A fortnight of toe-tapping jazz has reached a crescendo and the main event is finally here.
The Brand New Heavies, David Gray and James Morrison headline three nights, starting tonight, at the eighth edition of the Skywards Dubai International Jazz Festival.
But just as the anticipation has slowly built for these three big nights, organisers will keep you waiting just a bit longer each night before the headliners bring the house down.
But while you wait, there'll be jazz support provided by some of the best names in the business.
Supporting the Brand New Heavies tonight are U-Nam, 39, a French guitarist from Paris, Oud player Charbel Rouhana, 44, from Lebanon and the James Taylor Quartet (JTQ), one of the most popular touring bands in the UK.
David Gray tomorrow is supported by Attila Molnar (Attila the Hun to his mates), 39, a Hungarian solo pianist living in the US, Jane Monheit, an American jazz vocalist who wishes she had a nickname, and Lao Tizer, 31, also from the US, with his band.
The run up to James Morrison on Friday night welcomes American saxophonist Marion Meadows, Laura Izibor and 30-year-old Brett Dennen (BD, B-Boy, Bubba or Boss to his friends) from the US.
tabloid! put the supporting artists through their paces with some questions ahead of the concerts.
Describe your music in a sentence.
U-Nam: A soulful, unexpected, refreshing mix of jazz, soul, funk, pop and R&B.
JTQ: Instrumental organ jazz funk.
Rouhana: My music is my life.
Molnar: Very melodic and soulful, funky with Latin flavour.
Monheit: My music is classic jazz, with Brazilian and traditional pop influences.
Tizer: All original world/jazz/fusion.
Meadows: Very eclectic with an emphasis on the groove.
Dennen: Upbeat Californian singer, songwriter pop.
Do you play instruments or have band accompaniment?
U-Nam: My main instrument is the guitar, but I also play bass and keyboards. I have a band with me.
JTQ: I play the Hammond organ, and I also have a band.
Rouhana: I play oud, and my band is composed of keyboards, electric bass, drums, percussion, violin and sax.
Molnar: I'm a keyboard player with a backing band.
Monheit: I do play instruments, but not professionally. I have an incredible trio — Michael Kanan on piano, Neal Miner on bass, and Rick Montalbano on drums.
Tizer: I play keyboards and have a four-piece band for the jazz fest.
Meadows: I am a saxophonist and I have a touring band.
Dennen: I play guitar and have a full band backing me up.
Why should people catch your show?
U-Nam: Well, I will say, a lot of energy, excitement and emotions on stage. Trying to touch people's souls.
JTQ: For some genuine excitement.
Rouhana: Well, based on my experience, I think our show will appeal to anyone interested in oriental moods presented in untraditional ways.
Molnar: Because they'll hear beautiful music that speaks to the heart and soul.
Monheit: To hear some really swinging and truthful music. Our playing is incredibly sincere, and we take a lot of joy in what we do.
Tizer: It's a unique and entertaining live performance with an all-star line-up of musicians.
Meadows: I would love for people to come out to my show and share a spiritual moment with me.
Dennen: It will make them feel good.
Your best memory in the business?
U-Nam: Wow, so many. I would say showing George [Benson] my double page on the '09 US Ibanez guitars catalogue in which he too featured.
JTQ: Just many beautiful performances around the world over 25 years.
Rouhana: My best memories date back to my beginnings in the field, in addition to many funny incidents with my musicians.
Molnar: Meeting my favourite players, becoming friends and then recording my album with them.
Monheit: Playing with Ivan Lins. Always.
Tizer: Wow. Tough question. I'd say the opportunity to travel internationally and share our music with people around the world is what I enjoy most at this time. We've just returned from Barbados Jazz Festival and I must say it was a thrill to meet Babyface and know he watched us.
Meadows: My most memorable moment was back in New York City when one night, while in the great Grand Central Station, I took my horn out and played. The sound was so incredible a gentlemen walking through the station walked up to me and gave me his card. He was music producer and worked with the famous pianist Bob James.
Dennen: Flying to Dubai.
Don' t miss it
Tickets for the Skywards Dubai International Jazz Festival are available at www.dubaijazzfest.com
