Borneo Jazz finale draws 5000 crowd

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MIRI: The weather was good when an audience of more than 5,000 gathered for the finale of Borneo Jazz 2011 on Saturday night.

HIGH-ENERGYPERFORMER: Maria Muldaur entertaining the audience.

The festival running into its sixth year drew lovers of jazz music from Malaysia, Brunei, the peninsula and overseas.

A random survey conducted by The Borneo Post at the event that night revealed a large number in the audience who want Malaysian jazz queen Sheila Majid to perform in the next edition of Borneo Jazz.

A fan believed Sheila could attract more locals and Bruneians. She would stir interest in and awareness of jazz music among the people.

“I think it would be interesting if we could see Sheila Majid perform in this festival and I’m sure she will attract more people. I have never missed this festival and always wonder if she is among the performers,” she added.

“If they can invite famous jazz performers such as Maria Muldaur and John Hammond from US, why can’t the organiser invite Sheila. I believe most of her fans and jazz music lovers wish to hear her sing in this festival,” she added.

Muldaur and Hammond were the main performers in Borneo Jazz 2011 which concluded Saturday.

The other performers were SIU2 from China, State of Monc (Holland), Les Doigts De L’Homme (France), Yuichiro Tokuda’s Ralyzz Dig (Japan), Cunha E Piper (Brazil/Australia), Victor Yong and The Electric Carnival Band (Malaysia/Canada), Dhruv (India) and CQuence (Miri).

The audience was captivated by Muldaur’s energetic performance and powerful voice.

Grammy nominated Muldaur is best known for her seductive top 10 single ‘Midnight at the Oasis’. From her teen years as part of the folk revival of the sixties, to her recent ‘Bluesiana’ efforts, Maria has released more than 35 records which have been embraced by fans and critics alike.

She garnered many awards and accolades including a Grammy nomination in the Traditional Blues category for her 2005 release ‘Sweet Lovin’ Ol’ Soul’, a ‘Best Adult Alternative Album of The Year’ award by the National Association of Independent Record Distributors for 1992’s ‘Louisiana Love Call’ and many more.

Muldaur has spent more than 40 years interpreting just about every kind of American roots music from blues, jazz and R&B to folk, country and gospel.

Throughout her career, she has toured nationally and internationally, developing a loyal following of fans of all ages.