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KATHMANDU, Oct 31: The weeklong Jazz festival in the Himalaya, Surya Nepal Jazzmandu 2012, will commence on Thursday, November 1. The festival this year features seven international musicians and bands as well as five local bands and musicians.
Republica caught up with the headliners for Jazzmandu 2012 via email. Excerpts:
Tito Puente Jr, USA
Son of legendary mambo musician Tito Puente, Tito Puente Jr. carries his father with him, be it his looks, joy or his music.
Puente has become a favorite entertainer in casinos, at performing arts centers and jazz festivals nationwide. He is also a sought-after performer of many corporations, and in the spirit of giving back, he has participated in United Service Organization (USO) Tours, visiting and performing for troops in Japan, Korea, Spain, and Italy. His appearances at fundraising events for causes including the Jerry Lewis MD Telethon and Toys for Tots help generate thousands of dollars annually.
While in Nepal, Puente will also be visiting orphanages in Nepal supported by the Miami-based organization, Friends for Global Change.
Q&A with Tito Puente Jr
How would you define your music?
I play a mix of Latin and Jazz music. It can make you dance and also listen to the great arrangements.
What are your expectations from Jazzmandu 2012?
I’m expecting a great audience in Nepal. I believe the fans in Nepal know music and they are going to have a great response for good Latin Jazz music.
What drives your passion for music?
I surround myself with creative people, always. It drives my passion for this style of music and for this business.
Marlow Rosado, USA
Marlow Rosado has successfully written, played and produced hits in a variety of musical styles for some of the most renowned artists in Latin music. From salsa to rock, from merengue to hip-hop, from bachata to reggaeton, producer/composer/pianist Marlow Rosado has had his musical hand in all of it.
Q&A with Marlow Rosado
Tell us about your new album, Retro.
Retro is a time machine that takes us back to the great music of the 70’s FANIA era. I took some of the era’s top salsa tracks and re-recorded them in my very own unique style. I then approached the original singers and asked them to collaborate and they all agreed. I’ve invited guests such as Ismael Miranda, Bobby Cruz, Papo Lucca, Tony Vega, Tito Puente Jr. and many others. Retro is a collector’s item that should be in the musical library of every salsero.
You create and work with a variety of music styles. But which music genre is the closest to you, and why?
The genre which is closest to my heart is SALSA. I’m a salsero at heart and although I’ve produced all types of music, I’ll always produce salsa for me and my projects.
What expectations do you have from Jazzmandu 2012?
I’m extremely curious to see a city that’s so far geographically and culturally from mine dancing to and enjoying my music. I expect the city to give me its true vibes. I hope the weather is good so that I can visit as many places as time permits.
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