Mosaic Jazz Fellows: The Faffers

The Mosaic Jazz Fellows is a mentorship programme by Esplanade that nurtures the next generation of jazz artists in Singapore. Over the last 10 weeks, six young talents were mentored by local jazz masters, Chok Kerong and Joshua Wan, culminating in this electrifying performance. The artists forming The Faffers hail from various musical backgrounds, blending each unique perspective into a soundscape that is evocative, exciting, and of course, swinging!

Ang Ben Yi is an aspiring jazz pianist and musician. Although he received classical training from a young age, his passion for jazz ignited at 13 when he was introduced to the genre. Since then, he has been immersing himself with jazz. Currently studying at Raffles Institution, he actively performs at their resident jazz club, Raffles Jazz.

Since bursting onto the scene two years ago, Justin Ng has been leaving his mark as a jazz saxophonist, demonstrating remarkable versatility and a great grasp of a multitude of styles and genres. His prowess is evident in his collaborations with esteemed groups. Influenced by Charlie Parker, Chris Potter and Patrick Bartley, Justin’s musicality and artistry have led him to perform with renowned ensembles such as the Singapore Symphonic Orchestra (SSO) and Philharmonic Winds Orchestra (PWO), Jazz Association Youth Orchestra (JASSYO), Horns are Unique Big Band (HAU), and he maintains regular performances with the Arnold Pontoh Quintet and SWS City Swing Big Band.

Richmond embarked on his musical journey on the double bass under the tutelage of Ms Karen Yeo, laying a strong classical foundation from a young age. Recently, he ventured into the vibrant world of jazz, drawing inspiration from legendary bassists such as Ray Brown and Miroslav Vitouš. Fortunate to have access to exceptional opportunities and mentors, he aspires to enhance his musical sensitivity and rhythmic precision. His ultimate goal is to become the versatile and dependable bassist that his bandmates can rely on, seamlessly blending technical mastery with creative expression.

Maya Raisha, a classical pianist turned jazz diva from Singapore, has enraptured audiences globally with her vocal prowess and captivating stage presence, exuding a soulfulness beyond her years. Mentored by icons such as Carmen Bradford and having graced stages alongside artists like John Lee, Maya's musical versatility radiates brightly. Notably, she was handpicked by Esplanade as one of this year’s rising stars for their The Next Wave showcase. Fluent in three languages, Maya particularly excels in Malay performances, highlighting her cultural roots. As a songwriter, her original compositions seamlessly blends pop and jazz influences, with original tracks like SAMAR amassing over 45,000 streams.

Timothy, a budding saxophonist, found his love for jazz while playing with the NUS Jazz Band. Through the Lion City Jazz Festival, he’s been fortunate to collaborate with esteemed members of the Dizzy Gillespie Big Band, such as Sharel Cassity and John Lee. Influenced by the intricate melodies of Charlie Parker, the rhythmic precision of Phil Woods, the dynamic phrasing of Dick Oatts, and the infectious swing of Count Basie, Timothy strives to channel the spirit of these legends and others in each of his performances.

Tristan, a Singaporean drummer, is no stranger to live performances. He has played with various ensembles, spanning from pop bands to jazz big bands. Influenced by drummers such as Vinnie Colaiuta and Benny Greb, Tristan predominantly exhibits a fusion-based drumming style though he is proficient in other genres such as straight-ahead jazz. Tristan has also played with notable musicians such as Greg Lyons and Jeremy Monteiro.