Amman Jazz Festival .. 20 Bands and 77 Local Jordanian Artists Streaming on YouTube 5th – 10th November 2020

7 minutes read

shahennews

A much anticipated event on the Jordanian music scene, the Amman Jazz Festival returns this year against all odds, challenging the circumstances and showcasing online 20 bands from Jordan to the world.

The Festivals’ 9th edition combines two music festivals: Amman Jazz Festival and its side event Musiqa 3al Daraj, expanding the genre from jazz to include alternative and indie music ranging from experimental to pop. The Festival is the first major independent music event to be held since the start of the corona-virus pandemic.

Filmed on the rooftops of the MMAG Foundation in Amman, the breathtaking views and surrounding ancient houses of the old city will be animated with music to merge with the city’s soundscape and create a new symphony of sounds and music to the backdrop of the stunning historical sites of the Amman Citadel. For seven days, the Amman Jazz Festival and Musiqa 3al Daraj have been defying all challenges, playing until curfew hours in order to make this Local Edition a magical reality.

A total of 20 shows involving 77 artists will be streamed for free on YouTube between the 5th and 10th of November. Being a major event in Jordan and shedding a light on jazz, the Festival is set to transmit the heritage and character of Amman to the world.

“The decision to go on with the festival is a sign of confidence and a move to strengthen the Jordanian music scene. Especially during these difficult times, we realized the importance of music for our own well-being and for bringing people together, even if only online. So we consider it as our responsibility to support the artists who have been hit especially hard as a result of the pandemic.”

Quote by the Organizers

The bands featured in this year’s edition will include eclectic jazz and soul vocalist Jackie Salzinger, the powerful voices of the 12 member Jordanian Female Artist Collective, esteemed composer and guitarist Khaled Tawfiq with his Scandinavian, Latin and Arabic flavored melodies, Armenian – Jordanian duduk player and composer Hrag Mouradian, Dirty Chords with their funk and deep grooves, Jurf’s Gentlemen introducing their debut Haleem Sinatra Project, Ramz Sahuri in Arabic Jazz, the popular Guitanai, the talented Octave band in folk-rock tunes, and many more.

______________________________________________________________________

Amman Jazz Festival is produced by OrangeRed, the side event, Musiqa 3al Daraj, is co-produced by the Goethe-Institut Jordan.

Funders and partners:

Funded by the European Union, The European Union National Institutes for Culture (EUNIC), Goethe Institut Jordan, and Institut Francais. Strategic Partners: The Greater Amman Municipality, MMAG Foundation. Official Radios: Bliss 104.3, Hala FM. Official TV: Roya TV.

______________________________________________________________________

Hrag Mouradian | Ponchik

A fusion project of Armenian folk songs in reimagined jazz and funk arrangements, delivering a fresh sound that remains true to Armenian tradition, and the oriental spirit of the duduk. “Ponchik” is a project by Hrag Mouradian, an Armenian duduk player with regional attendance. The performing and recording artist is devoted to spreading the sound and cultural identity of the duduk, while constantly exploring its beauty in various musical possibilities and projects.

Omar Shukri

Omar Shukri is a Jordanian/Lebanese singer who has made his mark in the local music scene, since returning to Jordan in 2015. He played with the University of Edinburgh Jazz Orchestra while studying in Scotland, and gained an extensive musical background in jazz and its subgenres. Since then, he has commenced his live music project, presenting an energetic jazz fusion variety show. Look out for jazzy twists on popular music; song melodies of different eras, with elements of eclectic genres like jazz, blues, funk, reggae and swing.

Omar Shukri: Vocal | Helmi Fanni: Guitar | Andy Fuentes: Trumpet | Monther Jaber: Bass | Ali Fanni: Drums

Jurf’s Gentlemen

Jurf Gentlemen’s debut mashup project, themed “Halim-Sinatra”, brings a modern cross-cultural twist, inspired by oldies giants Abdulhaleem Hafiz and Frank Sinatra among others. Expect to hear blends of classical piano, oriental oud, saxophone, trumpet, bass-guitar, and drums, together with soulful western and sensational eastern vocals – wrapped into one special project, delivered by gentlemen who are set to reawaken the sheen of some golden oldies!

Fun-fact: brothers Yazan Jurf and Omar Jurf grew up in one artistic home 10 years apart; Yazan (arranger, composer & Arabic lead singer) is inspired by Abdulhaleem Hafiz, and Omar (English lead-singer), a huge fan of Frank Sinatra – leading to the birth of the “Halim-Sinatra” project.

Kateryna Krasova – Ukraine/Jordan

Born to a family of musicians, Krasova became a professional singer and obtained her BA from the Music Academy in Ukraine, receiving numerous international awards for her exceptional vocal techniques. She has participated in several festivals around the world, and has been living in Jordan since 2005; currently a vocalist teacher at Mashrek International School. Expect to enjoy many classical jazz standards at her show.

Katia Krasova: Vocals | Helmi Fanni: Guitar | Monther Jaber: Bass | Andy Fuentes: Trumpet | Ali Fanni: Drums

Khaled Tawfiq Ensemble | ALMAS

Jordanian guitarist and composer, Khaled Tawfiq, presents ALMAS – which means souls – a project which brings music from Chile, Spain, Canada, and Sweden, together with great Jordanian musicians. A freestyle of diversity and heritage, united by musicians from different parts of the world, joined to share their souls, their ALMAS. “Music might sound different in different parts of the world, but at its core is the experience of being human”. The unique character of Khaled Tawfiq’s music stems from a mixture of nostalgic flamenco sense and the spirituality of oriental tunes; a celebration of diversity and unity of music at once, shifting between soothing and energetic dynamics.

