Smooth tunes in cool misty nights weekend in KL hardly gets any better than this. With directions from Yeoh Jun Lin and Yeo Yu Puay (the artistic duo that gave Rainforest World Music Festival its distinctive beat), you can expect a lot of fresh sounds previously unexplored in this part of the world. Eclecticism seems to be the theme this year with many bands fusing sounds from diverse influences.

One of the headliners, Salsa Celtica from Scottish is known for their unique fusion of two seemingly unrelated music genres Latin Salsa and Celtic groove; this could potentially be mind-blowing. Jamaica and UK collaboration Jazz Jamaica, together with special guest Myrna Hague, will present a brand new set that is an energetic, highly danceable mix of rock-steady rhythm, ska beats and pumping reggae interweaved with jazz swing.

Schalk Joubert and the Three Continents Sextet is even more complex as it comprises a brass section from Scandinavia, a percussionist from Australia and rhythms from the soul of the world, Africa. In total, nine international bands will be performing over two days, along with one local band to open the festival on Friday night. jUnKoFuNc (apparently some of us are still stuck in the IRC days), formed just mid last year, is lead by famous Malaysian guitarist Albert Sirimal and Previewsmaster bass player Andy Peterson. Funk is their rhythm.

Think of the festival as a musical initiation into the more complex, less bubble-gummy realm of jazz. It's safe to say that there won't be any lobby lounge attempts of Norah Jones or Louis Armstrong.


Arena of Stars, Genting Highlands Resort. (Bookings 03 2718 1118/www.gentingjazz.com) Apr 4 & 5. RM100 for one day or RM150 for both.