One of Aruba’s truly simple pleasures requires nothing more than hanging out at Divi Mega Resort, right by beach bar to listen to the Divi Jazz Quartet, on any given Sunday afternoon.
The quartet plays music which could easily be described as feet in Aruba, head in the sky! While resort patrons sip on their long, cool umbrella drinks, the music springing from the small stage is clearly anchored in the Caribbean region, popular and easily recognizable classic compositions imported from traditional American Jazz into Brazilian, Caribbean, Latin and local groove. The tunes sound deliciously laid back and ear-pleasingly melodic, in perfect sync with the resort’s famous beach, which serves as a breathtaking musical backdrop.
Band leader Ivan Jansen is one of Aruba’s premier musicians, having graduates the Berklee College of Music, in Boston, he is a world-class guitarist and a talented performer. Jansen put together his quartet in 2003, making Divi Resorts the band’s permanent home. They play at the resort during Happy Hour, and at the clubhouse restaurants at Divi Links – catch Ivan Jansen’s solo guitar performance on Thursdays at Windows on Aruba. Then the band plays at Mulligan’s Golf Café Bar & Restaurant on Fridays & Saturdays, also at Windows on Aruba during Sunday Brunch.
Jansen is the acoustic and electric Jazz guitar player, Richard Holmond the drummer, Roy Croes the bass player and Franklin Granadillo blows the trumpet. All members of the band are well-respected Aruban musicians -- Granadillo who is also a Berklee College of Music graduate, is a much in demand local arranger.
Jansen’s personal contributions to local culture and music are numerous, besides setting a high standard of performance in a continuous pursuit of perfection. As a music educator he nurtures greatness in progress, teaching and encouraging young musicians from the island to spread their wings and become prodigies. He is also tirelessly recording and is currently working on his 5th CD, an ambitious co-production with members of his quartet and a number of top contemporary names, artists he met while playing international Jazz Festivals. The CD titled NEW HORIZONS will featured 10 original tracks, having been recorded in the US and in Aruba.
Jansen’s previous work included Con Alma I & II, two magnificent classical solo guitar CDs, Versatility, a Caribbean jazz complilation of original composition and Jazz at Divi, an acoustic production consisting of timeless jazz standards, boleros, Brazilian music, even pop jazz, all tastefully arranged by Jansen and performed in the original and refreshing style of the Ivan Jansen Jazz Quartet.
The proud Jansen is also the father of brilliant Serghio Jansen, a Berklee College of Music graduate, currently working as a full time Jazz guitarist in NY.
Visit Divi Mega Resort any given Sunday, and experience one of Aruba’s truly simple pleasures!
Pictured here the Divi Jazz Quartet with Serghio, in for a guest appearance, also with exciting NY saxophonist Alex Han, on the island for vacation.
