Spreading the sound of a joyful jazz

MANILA, Philippines - Celebrate the holidays with the distinctive joyful jazz of Maritess “Tess” Salientes, a Pinoy music talent returning to her roots after a 30-year hiatus. She headlines Tess, My Joyful Jazz on Dec. 12, 8 p.m. at Teatrino Greenhills. The concert celebrates her passion for jazz piano along with her jazz quintet Quintessence, Mon David and R&B duo Nicole and Carlo.

A prolific composer and arranger, as well as a seasoned performer, Tess began producing original music anew just last year and revisiting her jazz beginnings by forming Quintessence, composed of some of the country’s top session musicians. She plays the keyboard and is the ensemble leader, arranger and composer.

Tess was trained in classical piano. At 16, she represented the Philippines and won second prize at the 10th Yamaha International Grand Prix Concours. She graduated magna cum laude with a degree in Composition at Berklee College of Music, briefly teaching at the school while leading a fusion band with Grammy award-winning guitarist Bill Frisell.

Joining Tess in Quintessence are percussionists Jorge San Jose and Uly Avante, acoustic bass Simon Tan and saxophonist Michael Guevarra. Together as a group — whether playing familiar pop, R&B or show tunes or switching to traditional mainstream jazz, blues and fusion — Quintessence communicates in the unique language of jazz that leaves the listener joyful.

Tess’ advocacy to spread joyful jazz and support local artists indeed marks the beginning of her joyful journey. Tess, My Joyful Jazz is line produced by The Thirdline, Inc. Tickets are at P500, P1,000 and P1,500.

For details, call 721-6726, 721-0635 and 0918-9190491.