Good old Peter F. Gontha is back! This time, he’s bringing in The Manhattan Transfer, Bobby Caldwell, James Ingram, Baby Face and many other world class musicians to the prestigious Dji Sam Soe Super Premium Java Jazz Festival 2008. Not just core jazz, the festival will offer a diverse range of music, whether its soul, R&B, reggae, hip hop, rap, pop, rock, ethnic, gospel, electro, latin or crossover, at least, something for everyone. This year’s theme “The Spirit of Jazz” woke up my spirit and senses especially after knowing that Manhattan Transfer will be performing. I’ve seen the recording of Patti Austin singing “Smoke in your eyes” with Dave Koz accompanying on saxophone and produced by Razak Satari. Wow! Now Manhattan Transfer, the sui generis vocal quartet that could embrace varied musical styles. I hope tickets are not sold out yet. Just perfect for an atmosphere of collaboration where people with extraordinary talents and creativity of different nationalities meet. Top Indonesian musicians, Erwin Gutawa, Maliq and D’Essentials, Tompi and Groovology and many others will also take part on the collaboration. It’s all about music for peace, a melting pot of cultures and expressions. The sounds of jazz, R&B, pop, rock ‘n’ roll, salsa and swing, whatever, will surely make people in Jakarta rock their senses.
