Durvan on drums and ZaLee on bass, the band's live shows include spontaneous improvisations and spice-em-up sections with lots of interaction with the audience.

Website : http://www.raggyproject.com

SAX ORGAN PROJECT

The Sax Organ Project (The SOP), was mooted by Leonard Selva to fulfill his life long dream of setting up a Jazz Organ trio. Barely a year old, the trio consisting of Drummer Alex Henry, who has been performing consistently in the Penang Jazz scene for a number of years and talented blossoming new comer, Teressa Lim on Alto Saxophone, The SOP grind their way through music with a repertoire that varies from pop, funk, jazz and some of their own original songs.

SOUND OF LIGHT

Comprising of four young lads schooled in different musical styles, Sound of Light (SOL) describes themselves as a musical quirky and mismatched quartet yet organised enough to be unified in one band.

Delivering a twist to everyday music through new arrangements as well as originals, the members of SOL include Kelvyn Yeang (Guitar), Wordsmith/Songwriter Daniel Chan (Vocals/Acoustic Guitar), Punk Drummer Alwyn Wan (Cajon/Drums/Percussions and Daryl who works behind a telephone on Vocals and Guitar.

JONATHAN TSE TRIO

Jonathan Tse started his love affair with music at the age of 5 on the organ before picking up the guitar, drums and piano. At 14 years of age, he started composing his own songs and after completing his Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Jonathan pursued his musical passion by releasing his debut album “Purpose” in 2004.

Whilst working in a church, Jonathan, who founded “Purpose Records” – a record label with the objective to seek, invest and impact society through music, recently released his sophomore album “I’m Alive”. Other members in his trio are Peter Lau on Drums and Simon Lau on Bass. 

Websites : www.Jonathantse.com; www.myspace.com/jonathantse

ASEANA PERCUSSION UNIT

Aseana Percussion Unit (APU) is one of Malaysia's foremost Contemporary Jazz / World Fusion Groups. Regarding themselves as Musical Ambassadors of Malaysia, APU seamlessly fuses their country's own myriad rhythms and musical influences into a contemporary world musical style with a passionate drive and exuberance in a continuous effort to introduce Malaysian music to the world. 

Comprising of many talented musicians who are also multi-instrumentalists, APU released their debut album “Colours of Rhythm” in 2002. The group has performed in many Venues/Festivals all over Malaysia and also Festivals in Singapore, China, Korea and Taiwan.

Website : www.apu.com.my

JAZZHATS

The JazzHats, a Power Musical Quartet, comprising of Frankie Chai on Bass, Ken Eoh on Piano / Keyboards, Amy on Drums and Lili on Percussions have individually been in the music business for a number of years performing in many different bands with varied musical styles in many venues and functions all over Penang and beyond

Since the formation of the JazzHats in 2009, the group which specializes in “LA smooth rhythm & blues jazz style” has been a regular feature in a number of venues around the island. Fronting the group is the bluesy, soulful voice of the charismatic and energetic Ray Rozells.

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=138742399484991

OCEAN OF FIRE & DASHA

Ocean of Fire & Dasha is a group comprising of promising young musicians from different musical backgrounds experimenting with various genres from rock to jazz to metal. The progressive instrumental group has released two albums to date.

Fresh from their debut international performance at the Jarasum International Jazz Festival in South Korea, the group comprises of Kelvyn Yeang (Lead Guitar), Jonathan Chen (Bass), Jonathan Scully (Drums), Chiat (Rhythm Guitar), Chris Estrop (Keyboards) and Dasha Logan on Vocals.

REZA SALLEH

Combining elements of folk, pop rock, grunge, jazz and the blues, Reza Salleh owes much of his young singing career to growing up to a whole range of music influences of the 90s.

His music alternates between being dark, heartfelt and cheeky, rarely confined by a uniform sound but universally bound by his baritone-tinged voice and melodic sensibilities - qualities that have established him as one of the top singer-songwriters in Malaysia and being selected as one of the performers for the Dewan Filharmonik Petronas Spotlight series 2011. Supporting Reza in his performances are Melina on Bass and Yie Yin on violin.

www.facebook.com/rezasalleh

www.myspace.com/rezasalleh

PRIORity

Comprising of 3 individuals that have performed with a number of different groups over the years in venues all over the island, PRIORity delivers a throwback to the older musical style of smooth sounding tunes and harmonies.

