0 From Mexico, Japan or a Jakarta Office, Stars Grab Stage at Java Jazz Festival

Jakartans have embraced the Java Jazz festival for another year, with some halls filled to the brim and lines snaking through the Jakarta International Expo center at the three-day event that came to a close on Sunday. Over the weekend, those who couldn’t make it on Friday came prepared to make up for what they missed. “I tried to come yesterday, and I’d already bought tickets, but I just couldn’t finish work on time. Today I’m going to get my ‘revenge’ and try to see as many [acts] as I can,” Marrio Himawan, a school teacher who came with his two children and is self-admittedly “new to this jazz thing,” said on Saturday. 

The second-day performances centered on the day’s international headliners, British songstress Lisa Stansfield and Polish singer-songwriter Basia. But plenty of other acts — local and international — offered the same quality of musical extravaganza. Like the previous day, the shows began around mid-afternoon. The Klasika Kompas Workshop (a workshop based around the newspaper’s classified section) started things off well with their breezy yet technical jazz. Meanwhile, Mexican saxophonist Diego Maroto entertained the earliest batch of visitors with emotional playing somewhat reminiscent of the early New York bebop-jazz scene. 

Maroto’s jumpy melodies were vigorous and hypnotic in their seeming randomness. The focused stares of the people watching him were a testament to the quality of his playing. Elsewhere at the PAC Hall, Japanese saxophonist and flutist Kaori Kobayashi also commanded the stage with her soulful performance. With a flawless backing band behind her, Kobayashi’s performance was embellished with glorious pace, leaving plenty of space for the notes to shine. Her runs were engaging in their minimalism, and unique in their ego-less precision. 

All the while, Kobayashi’s passionate performance and rather-bubbly disposition made it easy for the crowd to get into the rhythm of things. Many were cheering constantly, clearly familiar with her catalogue. “She is a real treat to listen to, and I like the cover songs,” said Rio Johan, who didn’t know Kobayashi beforehand. “She’s also a treat for the eyes,” he added. Lee Ritenour, who has played here numerous times, played a duo set with pianist and jazz legend Dave Grusin at the BNI Hall. Grusin’s fluid lines brushed beautifully against Ritenour’s smooth notes. 

Acoustic guitar player Earl Klugh also stood out during the day with his brand of smooth jazz. Backed by his band and guest saxophonist-flutist Nelson Rangell, Klugh delivered a set of gorgeous crossover jazz that was at its best when the band leader and his guest played off of each other, shifting the dynamics elegantly. Draped in all-black, Basia performed a rousing set to an enthusiastic audience with songs that included her hit “Baby, You’re Mine” on which she encouraged the crowd to sing along. Lisa Stansfield predictably collected the largest crowd of the day, commanding the stage draped with a fur coat and delivered a hit-laden set that included yesteryear’s favorites such as “Time to Make You Mine,” “All Woman,” and for the encore, perhaps her most know hit “All Around the World.”

source : the jakarta globe