Kosupa Travel

Continuing our coverage of the JAMZ SESSION NIGHT after-hours jam sessions from our previous article.

Read Part 1 here: https://hatenablog-parts.com/embed?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.kosupatravel.com%2Fentry%2F2023%2F12%2F20%2F180000

JAMZ SESSION NIGHT: When the Night Comes Alive

As the Java Jazz Festival winds down each evening, there’s a special place where passionate music fans gather – the JAMZ SESSION NIGHT at Hotel Borobudur.

Starting around 10 PM while the jazz festival is still in full swing, JAMZ SESSION NIGHT sees festival performers gradually gathering to join the jam sessions. The real action kicks off after midnight, but by then, all tables are usually occupied and even standing room becomes scarce. If you want to experience JAMZ SESSION NIGHT, it’s recommended to leave the festival early and head to Hotel Borobudur.

Two Nights of Musical Magic: The “Backstage” Experience

Last year, I attended JAMZ SESSION NIGHT for two consecutive evenings during the Java Jazz Festival. These jam sessions, where you can see world-class artists in their natural element, truly serve as the festival’s “backstage” experience.

On the first night, cutting-edge jazz musicians were joined by minimal funk’s new guitar hero, Cory Wong. The impromptu jam session featured Cory’s signature crisp cutting guitar style in a one-chord funk setting. The session’s bass was handled by Guy Bernfeld, who was in Indonesia as Giacomo Turra’s support bassist, creating a golden collaboration you couldn’t see anywhere else.

The second night saw modern jazz trumpet prodigy Maurice White joining the session. Perhaps feeling unsatisfied with his tribute project performance at the festival, he delivered an even more passionate performance here. His charisma dominated the room as if he were the night’s headline act.

Later in the evening, Debbie Sledge, current vocalist of the legendary soul-funk group Sister Sledge, joined in. Unlike other musicians, Debbie, who doesn’t come from a jazz background, seemed less familiar with jam session protocols. The session members thoughtfully suggested “Feel Like Makin’ Love” as the jam tune.

However, once the session began, Debbie kept singing continuously. Even after completing the first chorus, when it would typically transition to instrumental solos, she held onto the microphone. Seemingly uncertain about the progression, Debbie continued singing. As the jam session started to become unwieldy, Maurice saved the day by giving a clear cue and smoothly passing the solo to the saxophone. The crowd erupted in applause at his skillful navigation.

This is what makes JAMZ SESSION NIGHT special – musicians meet without rehearsal or preparation, creating spontaneous collaborations that reveal both their playful sides and true creative capabilities.

Take a Break on the Terrace

After hours at the jazz festival followed by JAMZ SESSION NIGHT, your ears might need a break. The terrace, separated from the stage by just a glass door, offers the perfect retreat. Here, you can enjoy the session’s music at a comfortable volume while getting some fresh air.

The terrace also offers opportunities to meet artists taking breaks or musicians stepping out for a smoke. After enjoying conversations and drinks, I eventually gave up my table to a band that had just arrived tired from their Java Jazz performance.

Final Thoughts

If you want to enhance your Java Jazz Festival experience, attending JAMZ SESSION NIGHT is essential. Why not spend an unforgettable evening in this special space where passionate music fans gather and one-of-a-kind performances unfold?

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