Jason Mraz Live in Jakarta
Jason Mraz was apparently someone who enjoys his life very soothingly. That was the vibe supposed to be of tastefulness when sitting out his concert. Sitting in relax at a comfort outdoor room would be the best choice for it. Other way would be standing in an outdoor ground such as on last Friday night, June 22nd 2012. That night, more than 5,000 spectators were standing on the Field D at Senayan, Jakarta.
An open air ground is not the first time for Mraz’s choice. On November 9th 2011, Mraz performed in an acoustic session at Taman Bhagawan, Tanjung Benoa, Bali. Unfortunately, the atmosphere of any open air ground in Jakarta shall not be as enjoyable as in Bali. Although the ground is grassy, the Field D is also dusty by its sandy red ground. However, Jakarta—who is now 495 year-old of age—yet has not possessed any proper open air concert space at certain strategic location.
Except witnessing the Jakarta traditional display of ondel-ondel, Jakarta also has got other way to celebrate its birthday. Jason Mraz appears on stage at the same day with the 495th anniversary of Jakarta. Furthermore, Mraz has composed a special song as a birthday’s gift. The Grammy Award 2010 winner in category of Best Male Pop Vocal Performance also delivered the song with lyrics of ‘congratulation’ inserted. He also sang the difference between his age and Jakarta’s age.
The concert of Tour Is A Four Letter Word was begun on 20.16 P.M. Mraz has been visiting Indonesia for three times. His first visit was when Mraz performed in Java Jazz Festival on March 2009. Already now, his knowledge in Bahasa Indonesia is much better. He expressed the phrases of “Selamat malam Indonesia” to “Terima kasih” fluently.
Mraz commenced his gig by “Everything is Sound”. He appeared in casual style as usual. He only wore t-shirt, jeans pants and the straw fedora hat. “Freedom” brought in a jazz nuance to the open air sphere. The Virginia, USA-based singer inserted his old collections of “Only Human”, “Be Honest” and “Make It Mine” in the list.
Mraz appeared with his band, consisted of Bruce Hughes (bass), Carlos Sosa (saxophone), Eric Hinojosa (keyboards), Fernando “Fernie” Castillo (trumpet), Michael “Leroy” Bram (drums), Merritt Lear (background vocal, violin and mandolin) and Reggie Warkins (trombone). Lear was the duet-mate for Mraz in song “Lucky”.
“Woman I Love” and “A Beautiful Mess” brought in a romantic mood to the night. Mraz continued by the re-arranged song of Bill Withers, “Ain’t No Sunshine”. Mraz, who changed his guitar recurrently, then continued the gig by “Unfold”.
“I love your voices. It would be weird if it is sleepy. Please listen to my attempt to sing ‘Di Sini Senang Di Sana Senang’,” Mraz said.
Then suddenly he sang the song, which is composed by Ibu (Mother) Sud, along with the crowd. The crowd clapped their hands while sang; ‘La la la la’.
“You and I Both” was delivered in acoustic session. The song actually marked Mraz’s debut in entertainment industry. The song in the acoustic album of Live at Java Joe’s was released in 2001. In this album, Mraz appeared percussionist Noel “Toca” Rivera and bassist Ian Sheridan.
After delivering “I’m Coming Over”, then it was the crowd’s turn to sing for the man who was born on June 23rd 1977; from “Happy Birthday” up to “Selamat Ulang Tahun”.
Alike of those of his songs, Mraz visibly is “Living in the Moment” and most of the lyrics of his songs contain positive drive, relaxing and free.
In 2002, Mraz produced his first full album with the one who produced John Mayer, John Alagia. The album Waiting for My Rocket to Come contains song that had boosted his success commercially. That night, Mraz presented “The Remedy (I Won’t Worry)” which had once brought him to the 15th position in the chart of Billboard Hot 100.
Mraz admitted that he frequently feels unhappy as he celebrates his birthday. However, music can eliminate his unhappiness so as to keep on live.
“Each time I meet my birthday, I always write a new song. So I composed this song on my birthday,” Mraz uttered prior to deliver “Mr. Curiousity” by keyboards.
“Butterfly” and “I’m Yours” were becoming closing tunes. However, “Bella Luna”, “93 Million Miles” and “I Won’t Give Up” really ended up his gig. “Good bye, see you next time,” Mraz expressed his farewell gratitude. After kissing his hands for the crowd, Mraz ended the night without floating stars above.
Filed Under: Reviews Event
