Ferguson to delight jazz fans at Topaz

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)