Dubai Int'l Jazz Festival '09: Jazz razzmatazz

A whole lot of cool jazz has gripped the city with the opening of the Dubai International Jazz Festival yesterday.

As many as 30 artists will perform in the first seven days of the fest. But the real action won't start until the last three days. That's when maestros from the contemporary jazz world like Spyro Gyra, Mike Stern, Jonathan Butler and David Koz, acid jazz act Incognito, folk-pop sensation James Blunt and American soul giant John Legend take centre stage.

Here's the low-down on some of these stars.

James Blunt

Four years ago, when British singer-songwriter James Blunt sang You're Beautiful, he touched the hearts of millions. Ironically, the song which reflected his last moments with his girlfriend became his piece de résistance. James's music style is a mix of pop and folk-rock. Most of his hits were inspired when he was serving in the army as part of the peace-keeping missions in Kosovo.
John Legend

American Grammy award-winning singer John Stephens aka John Legend has collaborated with some of the leading names in the music industry like Kanye West, Snoop Dogg, Jay-Z, Black Eyed Peas and Alicia Keys. Besides singing and writing songs, John is also a skilled pianist having played the keys for Lauryn Hill in Everything Is Everything. John is also reported to be working on an album with Michael Jackson.

Spyro Gyra

Any band that sells 10 million copies doesn't need an introduction. And masters of smooth-funk jazz Spyro Gyra are no exception. Their career took off in 1978 with the release of their self-titled album. But they became a force to reckon with after the release of Morning Dance the following year. Since then, saxophonist Jay Beckenstein, keyboardist Tom Schuman and their band have rarely taken a break from performances.

Mike Stern

Mike Stern has been astonishing music audiences with his electrifying guitar play for over three decades. Beginning his tenure with Blood, Sweat and Tears, the American guitarist came into his own when he joined Billy Cobham's fusion group in 1979. A couple of years later, his dream came true when one of the pioneers of modern jazz, Miles Davis, asked him to join his band alongside greats like Al Foster, Bill Evans and Marcus Miller.

Incognito

The British band are masters of acid jazz music. Their tunes are highly influenced by the music of the Seventies.

Jonathan Butler

Known for his melodic jazz playing, Grammy award-winning acoustic guitarist Jonathan Butler has played with Dave Koz and Patti Austin. The South Africa-raised musician's style has been inspired by the legendary George Benson. Dave Koz The American soprano saxophone player is a six-time Grammy award winner. He plays smooth jazz and has performed with artists such as Richard Marx and Luther Vandross.

Other stars

Some of the other performance highlights include pianist-singer Peter Cincotti, singer-songwriter Sarah Mitchell, jazz-soul singer Kelly Dickson, singer-guitarist Kaz Simmons, singer Liz Wright and a host of other international acts. Tickets are on sale at Virgin Megastores, Hallmark and Spinneys.