Courtesy of Morning News.
By Rosalie Klein
Images are courtesy of Aruba Daily
Exceptionally low winds and high humidity didn’t dampen spirits or the energy on stage as dozens of performers gave their best to audiences at the most successful Caribbean Sea Jazz Festival yet. Grounds were packed as music lovers clamored to see music legends Chakka Khan and Oscar de Leon finish out nights full of fantastic concerts under the stars.
One of the most refreshing surprises of the festival was the new group Kuenta I Tambù, inspired by traditional Afro-Caribbean rhythms from Curaçao and European dance. The group has created a truly new sound. Some call it Global Bass, others prefer labeling it Tambutronic, but it is uniquely their own, and had the audience mesmerized.
The first night ended with Chakka Khan telling the audience “I feel for you, I think I love you.” The ten-time Grammy winner led them through a blast from the past. She asked if they wanted to travel back to the Eighties, to which she received a resounding “Yes!” Audiences had to agree, she truly was “every woman.”
The second night was a treat for Latin/Jazz lovers with Oscar de Leon closing out the CSJF 2012. The midnight concert moved an island that has a particular affinity for the genre. The weekend spotlights great local and emerging talent, as well as being a showcase for jazz legends.
This year, the festival’s traditional art show featured an intriguing collection put together by Curators on the Go, Michiko Takatsu and Eduardo Valbuena. This year, instead of being on display for only two days, the exposition will continue at the Westin Gallery in Palm Beach for the remainder of the month
