Samui Jazz – on how it all began

Samui International Jazz Music Festival – on how it all began and introducing the artists of the 2010 Festival

(Interview with Mr. Alexander Beets, August, 2010)

The beginning
Alexander Beets, a reknown saxophone player from Holland initiated the Day of Dutch Jazz in the Netherlands (later known as the jazzday.nl).
This jazzday is a networking event for the entire dutch jazzscene with more than 1000 participants. It holds musicians, festivals organisers,
bookingsagents, record companies, copyright oganisations etc etc.

The Samui International Jazz Music Festival came to a close on September 30 with another spectacular display of Jazz from both the Thai and the International artists. The Main Stage at Chaweng Lake was packed to capacity as hundreds of jazz fans flocked to the last chance to listen to some amazing music.

Tropical jazz on Samui

Smooth jazz is best served with a cocktail on a hot, tropical night. That is the concept of the Koh Samui International Jazz Music Festival, and the winning formula worked this year once again.

Over 100 international and local artists were in the Gulf of Thailand recently to showcase their saxophones, trumpets, and most importantly, their rhythm and soul. The 2010 International Jazz Music Festival welcomed musicians from all over Europe and the United States, particularly with a large group of talent from the Netherlands. Led by jazz-saxophonist Alexander Beets, who has performed over 2000 concerts worldwide, the Dutch musicians shared their talent and love with the Samui audience, playing soulful classics and also instrumental contemplations. Beets kicked off the festival on the Chaweng main stage with energy and flavour. His cover of Summertime with singer Eline Gemerts left the perfect taste in the humid air.