After having a blast at 2 cities, Urban Jazz Crossover 2010 continued its tour to the capital of Central Java, Semarang.  Just like last year,  Semarang got the chance once again to see this amazing annual event with a very unique concept. Reaching approximately 1800 audiences in Medan, then followed by the fully crowded smaller hall in Bandung with over 800 audiences, again Urban Jazz Crossover 2010 grabbed the attention of about 1200 music lovers in Semarang and the nearest cities around it. The crossover concept along with its rainbow-like variety and brilliant arrangement got a huge acceptance from the audiences across generations. All gathered together to experience something new in music. It was time for them to see how universal music is, brought by some of the best in different genres. In the hand of the music director Eq Puradiredja and the team, music will never be the same again. And for the jazz lovers, this is the event to see how jazz can blend harmoniously with just about any genres, backgrounds and styles.

No matter where they held it, the preparation has always been first class. Every small detail has been taken in full consideration. From the music, sound system, the venue selection, the backdrop, costume and rundowns, all have been made to let us, the audiences, enjoy the event to the max. The lineup for this year are surprising too. Imagine two kings from different world collided on stage. The living legend Achmad Albar representing the rocking world and the sensational jazz icon, the one and only Indra Lesmana, both join hand to raise Urban Jazz Crossover’s level for this year’s edition. The big names don’t stop there, because we also have the RnB prince Ello, the diva Dewi Sandra, the sensational rocker with wide vocal range Ipang from BIP band, the amazing new age violist Maylaffayza, the singer with sky-rocketing popularity Sandhy Sondoro, the always lovely Kikan from Cokelat band, the busy-bee rapper Boogiemen and a lady with out-of-the world vocal ability, Yuyun. The band are filled with some of the best musicians as well including Rayendra Sunito, Ali Akbar, Doni Joesran, Andrie Bayuadjie (Andrie Kahitna) and Bonar Abraham, also a cool horn section led by Dony Koeswinarno of Pitoelas Big Band, DJ Cream,  the human beatbox Indra Aziz and many more. What could be wrong with this kind of artists selection? You could have goosebumps just by looking at the name listed, and you would have it even more when you see them on stage translating the concept to life. The unthinkable new form of music as the result of brilliant work on crossovering so many elements combined with the glorious presentation will never fail to give us new experience in many ways. (Check out the results of Urban Jazz Crossover 2010 from two previous cities, Medan and Bandung).

For Semarang, Gumaya Tower Hotel was selected to held this year’s Urban Jazz Crossover. The hall was fully crowded by the enthusiastic audiences. The crowds popped when Dewi Sandra appeared. She brought a couple of songs that have been fitted into new arrangements, such as Amy Winehouse‘s “Rehab”. Dewi Sandra looked stunningly sexy in her dress, she successfully made the crowds sang along with her. Ipang came in and joined Dewi in a duet on Dewiq‘s “Bete”. The futuristic stage concept with 3D backdrop looked stunning, it gave us something special in enjoying a concert. A middle-eastern music pattern was the opening for Sandhy Sondoro to sing Sting‘s “Desert Rose.” It was Maylaffayza who gave the flavor of Arabian music with her violin. Sandhy Sondoro continued with his famous single “Malam Biru.” The unique vocal of Sandhy Sondoro wowed everyone fully. Kikan of Cokelat band came on stage and sang Muse‘s “Starlight” and her own song with the band, “Luka Lama.” Indra Lesmana gave a stunning jazz flavor with his wild exploration with the keyboard. He showed his maestro level of playing but still easy to love even by non-jazz listeners. Indra Aziz gave a different flavor by showing his rare gift as a human beat-boxer, and let’s not forget the unbelievable sound came from Yuyun‘s voice. Ello was really entertaining. Not only he showed his great vocal quality, but he also performed energetically and very interactive. He brought some famous songs just like in the previous two cities.

For the climax, Achmad Albar came on stage. His appearance blasted the audiences totally even before he started to sing. He brought one of his classic hits from 1977 “Panggung Sandiwara” in a haunting new arrangement, especially while Yuyun colored up the song with her mystical voice. It was the time when we saw both legendary kings of music together on one stage as Indra Lesmana gave his magic touch for this song as well. All the performers raised on stage to give their sincere thanks to everyone coming and together they sang the last song, Coldplay‘s “Viva La Vida” to end the show.

What an awesome night it was. Just like the concept, Urban Jazz Crossover gave a new form of music as the result of seriously cool blendings made by the team of composers. Eq Puradiredja as the music director explained how important it is to give a new experience to jazz listeners in particular or all the music lovers in general through a creative work on genre crossovers. It was really entertaining too to see how the top stars from different backgrounds supporting one another harmoniously. It was absolutely fantastic! Three cities now has witnessed the magic of music variation presented by Urban Jazz Crossover team. There will be two more cities to go, Jakarta and Surabaya. If you haven’t got the chance to see it, make sure you won’t miss the next ones.

Next stop:

Jakarta – June 11, 2010
Ritz Carlton Pacific Place

Surabaya – June 18, 2010
Grand City Hotel

See more pictures:

Reporter/Photographer: Sigit Kurniawan
Editor: Riandy Kurniawan

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Related Posts:

• The Final Urban Jazz Crossover 2010: Surabaya Report
• Urban Jazz Crossover 2010: Jakarta Report
• Urban Jazz Crossover 2010: Bandung Report
• Urban Jazz Crossover 2010: Bandung Press Conference
• Urban Jazz Crossover 2010: Medan Report