Preview: The Amersfoort Jazz Festival

A jazz festival in Europe is different from one almost anywhere else in the world. Here in Amersfoort in the exact geographical center of The Netherlands, the Amersfoort Jazz Festival is to commence later tonight at several stages in different parts of this quaint, medieval town of Amersfoort. This town has maintained its original architecture, town layout, canals and town squares for the past few centuries and superimposed modern facilities and technology into its framework to make it a contemporary town in an ancient setting.

The jazz stages are located in an open amphitheater, smoky nightclubs, a patio of a restaurant, a theatre and in an informal hall abutting a bar. This diversity of locale is matched by the diversity in the music to be featured. On the music menu, we have big bands playing Latin, Caribbean and Cuban jazz, a Flamenco jazz band, a gypsy jazz band, a session with several members of an all-ladies band, several vocalists, jazz meets classical music, a session of jazz with strings, a Dutch hip-hop band to name just some of the few of the musical acts over the next five days. A total of 350 musicians from diverse backgrounds and countries will be performing here.

There is an air of anticipation in this town and one has the feeling that a party-like atmosphere will prevail with audiences who will be spoiled for choices at any time on any given day of this festival. The availability of food and a vast choice of drink during the festival is sure to enhance the overall enjoyment of the jazz.

The collaboration across countries associated with World Jazz will bring together organizers from Sicily, South Africa, India, Thailand and other countries. We will review each day of the festival as well as discover the thread that has united groups from so many regions and stay abreast of the unique concept of World Jazz in general and of the music featured in particular.

Sunil Sampat is a jazz critic and Contributing Editor of Rolling Stone India. Write to Sunil at jazzwala@gmail.com