Java Jazz day two,
A tremendously great effort and stamina required struggling to locate a comfort zone, space to park, sit, chill, walk or even breath was virtually an impossible reality. Saturday night fever as the 2nd day drew in practically the whole city perhaps the country. A nightmare for claustrophobics.
No Doubt the festivals expansion and growth into an even bigger Arena and venue than previous years and attracting more people, one has to wonder where next ? As it continues to multiply in size from year to year Java Jazz will need a grander venue in 2011. Perhaps a venue is not required as what is needed is more open space.
Saturdays concerts featured International Artists Toni Braxton, Diane Warren, Lee Ritenour, Manhattan transfer amongst the line up. Great fantastic line up but this was not the problem.
The organsation exit and entry strategy seemed to be an issue as people struggled to get in and out of the halls at the same time at some point you may consider retracting and follow the majority of the crowd.
The problem was trying to get in to the concert halls to see your favorite dream artist. Even if you had saved your dimes and splashed out and bought special show tickets there was no guarantee that you could get into the concert you wanted to see.
A little un-fair I would think.
Once security shut the doors because the concert halls were bursting at the seams the wisest decision was back down from frustration, recline and hit the food court, grab a bite and a drink and be thankfull you have somewhere to park your body.
Whilst the out door stages and halls featuring the big names of Commercial Pop and RNB music magnetised the majority it was a relief to catch some real pure jazz located on the 6th floor at the Semeru Garuda Airlines Hall and be able to get a seat comfortably and listen to the sounds of Hubert Laws, Brian Lynch Unsung Heroes and Arturo O'Farril. Whilst these artists did not attract the majority of the crowds lining up to see the likes of Toni Braxton they did attract a more sophisticated music listener and jazz purist.
Mexican born Latin Jazz pianist Arturo O'Farril demonstrated pure genius in a style that demonstrated an art form and spirit in the form of cuban latin jazz.The Winner of of the Latin Jazz USA Outstanding Achievement Award for 2003 proved himself to be the master of Latin Jazz on the keyd as he gracefully and rhythmical played the keys effortlessly.
The technical sound in Semeru Garuda Airlines Hall was far superior to any other halls in which the sounds were lost in space. Someone really needs to look into the sound at Java Jazz next year and make major improvements as mostly you couldn`t hear anything clearly. Stay tuned for a full sound write up next.
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