Dirty Chords

Riding on the wave of 70s inspired fusions, such as the likes of George Duke, Miles Davis, and Chick Corea, Dirty Chords make their debut at Amman Jazz Festival 2020, with originals of deep grooves and funky improvised lines.

Omar Farouki: Piano/Epiano | Feras Arrabi: Guitar | Ibrahim Khreis: Bass | Oday Homsy: Drums

JFAC

The Jordanian Female Artist Collective (JFAC) put their powerful voice at the forefront of their musical performances. The 12 piece band brings versatile musical renditions of their unique take on jazz and other genres to the audiences, while being a powerhouse for musical exchanges, whether through music, lyrics or music theory. Nurturing creative collaboration and conversations is at the heart of their music. Jordanian music scene expert Mais Sahli sparked this collaborative project in 2019, bringing the enchanting voices of women to the heart of the stage and musical projects.

JFAC Members:

Thanks to Nasir Bashir: Music Arrangement & Production for Amman Jazz Festival 2020.

Artists (Musiqa 3al Daraj)

Guitanai

Festive Arabic pop and folk band, with diverse music backgrounds – together for 15 years. Known for their upbeat and contagious positive vibes; expect popular reimagined covers, plus the band’s originals!

Firas Farhoud: Singer/Songwriter/Bass | Laith Suliman: Nai | Ehab AlRashdan: Singer/Guitarist | Oday Homsy: Drums/Back Vocal

https://www.facebook.com/guitanai/videos/380388872960758/?vh=e&extid=yrTb7oOy0aIORd1y&d=w

Hosam Omran and Ibrahim Najada

Two musicians’ projects merged into one; Hosam Omran and Ibrahim Najada return for their second act at Amman Jazz Festival 2020. Expect to hear Arabic folk-inspired original songs (by singer-songwriter Omran), and experimental electro vibes (by multi-instrumentalist and producer Ibrahim Najada) at this show!

Hosam Omran: Singer-songwriter | Ibrahim Najada: Producer / Guitarist/ Synths & Keys Player

Videos links

https://soundcloud.com/hosam-omran – https://www.instagram.com/therealomran – https://bandcamp.com/omran – https://soundcloud.com/ibrahimnajada – https://www.instagram.com/IbrahimNajada/ – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzYeqEZX6vrJ4_P1YH7iueA

Jackie Salzinger

Based in Amman, American vocalist Jackie Salzinger brings repertoire that extends through jazz, RnB, soul, and pop. While she’s been recognised for her “old-school” sound, she also enjoys singing contemporary fusions (think Amy Winehouse, Jill Scott…), just as much as the classics (Ella Fitzgerald, Anita O’Day…). She has previously performed in Amman with Jeem Jazz Band, and is also a solo artist, accompanying herself on the guitar.

Mira’s Jazz Quartet

Mira’s Jazz Quartet is a cover band that plays jazzy versions of Arabic and international oldies and popular songs, from standard Jazz to Funk-Jazz to Latin-Jazz. Expect recharged nostalgia from this quartet!

Mira Habash: Vocals | Hrag Mouradian: Drums | Ibrahim Nawas: Guitar | Hanna Franjieh: Piano

Octave Band

Octave is an “Arabic folk rock” band from Irbid. They enliven old traditional songs from the Sahel Horan region with contemporary rock sounds, mixing rock elements mixed with traditional instruments. Expect a rock show of heritage!

Ahmad Silawi: Air Instruments and Lead Singer | Amjad Al-Mestarihy: Lead Guitar | Amr Abk: Solo Guitar | Moayad Tahtamony: Bass Guitar | Nael Silawi: Drums

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=651085685507425&extid=59SWfTRFZR1VCxAw https://www.facebook.com/spacebyyouth/videos/645060149668840/?t=0

https://www.instagram.com/octavestudiooffice/

Hijazz

“Hijazz” music project presents a special journey that combines the classical Arabic “Tarab” singing style with Jazz, interweaving the beautiful formation of bossa nova with jazz and swing among other musical styles. Look out for a special sound blend with one of the leaders of Jazz in Jordan – pianist/ composer Hazem Baidoun, joined by a host of professional artists; Abdel Halim Al Khatib on Qanun, Awad Awad on percusion, and Ramz Sahouri singing.

Ramz Sahuri: Vocals | Hazem Baidoun: Piano | Abdel Halim Al Khatib: Qanun | Awad Awad: Percussion.

Tayaran

Formed in 2019, Tayaran is an independent band from Jordan with Mediterranean character – a fusion of oriental melodies and international harmonies. Tayaran presents original songs that express real heart and life matters, composed and arranged by its band members.

Adel Mustafa: Singer & Songwriter/ Guitar/ Oud/ Saz | Fathi Hamadneh: Producer/ Songwriter/ Guitar/ Bass | Guest Musicians: Raed Khader: Keys and Piano &| Ali Fanni: Drummer

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxTbLljEJ5ZivdLItZ7k8qg

Rawan Roshni Originals

Live performance of the singer-songwriter’s original, experimental bilingual songs, combining live instrumentals and mapped electronic elements. Joined by multi-instrumentalist and producer Pess Music, the musicians co-create soundscapes that reflect Rawan’s fusion of east and west. With Hasan Qayet on electric bass and Amjad Al-Saifi on violin enriching the dynamics, the show becomes an unexpected journey through timbers, languages, themes and emotional waves.

Rawan Roshni: Singer-songwriter | Pess Music: Oud, Keys and Guitar | Amjad Al Saifi: Violin | Hasan Qayet: Bass

7 minutes read