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Int'l artists light up Java Jazz
Bobby McFerrin (center)Ten-time Grammy Award winner Bobby McFerrin warmed up the 11th Jakarta International Java Jazz festival on Saturday with a powerful showing of vocal improvisation
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Bobby McFerrin (center) (center)
Bobby McFerrin (center)
Ten-time Grammy Award winner Bobby McFerrin warmed up the 11th Jakarta International Java Jazz festival on Saturday with a powerful showing of vocal improvisation.
McFerrin is widely known for the 'Don't Worry, Be Happy' song released in 1988, featuring no other instrument but his voice.
Clapping his left hand on the chest while scat singing, he led his six-piece band for a harmonious set of groovy tracks.
'I'd like to have a cup of tea, please,' he said at the end of a song while moving toward a black grand piano to play his next song.
His set list was a mix of jazz, pop, blues, R&B and classic music rolled into an amusing 75-minute gig.
Music lovers always swarm to this festival, held every first weekend of March, to refresh their mind and enjoy a jazzy night.
On Saturday, the festival's second day, visitors started to arrive at the JIExpo in Kemayoran, Central Jakarta, at 3 p.m., enjoying some early performances that included 27-year-old jazz guitarist Tesla Manaf and New York-based jazz harmonica player Hendrik Meurkens. At 7 p.m., rain started to fall, forcing visitors to find shelter, but it still did not stop them from watching their favorite musicians.
Another highlight of the day was Italian-American trumpeter Chris Botti, blowing the crowd away with loud ballads from his trumpet.
Botti, who won a Grammy for best pop instrumental album in 2013, has been working together with Andrea Bocelli, Vince Gill, Herbie Hancock and David Foster.
'Good evening Java Jazz, we're absolutely honored to be here for the first time,' Botti said.
Botti's duet with a violinist produced romantic melodies that took the audience to an imaginary place, far from the hustle and bustle of the capital's streets.
On the next stage, pop singer Reza Artamevia gave a dazzling Java Jazz debut performance.
'How are you doing? Thanks for coming to my show and for supporting Indonesian music,' she said, greeting the crowd.
With the jazz rendition of her hits, such as 'Pertama' (First), 'Aku Wanita' (I Am a Woman) and 'Satu Yang Tak Bisa Lepas' (One I Can't Let Go), she brought a nostalgic feeling to the crowd. 'Let's have a Saturday night date together!' she proclaimed.
Performing 'Keabadian' (Immortality), Reza also shared the stage with young R&B and soul singer Teza Sumendra.
Meanwhile, a band of Indonesian diplomats ' The Diplomats ' took a break from work to perform at the festival. The band opened with Shakira's 'Waka-Waka [This Time For Africa]' and 'Lagu Indonesiaku' (My Indonesian Song).
After several songs, some senior Foreign Ministry officials ' Deputy Foreign Minister AM Fachir, Foreign Ministry secretary-general Kristiarto Legowo, director general for protocol and consular affairs Ahmad Rusdi and Malaysian Ambassador to Indonesia Datuk Zahrain Mohamed Hashim ' joined the band on stage to sing.
One satisfied festival-goer who never misses the festival, Girama Marito, said it always felt good to be back. 'This year, I want to see Chaka Khan and Incognito,' said Girama.
On Sunday, the festival's final day, The Ladies of Jazz project will feature Ermy Kulit, Margie Siegers, Rien Djamain, Adra Karim, Christina Perri, Petra Sihombing and Jessie J.
' Photos by JP/Awo
