Ferguson to delight jazz fans at Topaz

JAKARTA (JP): Jazz lovers here will be treated to a live performance today and tomorrow by noted American trumpeter Maynard Ferguson at the Topaz Club, Wisma Bakrie on Jl. H.R. Rasuna Said.

Ferguson, winner of three Grammy Awards, promised yesterday to deliver a unique fusion piece of Indian and jazz music, besides favorites such as Birdland and the theme song from the film Rocky, Gonna Fly Now.

Other pieces will include A Night in Tunisia and tunes from his last live recording in London, England, "A Tribute to Dizzy Gillespie," the famous saxophonist who died last year.

Performing with nine other American musicians, whom he said he is "very proud of," Ferguson's band includes saxophonist and composer Chip McNeill, drummer Jason Harnell, bassist Chris Berger and 20-year-old pianist Ron Osnansk.

In response to why the planned performance does not include local musicians, Ferguson said he could not prepare for this in his limited time here "although I would love to."

"It's not like Dixieland where everyone can jam in," he said, adding that his band has gone through extensive rehearsals. Besides, he said, "we are sure the audience here would like to know what we do."

The band's performance in Jakarta is the only one in Southeast Asia, according to promoter Rico Lago.

Beginning his debut in 1947, Ferguson's music is known for its colors of bebop, funk, swing and classical jazz.

Tickets for the show, which begins at 9 p.m., are Rp 75,000 and Rp 50,000. (anr)