HIT MAKER
Superproducer David Foster can always count on his superstar friends to deliver an electric music stage, as he brings the well-loved Hitman: David Foster & Friends series to the star-studded Sing Jazz 2017
rom producing Top 40 hits and working with some of music’s biggest names such as Celine Dion and Andrea Bocelli, to launching the careers of Michael Bublé and Josh Groban, and mentoring Youtube stars the likes of Thirdstory, David Foster knows what it takes to stay relevant for his audience. The producer, performer, songwriter, musician and composer explains, “Music is my life, and it inspires me everyday. I love discovering new artists such as Thirdstory who are very relevant today.” The up-and-coming American group, who has captured hearts with its sublime vocal harmonies, joins Foster for his Hitman: David Foster & Friends series at the fourth Singapore International Jazz Festival (Sing Jazz), which takes place from March 31 to April 2, at Marina Bay Sands. Even though the stage is not Foster’s main domain, the Hitman series is a retrospective of songs he has written and/or produced, featuring the iconic artists and new discoveries he has worked with. “I like to bring together a variety of artists, and touch upon the different styles and genres I have worked in,” says Foster. Also joining him in Singapore are music legends Brian Mcknight and Chaka Khan, as well as Indonesian songbird Dira Sugandi (“She’s an impressive powerhouse singer”). He adds, “I love to include local and regional artists in the line-up to showcase the talent of the city I am visiting.” So expect a few local surprises! So what is it like when friends get together? “We have a lot of fun musically when we are on tour. It can be an eclectic group of artists from different genres, which always makes it interesting, especially when they collaborate on stage—they are all stars in their own right,” enthuses Foster. Sing Jazz 2017 sees a star-studded line-up that includes Corinne Bailey Rae, Gilles Peterson, Esperanza Spalding and Youssou N’dour, as well as local favourites such as Alemay Fernandez. This year also sees the inclusion of The Late Show to the festival’s programme with jam sessions with musicians such as Incognito and Basement Jaxx, taking place till 4am, at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre. sing-jazz.com