Pakistan’s finest orchestra, the Sachal Jazz Ensemble, closed the second day of the Tokyo Jazz Festival with a brilliant show, including a special cameo by Japanese Sitarist Yoshida.
The performance included the infamous ‘Shalimar’ and the Ensemble’s internationally renowned cover of Dave Brubeck’s ‘Take Five’, with the musicians being called out for an encore.
Commenting on the incredible success of the performance, Izzat Majid, founder of the Sachal Jazz Ensemble, said, “This has been an amazing experience. The audience response was unprecedented; the crowd was undeterred by the light rainfall and was clapping and swaying throughout. Some Japanese audience members even told us this was possibly the best Pakistani concert they’d seen in years.”
He added, “We will be holding the Sachal Jazz Festival in Pakistan shortly, and hope that we are able to recreate the magic we experienced here in Tokyo.”
In addition to the performance, the festival also saw a special screening of ‘Song of Lahore’ – a documentary film based on the musicians. The film, which has been directed by two-time Oscar winner Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy and Andy Schocken, also received glowing reviews in the Japanese media.
The festival, which is in its 15th year, also saw participation from some of the most iconic names in Jazz history, including legends Herbie Hancock and Pat Metheny, as well as artists from across the globe.
