Blue Sea, Blue sky, spectacular scenery, cool breeze and great music all come together in the biggest musical event in Israel, which returns for the 18th time! August 23-26, 2004 Every year, at the end of August, an enormous group of people gathers from all over the country and the world, to take part in a celebration of life and music, and have an unforgettable experience together. With the spectacular backdrop of the red mountains of Edom on one side and the Red Sea on the other, The Red Sea Jazz Festival takes place once again this year celebrating it’s 18th anniversary – in the unique ambiance of the port of Eilat. In it’s 18 years of existence, Red Sea Jazz has led a revolution in the Israeli cultural scene, and has succeeded in bringing jazz music to the center of attention, not only by persistently bringing major international jazz musicians to perform in Eilat, but also by supplying Israeli jazz veterans, as well as promising young musicians who represent the future of Israeli jazz, with a stage and an audience of thousands of cheering music lovers. Some of these young artists went on to become welcome guests on stages all over the world and in renowned international festivals. Some even have cd’s released by international labels. The result is already visible every year the number of accomplished musicians who apply to take part in the festival grows, making the choice of the artistic committee even more difficult with each passing year. What distinguishes Red Sea Jazz from other events of its kind is the unique combination of great music, good food and drinks, breath-taking scenery and refreshing sea breeze, all comfortably squeezed together into 4 satisfying days. 36 concerts take place in 4 open-air stages created by huge containers, with tall cranes looming over. All of this is complemented by the many attractions of the world famous beach resort town, Eilat. The biggest challenge of the festival is to remain exciting and surprising after 18 years. In order to satisfy its ever growing audience, it persists in bringing them only the best of the international and local jazz scene, from the great jazz legends to the newest, most refreshing discoveries. One such discovery, performing twice in the festival this year, is The Bad Plus one of 2003 greatest breakthrough stories, which during the last year has already been electrifying crowds all over Europe and the US. Now it’s Israel’s turn! As the years go by, the regular crowd of the festival, initially consisting of hardcore jazz lovers, has grown considerably. In recent years the open-air halls of the festival are full of young people some of whom are even younger than the festival itself! arriving in Eilat with their backpacks, with the sole intention of celebrating the end of summer to the sounds of jazz. Aware of the high standards set by the festival in former years, the recently elected mayor of Eilat, Mr. Meir Itzhak Halevi, along with the producers of the Festival, Avi Ifrach and Dina Eldor, and The artistic director, Mr. Dan Gottfried, has embarked on the adventure of producing the 18th Red Sea Jazz festival.
After many months of research, an exciting program has emerged, bringing together „straight-ahead” jazz, vocal jazz, fusion, world music and other styles. Such artists as Eric Truffaz, with his influences of electronic music, Grammie award-winning Diane Shcuur, jazz legends Charlie Haden and John Scofield in a duo promising a once-in-a-lifetime experience (twice!), master of the saxophone Charles Lloyd, and others, have all proved, in their willingness to perform in the festival, that it deserves to be included in the list of „Top Ten International Jazz Festivals”. All these are the last in a long list of artists who have performed in the festival in the past. To name but a few: Chick Corea, Kurt Elling, Stephane Grapelli, Diana Krall, Kevin Mahogany, Brad Mehldau, Mingus Dynasty, James Moody, Michel Petrucianni, Dianne Reeves, Zawinul Syndicate, Patricia Barber, Michael Brecker, Regina Carter
and the list goes on and on
Following the success of former years, the festival once again hosts artists from the field of world music this year Hevia, the bagpipe player from Spain, whose passionate tunes are familiar to all, and Manu Dibango, one of the „fathers” of world music, whose music is an intoxicating combination of African music with jazz. Part of the special environment and the fun of spending long nights at the festival area, is created by „The Taste of Jazz” – a colorful food-fair which will delight the palettes of all with the excellent products of local chefs. As the evening draws to a close, the crowd is invited to enjoy an all-night jam session at the „Riviera” Hotel, around the pool. To complete the picture, some of the guest artists will hold master-classes at the „King Solomon” Hotel. For more information www.redseafestival.com
