Dutch singer and Jazziam bandmates get back to basics for an intimate record all about connection
 | JAZZIAM, the international jazz band led by Dutch singer Athalie de Koning, will launch its debut album, Close, on March 30 at VOGUE Lounge, Bangkok. Celebrating the band’s immense journey since forming three years ago – including a successful European tour in 2015 and many shows around the world – the album is a celebration of all things vintage (and it was fittingly recorded at Vintage Studios in Bangkok). |
The original songs, written by Athalie and recorded with an authentic 1930s microphone, hark back to a time when records did not use auto tune or special effects. Each note reflects the raw talent of the musicians, whether it be the lilting melodies of pianist Paul Bebington, the resonating notes of Jadesada Kulphaisal on double bass, or the energetic rhythms of drummer Sarun “Nu” Ganyl. What you hear is what you get.
“Close is a concept album like no other,” says Athalie. “Every detail, from the sound choices to the visual art, is about connecting with one another in a real, unedited experience. Many bands nowadays use auto tune, pitching, and other digital tools in order to produce a commercial sound that reaches nearly robotic proportions. While this may result in a catchy tune or a quick hit song, it fails to convey the vulnerability of an authentic performance.
“The fascinating thing about live jazz music is that it highlights the true skill of each player; it shows the person behind the music. Jazz musicians get their inspiration from the world around them and often play much more interesting improvisations when there is a strong dynamic between the audience and the band.”
“Close is a concept album like no other,” says Athalie. “Every detail, from the sound choices to the visual art, is about connecting with one another in a real, unedited experience. Many bands nowadays use auto tune, pitching, and other digital tools in order to produce a commercial sound that reaches nearly robotic proportions. While this may result in a catchy tune or a quick hit song, it fails to convey the vulnerability of an authentic performance.
“The fascinating thing about live jazz music is that it highlights the true skill of each player; it shows the person behind the music. Jazz musicians get their inspiration from the world around them and often play much more interesting improvisations when there is a strong dynamic between the audience and the band.”
With this debut album, Jazziam challenges the listener to use all their senses to experience the world up close, to bring back old memories and rediscover their surroundings. Every album comes with a mini ‘treasure bag’ containing small objects that represent different songs on the album. During live concerts, lead singer Athalie tells the story behind each of these objects.
“One example is the song ‘Wishing Time,’ with music by Paul and lyrics by me,” says Athalie. “It’s a tune about a lover who stands by a wishing well, ready to give up everything in order to be with the other person. ‘I’d spend not one coin, but a hundred-thousand / If it could buy me more time with you.’ The listener receives a small velvet bag containing a coin, so he or she can make their own wish.”
Athalie has been a fervent coin collector since age thirteen. By giving away something that has a very personal meaning to her, she wants to convey the pain of loss, the pain of missing something or someone you love dearly.
The song ‘One More’ tells a completely different tale. After an intense honeymoon period in which lovers keep begging for just one more moment together, most couples find themselves re-examining their relationship a few years in. “One more look / One more sigh / One more laugh to make the cynic in me cry” – a small magnifying glass in the treasure bag represents the depth of a mature relationship, the new perspective we gain when we see our lover up close with all their flaws exposed.
“Every person has a story, just like every song on the album,” says Athalie. “During the album’s launch the audience will have a chance to explore their own feelings by taking part in our special raffle, which has been carefully curated to offer prizes representing the five senses.
“Moreover, proceeds from the ticket sales will help to support budding Thai artist, Andy Somanas, who designed the album art for Close. On the night, each guest will receive an album with Andy’s uniquely crafted design, unveiled for the first time at VOGUE Lounge.”
Perhaps the most striking aspect of Close is its limited distribution: only listeners who have heard Jazziam live can acquire the album. In this way, the band hopes to preserve the authentic relationship with its fans, illustrating that for Jazziam, music means connection.
facebook.com/jazziaminfo, www.athaliedekoning.com, www.voguelounge.com
“One example is the song ‘Wishing Time,’ with music by Paul and lyrics by me,” says Athalie. “It’s a tune about a lover who stands by a wishing well, ready to give up everything in order to be with the other person. ‘I’d spend not one coin, but a hundred-thousand / If it could buy me more time with you.’ The listener receives a small velvet bag containing a coin, so he or she can make their own wish.”
Athalie has been a fervent coin collector since age thirteen. By giving away something that has a very personal meaning to her, she wants to convey the pain of loss, the pain of missing something or someone you love dearly.
The song ‘One More’ tells a completely different tale. After an intense honeymoon period in which lovers keep begging for just one more moment together, most couples find themselves re-examining their relationship a few years in. “One more look / One more sigh / One more laugh to make the cynic in me cry” – a small magnifying glass in the treasure bag represents the depth of a mature relationship, the new perspective we gain when we see our lover up close with all their flaws exposed.
“Every person has a story, just like every song on the album,” says Athalie. “During the album’s launch the audience will have a chance to explore their own feelings by taking part in our special raffle, which has been carefully curated to offer prizes representing the five senses.
“Moreover, proceeds from the ticket sales will help to support budding Thai artist, Andy Somanas, who designed the album art for Close. On the night, each guest will receive an album with Andy’s uniquely crafted design, unveiled for the first time at VOGUE Lounge.”
Perhaps the most striking aspect of Close is its limited distribution: only listeners who have heard Jazziam live can acquire the album. In this way, the band hopes to preserve the authentic relationship with its fans, illustrating that for Jazziam, music means connection.
facebook.com/jazziaminfo, www.athaliedekoning.com, www.voguelounge.com
