ARTS COLUMN: CARIBBEAN SEA JAZZ FESTIVAL 2011

The Spirit of Jazz Washes Ashore on a Very Magical Island

By: Emmanuel Itier

October 9, 2011

(October 7-8, 2011 in Aruba) Thanks to maverick producer Erik Eman, Aruba has become one of the essential stops for any jazz and blues fan. Indeed, since its creation some five years ago, The Caribbean Sea Jazz Festival has welcomed more than one worldwide star, such as David Sanborn, Izaline Calister, and The Ploctones…and it’s not about to end. Proof again was the 2011 edition I attended. By the passion in the air and the electricity on the stage, one could tell that indeed, “You can’t stop the music,” ever!

This year, among others, the festival showcased two amazing women: Angie Stone, who melted our soul the first night of the Festival, and Candy Dulfer, who rocked the second night and put tears in our eyes (tears of happiness, that is!). This was such a fresh breath of air in a music world so often monopolized by men. Not that the men aren’t geniuses as well, and the wicked presence of magicians such as Raul Midón, Richard Bona, and Eddie Palmieri did indeed take possession of our souls in the heat of the night. But when watching and listening to Angie Stone and Candy Dulfer, your soul reaches Oneness and falls under the perfect spell of a music born from the rib of God!

Einstein wrote that, “Without music, life would be a mistake,” and one couldn’t agree more with him. I would add that, without music, Aruba wouldn’t be Aruba. Music is always in the air with the permanent swing of the wind battering the island, when it’s mixed with the notes of the genius jazz players, it elevates to another level of perfection. It’s also a delight to meet locals who embrace you as an equal and don’t look at you as an intrusive tourist. Having visited many Caribbean islands, it is a treat to be welcomed with such grace and with so many inviting smiles of peace and love. But for now, the 2011 edition of the Jazz Festival is over, even though the memories are sure stay tattooed on my soul. The soul is still making love to the Aruban sky, stretching my arms and heart wide open and taking off with the riff of melodies, and almost wanting to stay in that oblivious state of existence, where life makes total sense. But for now, I do wake up, open my eyes, and look into 2012 and the prospect of a return to the Festival, back to the music and the love of Jazz! This time, no excuse, join me and enter the dance! Don’t forget your sandals!