Third and final chance to catch Java Jazz

Alvin Darlanika Soedarjo , The Jakarta Post , Jakarta | Sun, 03/09/2008 12:47 AM | Headlines

FIRST WE TAKE MANHATTAN: (From left to right) Janis Siegel, Tim Hauser, Cheryl Bentyne and Alan Paul of quartet Manhattan Transfer entertain the Java Jazz crowd Saturday evening at the Jakarta Convention Center in Central Jakarta. (JP/R. Berto Wedhatama) FIRST WE TAKE MANHATTAN: (From left to right) Janis Siegel, Tim Hauser, Cheryl Bentyne and Alan Paul of quartet Manhattan Transfer entertain the Java Jazz crowd Saturday evening at the Jakarta Convention Center in Central Jakarta. (JP/R. Berto Wedhatama)After two days, and counting, those who missed Friday and Saturday's performances at one of Jakarta's biggest musical events can still catch top international artists and local performers Sunday.

Kenny 'Babyface' Edmonds will woo the crowd at the Plenary Hall at around 7 p.m., while soul singer Jody Watley and Latin sensation Omar Sosa will entertain audiences in earlier performances.

Some fans are waiting for Kenny `Babyface' Edmonds performance, as the highlight of the three-day romp.

His latest release, Playlist, consists of pop songs from the past three decades.

He has reworked several tunes sung by artists from Bob Dylan to Eric Clapton. Babyface, who has written and produced various hit songs for Whitney Houston and Boyz II Men, is known for his hit Every Time I Close My Eyes. This performance will be a 'special show' for which Java Jazz audiences need to purchase additional passes.

R n'B singer Jody Watley, who hails from Chicago, is no newcomer to the music world. Watley made her name singing tunes geared toward the dance floor, in 1990s.

Those who are looking for `deeper' jazz will be delighted to see Omar Sosa play piano with his band. Sosa, who fuses intelligent musical traditions from Africa and Latin America, has created a remarkably traditional, sparse and majestic sound.

In his latest studio work, Sosa brought backing musicians from Cuba, Brazil and France to create an international musical experience.

To close the night, Incognito and The Manhattan Transfer (also requiring an additional pass) will be the event's late headliners.

Latin Funk Encounter, featuring Marc Antoine and Brian Simpson, and Art Parker Jr. are scheduled to perform on one of the exhibition stages.

Local performers include Ireng Maulana, Benny Mustafa Van Diest, Benny Likumahuwa, Bubi Chen and Idang Rashidi. These old school jazz cats will play at the venue assembly area.

Several lesser known groups and performers have surprisingly created ripples of enthusiasm in the crowd over the past two evenings.

The lobby areas, where artists play more experimental jazz, will feature Galaxy Big Band, Contra Indigo, Alfred Young Sugiri and Nikki Manuputty.

Aspiring musicians who want to fine-tune their sound and skills may find several workshops held in the Nuri room helpful. Seminars include Greg Adams trumpet clinics, Everette Harp saxophone clinics and a Pro Logic workshop for producers.

Some of the shows can be crowded and tire audiences easily with lengthy performances, so it's a good idea to bring something to sit on for a long, jazzy day.

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