The Heinz von Hermann Jazz Ahead Quintet in Malaysia
Jazz
Ahead in Malaysia
Jazz
Ahead Meets Dracula
Jazz
Ahead in Mexico
The
South-East Asia tour
The
Vietnam tour
Langkawi
received a rare turn in Malaysia's musical limelight when Heinz von Hermann's
'Jazz Ahead' came to the Andaman, Datai Bay. These normally serene e
nvirons
took on a livelier aspect as the resort played host to a winning combination
of unforgettable
food and Austrian music. It was the first time an internationally acclaimed
jazz band had performed in Langkawi, and the response was as impressive as
it had been earlier
when the quintet appeared at KL's most hallowed hotel — Carcosa Seri Negara.
Leading members of local society were not going to miss this unusual, one night only, opportunity. Perhaps the biggest fish in the mystical pond was Dato'Zainal Karib Abd Rahim, the general manager of the Langkawi Development Authority.
The function room matched the mood of the evening with gold table settings and centre–pieces featuring while orchids and lilies. Black velvet chair covers lent additional drama to the occasion. After the guests were seated they were entertained to three wonderful sets of Jazz Ahead. Numerous distinguished feet were seen tapping to classics such as The Girl From Ipanema and Take Five. Some went so far as to actually sing along. Dancing, as usual, would have been going too far…
EU- Jazz Festival Athens / Greece — 24th till 28th of Mai 2001
it was fantastic that our quartet had the chance to play at the 1st EU-Jazz-Festival in Athens. The festival was organized by the Swedish cultural institute and at this point I really want to thank Mrs. Bodil Nordstrom for her endless work with all thirteen bands, including our own quartet.
The Heinz von Hermann Quartet opened the 2nd evening and we were fascinated by the atmosphere of this closed gas-factory belonging to Technopolis of the Municipality of Athens. We were guarded absolutely fantastically by the Austrian Ambassadress Mrs. Gerlinde Paschinger. Although two days before she had just moved with the whole family over to Athens, she and her husband found time to organize our transportation, a sightseeing tour, a marvellous dinner and a night–time boat trip in the the harbour of Pireus. She really sweetened our four day Athens trip.
On Sunday evening there was also a jam session, and again we were amazed at the size of the audience. Jazz can be a natural magnet. Perhaps I should mention that entrance was free! Or maybe it was the quite warm evenings.....
As the manager, going to the first big EU Jazz Festival, I must say that it was a great pleasure going there with our band and I wish we could appear at more of these fantastic festivals.
Notes and photo by Katrin Kowalski
E-mail Katrin
Homepage: www.jazzahead.com