For the first time, the UGM Faculty of Economics and Business will hold an International Jazz concert BNI-Economic Jazz at the Grand Pacific Ballroom, Saturday (14/5) night. The concert will present Once, Michael Paulo, Fariz RM, Barry Likumahuwa and Citra Scholastika, star of Indonesian Idol.
The combination of Indonesian and international jazz musicians, according to Chair and Executive Producer, Dr. Toni A. Prasentiantono, is the first time organized by UGM. "This year, the Economic Jazz presents musicians from Indonesia and from abroad. It’s the 15th concert and the first international jazz concert," said Toni to reporters in RnB Grill Cafe Yogyakarta, Friday (13/5).
It is planned that Once, former vocalist of the famous band Dewa 19, will be singing accompanied by Michael Paulo, excellent jazz musician from California, United States. Michael Paulo did not come alone in this concert. He brought along his band consisting of Freddie Washington (bass), James 'Kimo' Cornwell (keyboards), Fred Schreuders (guitar), and Land Richards (drums).
Michael Paulo and Once are scheduled to go on stage for 90 minutes. Besides them, the concert will also be enlivened by the appearance of Fariz RM. With Barry Likumahuwa and friends, Fariz RM will sing Fariz’s old songs, like Sakura, Barcelona, Nada Kasih, Hasrat dan Cita, which will be re-arranged in jazz swing. Fariz will be accompanied by two lIndonesian Idol singers, namely Citra Scholastika and Lucky Octavian.
Michael Paulo admitted that it was his first time to Yogyakarta. Nevertheless, together with his colleagues he prepared to perform all of his abilities in playing music to satisfy the jazz audience in this city. "I feel happy to be able to perform in Yogya, although it is the first time for me here. Yogya is a beautiful place. The people are smiling and friendly. I am very impressed," he said.
In the meantime, Fariz RM said that he was overwhelmed to be able to perform in this jazz concert. In collaboration with Barry, he hopes that he could show something that can be accepted by the current younger generation. Fariz will feature several new songs of his collaboration for two years with Barry. "I think because the music of my generation may not be able to get accepted by the young people today, this combination can be very attractive and acceptable," he said.
Toni said the concert was prepared with great seriousness, with the fine support of sound, lighting, and multimedia. He hopes that the international jazz concert this time will become the most spectacular and worth remembering concert.