On Vocals is winner of the ‘84 Northern State Singing Competition, Edmund Prior, who recorded an album under the WEA banner in 1985 and was also a Finalist in Malaysia’s premier talent competition “Bintang RTM” in 1986. Providing the rhythm on percussions is Arthur Prior and Michael Kay on keyboards rounds up the trio – both seasoned musicians who have performed along Batu Ferringhi belt for many years.

sTrAiT sAx AhEaD Featuring RUSSELL CURTIS

Unique is the word to best describe sTrAiT sAx AhEaD (ssA). With minimum instrumentation, ssA comprising of four highly talented musicians, cover a wide variety of musical styles from easy listening ballads to full-on funky style grooves.

ssA is lead by self developed finger-style guitar player, Albert Sirimal, who provides the backbone instrumentation for the band with running bass lines and syncopated chord voicings supported by the rhythmic beats of percussionist - Badar Fawzy and seasoned music journey man Azmi Hairudin on saxophone. Fronting and completing the band is the gospel / bluesy vocal abilities of Russell Curtis.

CLAIR V ROZELLS & ALLAN G MURILLON

Influenced by music at an early age – Clair by being born into a family of musicians and Allan picking up the basics at the tender age of nine are both armed with impressive and varied repertoires which has enabled them to adapt to various musical scenarios throughout the years.

Both individuals who have performed in many venues, functions and events all over the country jammed together as a duet and found that their musical similarities and talents complement each other. With Clair’s bubbly personality and Allan’s talent on the guitar – the tone is set for a new and exciting musical journey.

BIG BAND PROFILES

UPSI BIG BAND

Formed in 2009, the UPSI B ig Band consists of talented second year to fourth year music students from Sultan Idris University of Education Malaysia. The UPSI Big Band provides an avenue for its music students to incorporate what they have learnt in their instrumental lessons into practice and performance.

Although this newly-formed band has just started its journey, the UPSI Big Band under the guidance of it’s Conductor, who is an experienced musician and lecturer - Mr Zamrus bin Hashim, this entertaining big band which has an extensive choice of repertoire ranging from swing, jazz, pop to blues and have been highly sought after to perform at various public and private functions.

JEEP JAZZ BAND

The Jeep Jazz Band (JJB), an eight (8) piece band, established in 2002 was an expansion from the original Jeep Jazz Trio. The band comprises of Leader, Razif Mohd@Jeep on Piano, Zaki Ani on Electric Bass and Siva on Drums. The line-up for the horn section are Li Suang on Alto Sax, Ling Cheng on Trumpet I, Christina on Trumpet II and Alice on Bass Trombone. Fronting JJB is lady vocalist /percussionist Andy Siti.

With their tantalizing sounds and provoking rhythms, the band, whose wide repertoire consisting of standard Jazz Swing and Latin favorites also perform their own original songs, have received rave reviews for their many highly entertaining performances throughout Penang, Ipoh and Kuala Lumpur over the years.

NORTHERN JAZZ ENSEMBLE

 Initiated by a likeminded group of musicians with a passion for jazz in August of 2007, Northern Jazz Ensemble (NJE) was created as a vehicle to develop musical improvisatory & performing skills and promote mainstream jazz music to the public.

Consisting of members from all walks of life with ages ranging from twelve (12) to sixty (60) years of age, NJE aims to preserve the great heritage of jazz whilst being an innovative force for the future. Their performances are designed to entertain all types of audiences with a diverse repertoire which includes big band swing, bebop, Latin, funk, contemporary jazz and jazz standards.

2010 Performers

It was a blast at the 6th edition of the Festival. The performers rocked the stage with all that jazz! Check them out here.

Supporting Events

The Fringe Stages is a must if the local jazz scene is what you are also looking for. You don't want to miss the Community Drum Circle too!

Fringe Stages

Stay tuned for updates.

What better way to learn than getting advice and tips from the music masters themselves!