Jazz Weekender - Third Edition - 2024

Hailing from just outside of Melbourne, Australia. Surprise Chef’s music is based on evoking mood; their vivid arrangements utilize time and space to build soundscapes that invite the listener into their world. The quintet’s distinct sound pulls from 70s film scores, the funkier side of jazz, and the samples that form the foundation of hip hop. They push the boundaries of instrumental soul and funk with their own approach honed by countless hours in the studio, studying the masters, and perhaps most importantly, the ‘tyranny of distance’ that dictates a unique perspective to their music.

A contemporary soul singer with a powerful voice and expressive skills refined in New York, this artist blends a modern taste distinct from a laid-back style yet deeply rooted in history. Born in Japan and having moved to New York alone, Nao’s encounter with soul music led to a pivotal moment where her heart synchronized with the Sam Cooke classic, inspiring her to create music that resonates deeply with people’s emotions. Despite being Japanese, she has a soulful voice reminiscent of Aretha Franklin and Whitney Houston, combined with a strength of character forged through life experiences as an outsider and overcoming adversities. Nao’s impressive live vocal performances have achieved over 3.8 million views on a now-viral YouTube video. She has performed solo at prestigious venues like Blue Note New York and London Jazz Cafe. She has participated in major festivals like the Java Jazz Festival in Asia and the Capital Jazz Fest in the USA, making a mark internationally. Nao is the first Japanese artist to reach the 32nd spot on the Billboard UAC chart. Her collaborations with veteran artists like John Batiste, Nathan East, Eric Roberson, and Mamas Gun have garnered strong support, and she’s also worked with rising artists like Devin Morrison and Blue Lab Beats. In 2024, the release of her highly anticipated 5th album and a world tour are eagerly awaited. Nao Yoshioka continues to rise as a star in the soul music scene, embracing connections and inspiring positive change through her humble and heartfelt musical expressions.

When you first hear Thee Marloes, their particular soul sound may seem familiar enough. There are the weighty drums, a crooning guitar, and a beautiful voice singing about unrequited love or the complications of relationships. But then there is something undeniably different about Thee Marloes and their music, something new and distinct. And while you may be acquainted with soul music, you’ve probably never heard it from Surabaya, Indonesia—the place Thee Marloes call home. An authentic voice blending an Indonesian vibe with the universal appeal of soul, jazz, and pop ensures that no matter what language you speak or culture you come from, the charming energy of Thee Marloes music will have you singing and humming along to their tunes long after they first strike your ears.

NNAVY is a Swiss singer-songwriter who has captured the hearts of audiences with her soulful and emotive voice. Her debut EP "Blue" and follow-up "In Good Company" showcase her unique and personal style, which blends R&B, soul, and jazz influences. She has played at prestigious festivals such as the Montreux Jazz Festival and Jazz à Vienne, and has opened for established acts like Lionel Richie, Arlo Parks, Alfa Mist, November Ultra, and Ben l'Oncle Soul. Her powerful and emotive stage presence has captivated audiences, leaving them spellbound. With over 20 million streams on Spotify, NNAVY's music has found a devoted following worldwide. Her new EP, "CLOSER," was created in Nairobi at a songwriting camp organized by Spotify Africa & COLORSxSTUDIOS. With her powerful voice, she continues to establish herself as one of the most exciting and promising new artists in the Soul/R&B music scene.

Zeitgeist Freedom Energy Exchange is the meeting point of improvisation and dance music. Headed up by drummer Ziggy Zeitgeist, a staple of the Australian music scene, most prominently touring and recording with Melbourne Nu-Soul/ future-jazz collective ‘30/70’. Ziggy’s music has already been championed across the breadth of the jazz and dance world, with support from the likes of Gilles Peterson, Byron the Aquarius and Alexander Nut just to name a few. Z*F*E*X is the synthesis of dance music in human form. A live band experience humanizing the extended DJ set. Heavily influenced by club culture and transcendent psychedelic expériences - Z*F*E*X is a continuous odyssey of sound, where synths intertwine with Flutes, Jazz drums are played with the raw energy of classic broken beat records, and natures call and the response is mimicked in musical form.

An audio approximation of the Emirates’ cluttered cosmopolitanism and contemporary, borderless ethos. Made up of three players, drawn from different cultural and musical backgrounds, the instrumental trio bravely embody, and certainly enliven, the hackneyed idea of East/West musical fusions. Up front is the sound of the oud, the most typical international marker of all things Middle Eastern. But sonically framed by electric bass and drums – and freed by the improvisatory impulses of jazz – NOON’s collective sound is distinctly global. Shades of funk groove, African and Indian percussive rhythms and electronic effects pepper this sonic stew. The effect is a little like a proggy, jazz-rock power trio, only with an oud where the electric guitar is supposed to be. They call it “experimental Oriental” – a knowingly exotic abstraction, for sure, but of the very best kind.

Saskia Laroo is a Dutch composer, performer, bandleader, and producer with a career spanning over 3 decades. She is known for her virtuosic trumpet playing and her innovative music, which blends elements of jazz, funk, hip hop, soul, blues, electronic dance music, and world music. Laroo is a multi-instrumentalist, playing alto saxophone, upright bass in addition to being a profound vocalist. Laroo's music is known for its energy, groove, and improvisational flair. She is a virtuosic musician with a deep understanding of jazz tradition while remaining unafraid to experiment and push the boundaries of the genre.

daoud is a trumpet player, record producer, mixer, songwriter, composer. After a decade of accompanying, composing and writing for others, daoud decided to go his own way. daoud has forged a reputation as the ‘ugly duckling’ of a new scene blending jazz with hip-hop, r'n'b and electronic influences. The Franco-Moroccan trumpeter draws on absurdism and a sense of inadequacy to create compositions that are sure to upset purists. Winners of the Jazz ConneXion 2022 springboard competition, the group has already performed at a few renowned music festivals and legendary venues in France and abroad.

Syncopation is India's premier Jazz band conceptualizing various facets Jazz Music ranging from traditional contemporary,fusion funk. Founded In 2009, the band plays an eclectic mix of Modern Jazz Blended With Elements Of Funk, swing and bebop.

Sol Sundae is a vibrant multi-genre music project from India that started during the 2020 lockdown. With a mission to unite musicians as one creative family, they blend soul, R&B, hip-hop, reggae, and African-American gospel music.Sol Sundae showcases some of Delhi's finest young jazz musicians, who are leading the charge in the city's jazz scene. Their innovative approach and fresh talent are driving the future of jazz in Delhi, making Sol Sundae a standout project in the local music landscape.

A pillaring institution for the new generation of jazz artists in India, Global Music Institute has produced the most recognisable names for the genre in the country. For Jazz Weekender, GMI handpicks an ensemble to bring their best to Jazz Weekender.