Jazz Musicians

A gallery of photographs of jazz musicians who work and live in Singapore, or who have performed here.

All photographs were taken during live performances using available light only (except photo of Mr Victor Gaskin).

JOHNNY JAMES from Florida, USA, now living in Singapore is a jazz artist and entertainer who plays saxophone and flute. He’s also a composer, arranger and producer.

ERNIE WATTS playing with the Jeremy Monteiro Big Band at the Ink Bar.

JAMES MORRISON on trumpet at the Sultan Jazz Club on Oct 28th. 2012. As usual, he played several instruments; on this occasion, just four! He was accompanied by Wei Xiang (p), Christy Smith (b), Rick Smith (g) and Eddie Layman (d).

BRIAN BENSON is considered by many to be one of the finest exponents of the double bassist working in Asia. He is also a composer.

Jazz legend TOOTS THIELEMANS at a rehearsal for a concert with Jeremy Monteiro. Lion Studio, Singapore.

TOOTS THIELEMANS is considered one of the greatest harmonica players of the 20th century. He also renowned for his guitar and whistling.

Singapore’s King of Swing, JEREMY MONTEIRO is a Cultural Medallion recipient and Professor of Jazz at LASALLE College of the Arts.

LEE Soon Young, bassist with SONG Young Joo Trio. (2013)

LEE Soon Young (2)

Saxophonist BART VAN LIER together with Brian Benson performing at the Ink Club Bar.

LEROY JONES is a jazz trumpeter from New Orleans who was formerly with Harry Connick, Jr’s big band. Today, he has his own band, the Leroy Jones Quintet. Seen here performing at The Bar, Regent Hotel.

AYA SEKINE. 2012.

DON GOMES is one of the finest jazz pianist in Asia. He is in demand across Australia and Asia as a pianist, arranger, musical director, performer and composer.

JAMES MORRISON on trombone at the Sultan Jazz Club on Oct 28th. 2012. As usual, he played several instruments; on this occasion, just four! He was accompanied by Wei Xiang (p), Christy Smith (b), Rick Smith (g) and Eddie Layman (d).

JAMES MORRISON on piano at the Sultan Jazz Club on Oct 28th. 2012. As usual, he played several instruments; on this occasion, just four! He was accompanied by Wei Xiang (p), Christy Smith (b), Rick Smith (g) and Eddie Layman (d).

JAMES MORRISON with his saxophone at the Sultan Jazz Club on Oct 28th. 2012. As usual, he played several instruments; on this occasion, just four!

Double bassist VICTOR GASKIN. Born in the Bronx, New York, Mr Gaskin lived and worked in Singapore for many years. He was a member of Cannonball Adderley’s groups, and recorded with Duke Ellington, among others. Photographed here at the Regent Bar, Singapore, playing as part of the Don Gomes Trio (piano) with Tama Goh (drums). 14 Sept. 2007

RICK SMITH is a stalwart of the jazz scene in Singapore. He was guitarist & band leader at Harry’s Quayside Bar from 1992 to 2010.

Malaysian pianist and singer DAVID GOMES (no relation to Don Gomes) is renowned for his sensitive musical arrangements and mellifluous voice.

JOHNNY JAMES, better known as “Dr. J”, has appeared with top Rap, Hip-Hop and Jazz ensembles and many of today’s contemporary artists.

Australian TIMOTHY O’DWYER is a saxophonist, composer and currently Head of the School of Contemporary Music at LASALLE College.

Jazz drummer HONG CHANUTR TECHATANANAN from Thailand seen here rehearsing for The Asian Jazz All-Stars Power Quartet at The Esplanade, Singapore. Line up included Jeremy Monterio (band leader/organ), Tots Tolentino (sax), Eugene Pao (guitar) and Rani Singam (vocals).

GABRIEL MARK HASSLEBACH is one of Canada’s most well-known jazz musicians, and winner of the JUNO Award (Canadian equivalent to a Grammy). Seen here performing in Singapore, 2010.

Henry Lowther is one of Britain’s finest jazz musician and renowned for total free improvisation. In the 60s, Henry also worked on the rock scene with Manfred Mann and John Mayall. He’s recorded with Bing Crosby, George Harrison, Elton John, Henry Mancini, Paul McCartney, Van Morrison, Simon Rattle, Nelson Riddle; and more recently, Billy Cobham. Seen here performing at INK Club Bar, 2010.

CHRISTY SMITH. Born in California, USA, he is been living in Singapore since 1993, where he’s become a stalwart of the jazz scene. Seen here performing at Club l’Opera, 2012.