JAKARTA - The initiator and chairman of the Java Jazz Festival, Peter Gontha, gave special appreciation to American famous musicians, arrangers, and jazz producer Bob James, through a performance session entitled "Tribute to Bob James" at the 18th Java Jazz Festival, Sunday.
The session presented some of the musicians' best works including "One Mint Julep", "Feel Like Making Love", "Between The Sheets", "Nautilus", "Since I Feel for You", "Angela", "The Closer I Get to You". Bob James himself also contributed an amazing finger game on the piano keys to the song "Westchester Lady" as the final action.
Before opening the concert, Peter Gontha also shared a story about his passion for Bob James' works, until finally he was able to witness the pianist's actions on stage.
"In the past, there were times when I never didn't have money to come to Bob James' live. The only thing I could do was listen to his album. But I then insisted that one day I had to see Bob James' performance in person," Peter said as quoted by Antara, Tuesday.
Peter continued the story that in 1986, he felt very lucky because he had come to the North Sea Jazz Festival and saw Bob James' action at that time.
"I had the opportunity to get access to the back stage and give an angklung to Bob as a gift from Indonesia. At that time, he asked who I was, and I explained about Indonesia," recalled Peter.
Peter continued that when he became a radio announcer and had his own program, he never missed playing Bob James' song titled "Feel Like Making Love" as the opening theme song.
"Bob, tonight we want to give a little or maybe a big tribute to you. Thank you also to Sonny Abelardo who is with Dewi (Gontha), for bringing around 30 musicians to this stage," added Peter.
Held at BNI Hall on the last day of Java Jazz 2023, Sunday, the honorary session for the 83-year-old musician featured a number of seasoned musicians including Kirk Whale (saxophprist), Keith PHILps (piano-keynth), Michael Palazzolo (bass), James Adkins (drums), and Will Patrick (guitar).
Meanwhile, from the vocals sector, the tribute music project presented aging singers Patti Austin, Larry Brags, and Christie. "Tribute to Bob James" was also strengthened by Ron King Horn Sections and Indonesian String.
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