Kashiwa touched by tsunami

Kashiwa touched by tsunami

JAKARTA: American saxophonist Jeff Kashiwa confesses that his
participation for the Java Jazz Festival is for the survivors of
the earthquake and tsunami in northern Sumatra.

"This event is the best way to help revive the hope of the
survivors of the disasters," he told Antara on Wednesday.

On the first day of the jazz festival Kashiwa will perform the
ballad, A Quiet Goodbye, and dedicate it to the tsunami
survivors.

"Anyhow, they (the survivors) have to bid farewell to their
families, who perished in the disaster," he said.

When the earthquakes and tsunami hit on Dec. 26, Jeff was at
his Seattle home. He immediately contacted media baron and jazz
fan Peter Gontha and asked him if any of his relatives or
acquaintances were victims in the disasters.

Gontha is one of the main men behind the huge festival during
which some 300 musicians will perform.

"What happened is a humanitarian tragedy," Kahshiwa said.

He could only hope that the survivors do not give up hope.

"We have to admit and respect nature's power," he said.

However, he strongly believes that humans have particular
power that enables them to recover from the ruins with love and
courage.

For his performances, Kashiwa collaborated with local pop jazz
singer Ruth Sahanaya and will rearrange some songs made popular
by Ruth such as Bagaimana (How), Bawa Daku Pergi (Take me with
you), and Apalagi (Whatelse).

"I've been listening to those songs for weeks. I know Ruth's
vocal character very well now because I listen to her everyday,"
he said.

Kashiwa believes Ruth is like a hidden treasure in Indonesia's
music world.

Besides Ruth, Kashiwa also collaborated with Eric Benet, the
ex-husband of Halle Berry.

With his band Coastal Access, Kashiwa played many old
favorites, including a cover of Could It Be I'm Falling in Love.
--JP