Mitsukoshi jazzes up its new store

To celebrate the opening of its spanking-new Xinyi branch across the street from the Warner Village complex, Shin-Kong Mitsukoshi will hold the "Enjoy the New Life" series of 29 jazz concerts, with practically all the major local jazz groups performing through next month.

In step with the major trends in live jazz, the line-up leans heavily toward Latin and fusion jazz, with some more traditional jazz styles thrown in for good measure. Opening the series on Tuesday night will be the Roberto Latino All Star Big Band, led by acclaimed Paraguayan guitarist Roberto Zayas. Performing a wide range of musical styles from classical, folk and pop to Latin American music, Zayas has lived in Taiwan for 20 years. He first performed regularly in cultural centers around the country, and soon started collaborations with local musicians on over 200 albums and last year accompanied opera tenor Placido Domingo at his concert at the National Theater.

Zayas' Barrio Latino band has gained a considerable following by performing at various embassy functions, business organizations and government events over the past 10 years. On Tuesday the group will perform an hour of Latin jazz, pop and modern jazz.

Lee and Taira will perform their second show in the festival next Friday with their own band Pianissimo Jazz Trio, with pianist Jeremy Leber, who was behind hits by local pop singers like A-mei (阿妹).

On New Year's Day, Metamorphosis, one of the few Taiwanese jazz bands that are strong on original compositions as well as Swing and be-bop standards, will give two performances. Apart from their regular live performances at Blue Note, the band has participated in many of the department store's previous celebrations.