Sat, 05 Mar 2005

Party continues at Java Jazz

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

The party continues at the Java Jazz Festival on the second day, with two of the most sought-after names in jazz headlining the three-day musical festivities.

After the Friday night performance of James Brown, concertgoers on Saturday can relish the performance of the erstwhile champions of funk music from the United States, the Earth Wind & Fire Experience and the acid jazz band Incognito.

The two bands are expected to take the main stage inside the Jakarta Convention Center (JCC) Plenary Hall. Earth Wind & Fire, which will feature founding member Al McKay, is expected to start their concert at 8:45 p.m., while France-based Incognito will appear at 11:30 p.m.

The Earth Wind & Fire Experience will feature its latest lineup with McKay on guitar, Mike Shapiro on drums, Bruce Conti on guitar, Michael Harris on trumpet, Joey DeLeon on percussion, Hussain Jiffry on bass, Ben Dowling on keyboards, Ed Wynne on the saxophone, Wendell Kelly on trombone, Bryan Loren on keyboards and vocals by Tim Owens, Claude Woods and DeVere Duckett.

Incognito owes its longevity -- it has lasted in the last 25 years -- to its ability to always move in new directions and mix sound from a vast musical landscape.

Also appearing on the main stage will be Brazilian singer Deodato. The multi-talented performer, who is well-versed in classical music, jazz, funk and disco will perform earlier at 6:30 p.m.

Deodato is best known for a 1972 hit record, a catchy rendition of Also Sprach Zarathustra (the theme From Stanley Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey).

If you want to drown in salsa, a nightly performance from Brazilian-based Tiempo Libre is the perfect treat.

A top timba group throughout the Americas, Tiempo Libre play high-octane Cuban Salsa with elements of jazz, funk and pop. The group will perform at 11:30 p.m. in the JCC Cendrawasih room.

However, if you want to get touchy-feely in the evening, singer Lizz Wright is there for you during an early evening performance.

Known for her ability to bring out deep emotions in people through her music, Wright will perform at 6 p.m. in Assembly Hall 1.

Another female performer, who will take the stage is jazz vocalist Michelle Nicolle, arguably Australia's finest jazz export. She started singing jazz in 1987, and owes her inspiration to legends like Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald and Chet Baker.

For fans of Japanese fusion band Casiopea, who want to revisit the band's past glory, former bass player of the now-defunct band will perform with his new band at 11:30 p.m. on stage inside Assembly Hall 3.

For those interested in the local jazz scene, a number of veteran musicians such as guitarist Donny Suhendra, Harvey Malaiholo and Elfa's Singers are expected to display their talents as well.

Staying true to their promise about showcasing Indonesia's traditional arts, the organizers have a variety of ethnic, traditional music on tap from all across the archipelago.