Renowned jazz band of the US ‘Ari Roland Jazz Quartet’ are in Karachi on a 15-day visit to Pakistan under the ‘American Festival of Arts’, organised by the US State Department. Band leader Ariel Roland and his colleagues Keith Bella, Christopher Byars and Zaid Naseer, while talking to media persons after their arrival, said that it was their second visit to the country. They also shed light on the diversity and beauty of Sufi music.
“We enjoy Pakistani music due to its deepness, complications and beauty.” Roland told journalists that the band would stay in Karachi for five days during which they would conduct workshops, interact with arts students and perform at several venues. He said he had met several students in Pakistan and found them generous in cooperation regarding music. During their visit, the band would also collaborate with the Pakistani music band, Fuzon, and produce a ‘Friendship Song’.
The band leader said that they have brought some unique music for the Pakistani audience, aiming to connect people during their visit. Terming themselves ‘Jazz Ambassadors’, the band members said that besides performing they were hopeful of learning a lot as music has the power to stop wars and connect people.