SinoSikat? opens the 10th International Java Jazz Fest in Indonesia
Kat Agarrado, the voice behind Filipino soul-jazz sensations SinoSikat?, is back in the thick of things after having a baby last October.
Today, Kat and band are flying to Indonesia to play the opening night of the 2014 International Java Jazz Festival happening in Indonesia from February 28 to March 2.
This year’s festival will also feature performances byJamie Cullum,James Taylor Quartet,Natalie Cole, TheShadow Puppets and Roy Ayers (who is also playing at the Malasimbo Music and Arts Festival scheduled this weekend in Puerto Galera, Mindoro), as well as upcoming Indonesian and other foreign jazz artists.
Won’t play jazz just to conform
Kat will be supported by Nikki Cabardo on keyboards, Karel Honasan on bass and Reli De Vera on drums.
In an exclusive interview with Yahoo Philippines Music, Kat says her group will be performing on behalf of the Philippine International Jazz Fest.
“We will play original compositions from our two albums. But I don’t think we will do jazz just to conform to the idea that we’re performing in a jazz festival,” she explains. “I’d like to believe the Java Jazz organizers heard something in our sound that piqued their jazz interest that led to the invitation.”
Not predictable
Adds keyboardist Cabardo, “When we play pieces from our albums, our treatment in live performances is different from the record. It all depends on the venue, the crowd, the vibe. We’re not a predictable, orchestrated band. Improvisation naturally happens. It’s probably one of the reasons we have received awards as best jazz band.”
The Java Jazz gig is the latest international exposure for Kat who fronted Kat’s Magic Express at the 2013 International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tennessee in the US enroute to a semi-finals finish. The Magic Express is Kat’s foray into the blues with guitarist Sammy Asuncion, bassist Louie Talan, drummer Vic Mercado and Wowee Posadas on keyboards.
Kat is grateful for the Memphis trip because it turned out to be a fun experience. It also paved the way for Kat to compose five original songs. The plan is to finally release an album for the Magic Express.
Live album in the works
This year, however, Kat is focusing her energies on SinoSikat?, which will release a a live album of old and new materials in response to the clamor of fans and fellow musicians outside of Metro Manila for the chance to hear the band’s blend of soul, funk, jazz and R&B.
The new album will also be a summing up of the leaps they have made since the band’s original incarnation in 2004.
SinoSikat? bassist Karel says, “With our debut in 2004, we had limited experience, Come our second album in 2009, we felt we finally captured the essential sound of the band. Looking forward to our third album this year, our music has definitely moved forward.
“Malayo na ang narating ng aming musika. Lalo na sa live setting. But it will still be unmistakably SinoSikat?”
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