UNT shines as an international magnet for Jazz Studies

Jazz performances, whether generated by student or professional, dissolve geographical or cultural boundaries – here is a wonderful sampling of how traditional Thai musical themes and phrases marry with Jazz-oriented composition (HRH Prince Benbadhanabongse) and arranging (Sopon “Jokobo” Suwannakit) creating a unique, easily understood “voice.”

Sopon, – already known to many through international music festivals with his band, Jokobissimo, conservatory performances and various ensembles, has long experimented with combining Classical and Jazz in his works. This Fall, Sobon will begin his studies toward a Master of Music in Jazz Studies, at the College of Music, University of North Texas.

For years, Sopon participated in many music festivals. His classical contemporary work “Conjugation” for Viola and Piano was performed in Thailand International Composition Festival 2012, and his large jazz ensemble piece “Schrödinger” was performed in Shanghai Jazz Education Festival 2012 and Thailand International Jazz Conference 2013. His arrangements for double quartet, combination between jazz quartet and string quartet, were performed in Thailand International Jazz Conference 2012. His band, Jokobissimo, also had opportunities to perform in various local jazz festivals, e.g. Hua Hin Jazz Festival, Thailand International Jazz Conference, Thailand International Composition Festival, Bangkok City of Jazz, Sawasdee Jazz Festival and so on. – From http://www.jokobomusic.com/Jokobo/Home.html

Jokobo Sopon Suwannakit

“I bring one of famous Thai traditional songs into jazz flavor and harmony. During piano solo, I also add some Thai traditional musical phrases into my solo. This is my experiment for Thai music and jazz. (I think it’s sound like nationalism hahaha,)” writes Jokobo Sopon Suwannakit, and shared on the Dallas Jazz Piano Society Facebook group. “The theme of the song starts at the pickup before band gets in.”Composed by HRH Prince Benbadhanabongse
Arranged by Sopon “Jokobo” Suwannakit

Jokobissimo:
Piano – Sopon “Jokobo” Suwannakit
Bass – Anusorn “Mew” Yukonpanitkit
Drums – Arnupap “Mah” Kammar

from Jokobissimo: Farewell Concert
June 26th, 2013, at Auditorium
Conservatory of Music, Rangsit University
Thailand