courtesy of: The Morning News
written by: Rosalie Klein
Cultures and creativity spanning generations collide most enjoyably in the latest CD “New Horizons” from acclaimed Aruban musician Ivan Jansen; islanders and visitors enjoyed a delightful sampling during an elegant launch hosted by Divi Resorts around their pool deck on, October 20, conducted by the Aruba International Arts Foundation, (AIAF)
Ivan is well known to patrons of Divi Properties, stalwart sponsors of local artists and culture, as he performs regularly at Mulligan’s in the Divi Links Clubhouse, and the Ivan Jansen Quartet is a mainstay of the Sunday Brunch at Windows on Aruba.
Divi General Manager Alex Nieuwmeyer was present along with Minister of Tourism, Transport and Labor, Otmar Oduber, to be the first to be gifted with an inscribed copy of the new CD and participate in the ritual “baptism” of champagne on its launching.
This festive ceremony was performed by Ivan’s daughter Ivana and his wife, Myrna, along with Minister Oduber.
Described as the “Boston-Aruba Jazz Project” the 11 pieces on the CD include the participation of world-class musicians Oscar Stagnaro on Bass, Mark Walker on drums and Alex Brown, pianist, along with Ivan’s son, Sergio, a recent graduate of the Berklee School of Music in Boston.
“Oscar, Alex and Mark form one of the best Latin Jazz rhythm sections in the world” states the CD history. “The level of musicianship is amazing. It felt so good working with you” expresses Ivan. Oscar has contributed two original compositions, “Armando Lios” and “Nostra Samba” to the nine by Ivan. The works were inspired by the traditional music of the region, Tumba and Danza, but given a new and refreshing treatment by Ivan, who uses contemporary harmony and jazz concepts in his composing and arranging. Aruba’s Father of Culture, Padu Lampe, who wrote much of the music that inspired and motivated Ivan in his youth to be a musician, was a very welcome presence at the launch.
Joining Ivan for a number of the pieces on the CD are Pernell Saturnino and Alex Han, world renowned Jazz/Latin Jazz percussionist and alto sax, who contributed their professionalism to this new venture, a labor of love for all of them. Ivan also expressed his gratitude to island musicians Reno Steba, Eddy Samson, Jeremy Bonnariba and Gerald Martes for lending their considerable talents to the production of the CD, as well as his fellow quartet members, Richard Holmond, Roy Croes and Frank Granadillo.
Stan Kuiperi of the AIAF, cited the importance of reminding the present and upcoming generations of their cultural heritage while demonstrating they can become a part of the interpretive music of today. The foundation was very pleased to assist with the presentation of the CD and bringing forward the existence of the great artists that reside and practice their craft on Aruba, who are deserving of worldwide attention.
