Jazz in Karachi

Music is an international language of love, peace and harmony. These days the international community is employing music's power in the form of cultural diplomacy with a view to promoting diplomatic, political and cross cultural relationships. The cultural diplomacy is a tool to reduce the atmosphere of mistrust. It highlights the importance of listening to others, and identifying the values of cultures. It aims to promote unity and peace across cultures through the performance of music.
This year, The US State Department has sent jazz musicians "Ari Roland Jazz Quartet" as cultural ambassadors to Pakistan to increase mutual relationship between the two countries. The US State Department is working with the Foundation for Arts Culture and Education (FACE) to connect musicians in both countries. Griffin Rowell, Cultural Attaché, US Consulate General Karachi says, "Jazz is a unique American art form, but it has found devotees across the world. We are delighted to share the Ari Roland Jazz Quartet's remarkable talent with a new audience."
Jazz is a type of African-American music, which has melody, rhythm, harmony, and improvisation. The style of jazz music has power to uphold the mutual ties of American people with the rest of the world to build people-to-people ties through music and cultural exchanges.
Ari Roland Jazz Quartet (New York), is inspired by jazz music from the 1930's through 1950's, also known as the "Golden Age of Jazz." The band's collection includes pieces by jazz legends such as Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, and Billie Holiday as well as their own critically acclaimed original compositions. In addition to their performances in New York, the quartet has a busy touring schedule. They also direct international programmes bringing young musicians from different communities together to play jazz.
Here is a brief introduction of Ari Roland Jazz Quartet.
Ari Roland (Bass) started playing jazz professionally at the age of 16 and received classical training at The Juilliard School. He has worked with many significant figures in jazz, including Barry Harris, Betty Carter, Lou Donaldson, Wynton Marsalis, Marcus Roberts, and Harry Connick, Jr. Roland's three albums as a bandleader have received critical acclaim in the international jazz press. Through The Rhythm Road and other touring programmes, he has traveled to 26 different countries in the past three years. Roland currently co-directs the Bi-Communal Jazz Futures programme for the US Embassy in Cyprus.
Keith Balla (Percussion) was born in Austin, Texas and moved to New York City in 2004. A student of master drummer and teacher Kenny Washington, Balla began working professionally in New York at the age of 17.
In addition to national tours, he performs regularly in New York with many of the city's dynamic young jazz artists. Recognised for his musical maturity, he is also sought after by renowned musicians for his supportive and interactive accompaniment style. He has presented jazz drum clinics to musicians of all levels in the US and internationally, tours frequently for the US State Department in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East and continues to record in New York.
Chris Byars (Tenor Saxophone) is equally recognised as an outstanding composer and arranger, who received prestigious awards, grants, and commissions from many organisations, including The Tanne Foundation and Chamber Music America. Byars has been on the faculty of Jazz at Lincoln Center's Middle School Jazz Academy and in 2009 was awarded a major grant for an 18 part series bringing jazz and the music of Gigi Gryce/Basheer Qusim into New York City Public Schools.
He has traveled extensively for the US Department of State and co-directs, with Ari Roland, the Bi-Communal Jazz Futures programme for the US Embassy in Cyprus.
Zaid Nasser (Alto Saxophone) was born and raised in New York, and is the son of jazz and bluesmaster, Jamil Nasser. From an early age, he learned directly from the legends of jazz.
At 19, he moved to Memphis, the birthplace of the blues, where he spent two years working with many greats of the art form. Upon his return to New York, he became a featured soloist with Panama Frances' Savoy Sultans, and worked with the pioneering organist Bill Doggett.
His albums have been included on many "top ten" lists of music critics, and he performs regularly in New York. He currently devotes a large portion of his schedule to international touring.
During their visit in Karachi, the group brought smiles to the faces of 250 young children from Karachi's Dar-ul-Khushnud and Trinity Methodist schools. It was the first ever experience for these children to enjoy a live music session.
The Ari Roland Jazz Quartet also held a workshop with NAPA students as well as interactive sessions with Access English-language Microscholarship students.
"The US Department of State has long been a generous supporter of artistic and cultural endeavours in Pakistan," said Mr Rozell. "We are working to building bridges with students and young people", he added.