It was billed to be the biggest gathering of Jazz fans and aficionados; the biggest assembly of Jazz apostles from home and abroad; and the most lavish weekend concert of the year.

And the first-ever Lagos Jazz series, which enveloped Lagos between Friday November 5th and Sunday November 7, 2010, more than lived up to its billing.

The idea, according to founder Oti Bazunu, was to treat Lagosians to a series of exciting live and outdoor Jazz performances – in the garden, at the park, and on the waterfront. Picture it: thousands of fans mostly from corporate Nigeria, media, academia and showbiz, wining and dining in the open, surrounded by lush gardens, changing skyline, and sound waves from the Atlantic Ocean; while taking in notes and tones from band after band.

The series opened on Friday November 5, at The Sofitel Morehouse in Ikoyi, Lagos, with Karen Patterson, Somi, Chinaza and Morrie Louden
taking turns to thrill guests – most of whom defied the Friday evening rain to be at the venue. Top bank executives, publishers, editors, artistes, and tycoons all spent the evening savouring the different elements of the music. Jazz acts do not speak much, while performing.

They let the music do the talking. And, at the Sofitel last Friday, the music spoke for hours, as guests leaned forward and listened; careful not to miss a word. The musicians plucked and played; with guitars strumming, horns going high and low, while drums, the piano, cello and other instruments worked together to create the soundtrack of a night many will not forget in a hurry. It was cold and wet and crazy when they got in; but by the time the night was done, departing guests were filled with warmth and satisfaction.

Enjoy some of our best scenes and moments from the three-day concert…