The guest artist at this year’s three concert 5th Hong Kong Summer Jazz Festival, organised by the Hong Kong Big Band Jazz Federation, is legendary saxophonist Bob Mintzer – who has been a member of grammy award wining band the Yellowjackets for over 30 years.
Also appearing is award winning composer and saxophonist Andy Scott who was part of Apollo Saxophone Quartet with festival Musical Director Jon Jon Rebbeck for 10 years in the 90s – during which time they commissioned a sax quartet from Bob Mintzer… Who later performed and recorded with Scott’s Sax Assault band. A Hong Kong version of Sax Assault featuring Mintzer, Scott, Rebbeck will perform at the festival’s second concert on the 8 June
The opening concert features Mintzer and Scott performing a selection of ‘crossover’ works with the City Chamber Orchestra of Hong Kong, which also incorporates a rhythm section of Yoyong Aquino, Sylvain Gagnon, Anthony Fernandez and Rebbeck.
The final concert features Bob with the Saturday Night Jazz Orchestra in a retrospective program, a chronological journey through Bob’s career featuring music of the bands he wrote for and performed with; Thad Jones, Mel Lewis, Buddy Rich, Jaco Pastorius and of course his own band.
As part of the festival Bob Mintzer and Andy Scott will host a Jazz Acadamy from 3-5th June at Hong Kong University which will include a variety of open rehearsals/workshops and masterclasses. On 6th June Andy Scott presents his popular ‘Sax Day’ in which the focus is a large saxophone orchestra, giving Hong Kong Saxophonists a unique ensemble experience. See the full schedule at details of how to participate at the festival website www.bbjf.org.hk
Festival Programme
3-5 June: Big Band Jazz Academy
6 June: Andy Scott’s Saxophone Day
7 June: City Strings Jazz – Bob Mintzer and Andy Scott with the City Chamber Orchestra of Hong Kong Strings
8 June: Sax Assault Hong Kong! a unique group of 9 saxophones and rhythm (Sopranino to Bass!) featuring Bob Mintzer
9 June: Big Band Avenue – 70s New York Jazz, The Saturday Night Jazz Orchestra with special guest Bob Mintzer
Hong Kong Summer Jazz Festival
Date: 3-9 June, 2015
Venue: HK City Hall
Tickets: $340, $260, $180 from URBTIX