Monteiro joins BT to fete 40 years

IT isn't often that 40th anniversaries are marked in any industry, but this year, both veteran musician Jeremy Monteiro and The Business Times celebrate four decades in music and publishing respectively. Which, of course, calls for a big party to mark the occasion.

Monteiro's Showtime Productions and BT will present a special concert, Jazzy Business, at the Esplanade Concert Hall on Sept 30, in collaboration with Esplanade - Theatres on the Bay.

The concert line-up will feature international guests, many of whom are long-time collaborators with Cultural Medallion recipient Monteiro. Grammy-winning jazz instrumentalists Lee Ritenour and Ernie Watts will swing on guitar and saxophone, respectively.

Carmen Bradford of the Count Basie Orchestra will bring her big band vocals to some of the numbers.

Even those who don't usually listen to jazz will find something in the programme to tap their feet to, because veteran Cantopop songstress Frances Yip will be lending the programme her signature style.

Local talent will, of course, be well represented. Singer Rahima Rahim will make an appearance. Monteiro will also be playing with various ensembles he's been with over the years, including fusion band Jeramzee. "It's been wonderful working with The Business Times to celebrate this joint milestone together," says Monteiro.

"For me, it's really about saying thank you to all the friends I've had the privilege of working with, to my collaborator for the last 16 years or so, - Esplanade, Theatres on the Bay - as well as to all my fans and supporters who have been there for me through my 40-year career.

"So many people have been part of my musical journey, and I'm relishing the chance to celebrate that on stage."

Monteiro has held numerous concerts at the Esplanade over the years, including his Jazzy Christmas series, which is taking a break this year. Says Esplanade chief executive Benson Puah: "Jeremy is happiest when he performs. We are therefore delighted to partner him for this special performance to mark such an important milestone of his life as an artist.

"For all his achievements and tremendous contribution to music in Singapore and the world, he fully deserves to be happy and be among friends and fans. Esplanade's collaboration with Jeremy for Jazzy Business reflects the deserving support for a great guy like him."

Jazzy Business isn't the only way BT will be celebrating its 40th anniversary, but it's definitely the most musical.

"We're proud of turning 40, and glad to have the chance to celebrate with Jeremy," says BT editor Alvin Tay. "A big thank you to our readers, advertisers and supporters for helping us reach this milestone, and here's to another 40 years - and beyond."

Tickets S$40-S$100 from Sistic, with discounts for students, seniors and NSFs. Limited Esplanade Box and Premier Box seats are also available at S$120, and include a copy of Jeremy Monteiro's upcoming album, Montage, as well as a S$10 F&B voucher that can be redeemed at the Concert Hall Foyer Bar. Visit Sistic's concert page for more details and to buy tickets: bt.sg/jazzybusiness