The second edition of “Bangkok Jazz Night by the River” kicked off at Santichaiprakarn Park, Phra Arthit Road on Friday night the 25th December 2015. It featured well-known jazz musicians from around the world and Thailand’s leading jazz bands and singers.
One of the main acts during opening night Friday was Swedish smooth jazz artist Jonathan Fritzén. The keyboardist released his fifth album earlier this year and single “Fritzenized” became number one on the Billboard jazz list.
This is fourth time Fritzén perform in Thailand. Last time was during the opening of IKEA in Bangkok.
“It is great to be back in Bangkok,” Fritzén said before his performance Friday night.
“At first it was difficult with the language barrier between me and the Thai musicians but when we are playing together it is just so inspiring. There are a lot of talent here. The Thais are so friendly and welcoming. It is an honour to be here again.”
After Fritzéns first album was released one of Thailand’s important jazz personalities, Vichart Jirathiyut, invited him to perform to Thailand. It was a success and the cooperation continued. The Thailand concert back then was the first international performance for the Swedish artist.
Fritzéns wife Camilla Lundstedt is a singer she also performed during Friday. Back in Sweden she has her band “Fröken Elvis”. The all women band do Swedish versions of famous Elvis songs.
With him on stage he had one of the biggest jazz performers in Thailand, Koh Mr Saxman. They have also recorded the “vibrations” together a few years back.
The duo will perform at Chiang Mai Jazz Festival Saturday before they return Bangkok on Monday 28 December 2015 for the “10th Anniversary Hitman Jazz Party at the Retro Live Café at Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre.
© Dennis Thern
