DESARU COAST, JOHOR, May 21 – Hard Rock Hotel Desaru Coast paid tribute to Malaysia’s iconic jazz dynasty, The Solianos, during a two-night Jazz & Blues Tribute Series held on April 25 and 26, 2025. Celebrated in conjunction with International Jazz Day, the event showcased live performances by The Solianos alongside the hotel’s resident band, Ground Breaker, in a vibrant celebration of Malaysia’s storied contribution to global jazz.
In a historic moment, The Solianos donated a rare handwritten musical score by family patriarch Alfonso Soliano — a composition titled “Blues in Bangkok” written on original Orkes Radio Malaysia paper. The piece, once used as Soliano’s opening number at the Cat’s Eye Bar, President Hotel Bangkok in 1967, was officially presented during a Coffee Talk session, offering guests an intimate look into the family’s musical legacy. A commemorative poster of jazz icon Tan Sri Ahmad Merican was also gifted by the Merican family in honor of his centennial year.
General Manager Murray Aitken expressed gratitude for the donation, stating, “This contribution reflects a powerful personal and national musical heritage.” The memorabilia, now part of the hotel’s permanent collection alongside items from Rihanna, Amy Search, and Yuna, cements Hard Rock Hotel Desaru Coast’s role as a cultural hub celebrating both international and Malaysian music legends.
