The Paradise Festival heads back to its birth place this month as jazz sounds will soon be echoing across the hills of Pomos. Although moving back to its original location, a surprise for fans this year is the change of dates, with the event moved forward to July and kicking off this coming Friday instead of the usual September rendezvous.
Last year, Paradise organisers brought over great performers from abroad including names like Julia Biel, Thomas Clausen and Oriole Brazil. These efforts were coupled with a move to Ayios Andronikos Park in Polis Chrysohous in an attempt to make the jazz festival bigger and better than ever before.
With the festival dedicated to Cypriot musicians this time round, the three days of the event will boast performances that give local talents the chance to make waves with their music. “A few years ago jazz was practically non-existent in Cyprus as most musicians were forced to stay abroad to pursue a career. Things are changing and it's our role to support these performers and push them even further" Socratis says. “I've picked some of the best local bands to come and play here. It will be a meeting place like no other".
The festival will begin this Friday with the Trio Smiles group playing Latin jazz coupled with the powerful vocals of Portugese singer, Magda Mendes, who stole the hearts of crowds last year. Sit back and relax as they take you on a trip from the Fado of Portugal to the Latin and Salsa sounds of Brazil. “A lot of people misunderstand jazz and dismiss the genre thinking it's not for them. But that's where they are often wrong" Socratis says. “You may not choose to listen to jazz at home but seeing it live is a whole new experience as the musicians are keen to take you with them on a journey to new places. I see locals from the villages around here who come to listen to the music and they are in awe of what they see on stage".
Saturday evening will be all about classic jazz with a group of musicians who are currently pushing the boundaries of the scene here in Cyprus. Loved by locals from across the island, we're talking about none other than Irinaeos Kollouras playing acoustic bass, George Koulas on drums and George Krasides on sax and clarinet, backed up by the spectacular voice of Elizabeth Simonian. Jetting in from abroad to join the group is acoustic guitarist Ofer Ganor, who played at the festival four years back.
Sunday will be dedicated to more experimental music as Tat-Tnabar give it all they've got on stage. With five professional performers mixing theatrical dance and music, the percussion team got together in 2000 with the aim of moving beyond the use of standard instruments as they make the most of household utensils and everyday appliances to create fascinating sounds. The three-day musical celebration will draw to a close on Sunday evening with the Andreas Georgiou Ethnic Jazz Trio.
“We've tried to include a bit of everything for all tastes" says Socratis. “But coming here isn't just about the music, it's also about the way the music fits in with the whole atmosphere of the place". All those of you who have driven along the stunning Pomos coastline are bound to know exactly what he's talking about. As for those who haven't, it may be time to make room for something a little different in your routine.
Paradise Place Festival
Three days of jazz music with local jazz bands along with guest artists from abroad.
July 25, 26 and 27.
Paradise Place, Pomos.
Tel 26 342537 and 99 516932.
For more information contact All About Jazz.
