Oranjestad – The third Caribbean Sea Jazz Festival saw its grand finale last Saturday evening. A sell out crowed enjoyed the various performances, which showcased the infinite variety of Jazz music.
The sweet , Brazilian – style sounds of Izaline Callister werea direct opposite from the jazzy and funky blast was Will Bernard. Gloria Vega’s Colombian roots came out to the forefront during her performance, while Frankie Yang and his band, whether local or internationally acclaimed, played their hearts out, shining on stage.
With a full moon shining down festively o the two nights of the festival, things could not go wrong; they went right. A standing ovation for this third edition of a truly great jazz festival. Friday’s evening topper’s included the Cozy Cotton Band with singer Grana Louise. The lovely singer is blues personified and a terrific entertainer as well. The old blues songs came to life with a vengeance: superb!
Swinging Cuban sounds were coming from the tent to Cas di Cultura right side, while the hall was starting to get packed for Izaline much-anticipated performance and the stage outside got ready for the jazz sax legend David Sanborn. This North Sea-format is great:: a buffet with only the most delectable items.
Sanborn’s amazing performance got even more special when the ladies of the Cuban band Anacaona sneaked on stage to assist him. The star grew even brighter with pleasure and the audience went totally wild.
Anacaona’s gig on Saturday evening got the same reaction, and not surprising: these ladies know what passionate, Latin music is all about. They almost ignite.
A huge word of praise for Izaline Callister’s shown on Saturday: truly fantastic! Cheerful, optimistic, open and honest ‘Caribbean’ songs with a jazzy coating on our local rhythms are her thing. The audience was eating out of her hands, singing along and laughing at her stories. Calllister is a star, but not high in the sky; she is down-to-earth and everybody loves her.
Festival organizer Erick Jan Eman and his team deserve a deep bow for their efforts and perseverance: actually they deserve a standing ovation.
And guess what: we are already looking forward to the Caribbean Sea Jazz Festival 2010!
