Cao Zhen

caozhen0806@126.com

SPURRED by the success of last year’s festival, Shenzhen OCT-LOFT Culture Development Co. is hosting performances of internationally recognized jazz musicians at the 16-day festival for the second year in a row.

The festival, which commenced in the OCT-LOFT’s North Zone on Monday, features 30 bands from 18 countries, including the United States, the Netherlands, Denmark, Switzerland, France, Germany, Canada, Australia and Brazil. The schedule of performances can be seen on the festival’s Web site www.octloftjazz.com.

The most keenly anticipated bands and artists are Buzz Bros Band, Butterscotch, Laurent Robin & The Skyriders Project, Ntjam Rosie, Capitan Tifus and Blazin’ Quartet.

Ntjam Rosie blended Western and Africa rhythms topped with soul and jazz, and the distinctive, warm and soulful voice of the singer. “Her powerful voice and distinctive style create an astonishing set full of soul and energy,” said the jury of the Music Matters Award, which gained her the title of music ambassador in Rotterdam in 2010. During Dutch World Music Day she got MCN World Up! Award for the most promising talent.

Capitan Tifus is one of Argentina’s most promising bands. Their concerts are loaded with a unique energy combining ska, rock, and Balkan and Latin elements into a fusion of rhythms that leave audiences unable to resist getting up to dance.

According to planners Teng Fei and Tu Fei, there are more bands this year as well as a greater variety of styles. Some of the world’s leading jazz artists are among the performers.

This year’s workshops and lectures have been introduced to the festival. Musicians get to discuss the creative process and knowledge with the public face to face; audiences can hear distinguished music critics, composers and lyricists talk about jazz. But beware, the debate can get heated.

Zhang Han, deputy manager of Shenzhen OCT-LOFT Culture Development Co., said the ticket for each show is only 50 yuan. “We’re holding the event in an art space. We want more people to listen and understand art, so they would organize similar cultural activities every year,” said Zhang.