A Touch of Jazz : A Special Treat from JakJazz Day 3
It was very unfortunate that there was no JakJazz for this year. It was on schedule, but then because of the issue with sponsors, it had to be cancelled, so we have to wait until next year to have it back again. It wasn’t easy for the organizers, it surely wasn’t for us all, the jazz lovers who had been waiting for the event to roll. But then, a great news appeared several days ago. Yes, JakJazz was cancelled, but we got “A Touch of Jazz”, a special 3 days program as a treat for all of us. So, we could still feel the mini version of JakJazz with this 3 days event. Not as big as JakJazz, but we can still feel the spirit of JakJazz through “A Touch of Jazz” event as clear as the blue sky.
2 Days with free jazz concerts held at Pondok Indah Mall II Jakarta, full with audiences mostly jazz lovers (check out the report of day 1 and day 2) , now came the 3rd day, the conclusion of this three-days event that had to be done by invitation due to the limited space of the venue. For tonight, we got full heavy list of artists. On schedule we got Ireng Maulana and Friends, Farah Di, M-Jazz Trio, Curtis King Band and Lica Cecato ft Valtinho Anastacio, but unfortunately Curtis King, Lica Cecato, Valtinho Anastacio and Dato’ Mokhzani Ismail, the leader of M-Jazz Trio were not available to play at all. The show must go on though, with the spirit carried by Ireng Maulana and all the organizers it could still continued without losing its quality. At the very jazzy atmosphere of Aiman Cafe and Lounge at Sultan Hotel, the final show was crowded from the start.
As we were waiting for the audiences to come and fill up the cozy Aiman Cafe and Lounge at Sultan Hotel, Jakarta, Ireng Maulana told everyone that the show would start with a sweet performance of a lovely jazz vocalist named Astrid, backed with the band, including Harry Toledo on bass, Cendy Luntungan on drums, Yoyok on sax and Faizal on piano. Norah Jones’ “Don’t Know Why” and George Michael’s “Careless Whisper” were delivered smoothly. It was time for a little upbeat with the Nat King Cole classic “L-O-V-E”. The atmosphere was just so unbelievable.
Astrid was replaced by Jacky, and Chick Corea’s “Spain” came. Jacky’s voice reminded me of Al Jarreau’s quality, and seemed like Ireng Maulana couldn’t stand not to join the band, so he did. It was hot! “We’re In This Love Together” was the next one with Jacky’s vocal, and then Earl Klugh’s “Midnight in San Juan” were played with Ireng Maulana himself led the stage. A little kid, still 6 or 7 year old named Lana, was called on stage, and amazingly sang “Route 66″ and “L-O-V-E”. It was just unbelievable to see a little girl could sang in such a way just like a pro.
Another young generation Gandan and the Jazzy One appeared and brought “Bengawan Solo”, a classic Gesang song re-arranged in jazz. It was time for another stunning sensation, Farah Di. Farah Dibaj Fuadi, better known as Farah Di came up on stage. She’s a very young singer, still 12 year old but gifted with a stunning crystal clear voice. Farah has released one album called “Merah Biru” (check out the review here ), a special album which fully supported by many jazz greats like Ireng Maulana, Cendy Luntungan, Mates, Hendry Lamiri, Hari Wisnu and many more. The last time we saw her performance was back on last May at Jazz Break Revival XI , so it’s good to see her again tonight. Farah sang “Mack The Knife” and wow-ed the audience right away. It was great to see that Farah has so much improved. Gandan appeared again with “Come Fly With Me”, followed by Farah Di again changing the mood into bossa with “A Girl From Ipanema”. The jazz standard “New York New York” went on perfectly and got a huge applause. Gandan appeared again and sang “Let’s Fall In Love”. A sweet duet between Gandan and Farah Di came next with “Quando Quando Quando”.
The quartet of Yoyok, Harry Toledo, Faizal and Cendy Luntungan appeared again and played Chick Corea’s “Armando’s Rhumba”. Astrid came on stage, singing Chaka Khan’s “Through The Fire”, “Baby You’re Mine” . Jacky joined in again and delivered “Mas Que Nada” and “Ain’t No Sunshine”.
Surprise, surprise, we got a senior artists on stage that wasn’t on the list. Idang Rasjidi and friends, including his own son, the rising bassist Shadu Rasjidi and the senior Margie Segers. Some seriously cool fusion were delivered, including “Fever” sang nicely by Margie.
Some other songs were delivered from the stage, and Ireng Maulana officially closed the mini JakJazz for this year, A Touch of Jazz. We regret the dissapearance of some international stars tonight, but nonetheless, everyone presented on stage have given their best to bring the final show still in quality. The crowds still enjoyed it no matter what. Jazz is about improvisation, and the way Ireng Maulana and all the organizers improvised for tonight was something we should be proud of. There will always be tomorrow, where we believe JakJazz will shine again just like how it used to. Keep the spirit on!
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Reporter: Riandy Kurniawan, Apey Idris
Photographer: Ata Michaella, Arisman
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