HAPPY NEW YEAR 2010 !!

Due to Perform at Java Jazz Festival 2010... Ron King Big Band

Prepare for a vibrant performance when Ron King performs with his big band! Ron King is one of the best trumpeters, composers and arrangers in the world. A Grammy nominee, he was the recipient of awards from IAJNE, NAJE, ASCAP and RMA. The line-up of musicians with whom he has jammed with is extremely diverse, starting from George Benson, Ricki Lee Jones to Marvin Gaye. At Jakarta International Java Jazz Festival 2008 and 2009, Ron King performed a number of times to a full audience.

Ron King's Website

Check Out Ron King's Big Band Youtube Video HERE

Due to Perform at Java Jazz Festival 2010... Mindi Abair

Born on tour into a musical family, Mindi Abair was playing piano by the age of five. Within three years, she was playing saxophone and writing songs. She made her way through Berklee performing all kinds of music from jazz to rock and R&B. Upon moving back to Los Angeles, Abair started her own band. She also took on session work with artists as diverse as the Gap Band, Adam Sandler, Mandy Moore, John Tesh, Teena Marie, and the Backstreet Boys. During this time, she worked on creating her own sound and released her debut disc in 1999. The Backstreet Boys connection really paid off for her, and her website and CD (entitled Love) took off. The year 2000 saw the release of the follow-up, Always and Never the Same, and shortly thereafter Abair signed with GRP Records. A sophomore effort, It Just Happens That Way, was issued in 2003. "Lucy's," "Save the Last Dance," and the album's title track went on to impact Top Ten radio. A year later, Abair returned with Come as You Are, her second set produced with her writing partner, Matthew Hager. In 2006, Abair released Life Less Ordinary, which featured guest vocals from Lalah Hathaway and Keb' Mo', and also performed at the Governors Ball, the official Oscars afterparty. The following year, she appeared on guitarist Peter White's -- with whom she had performed frequently -- Christmas album, but 2008 saw a return to her solo material (and an introduction to Abair as a singer) with Stars.

Mindi Abair's Myspace

Mindi Abair's Website

Check Out Mindi Abair's Youtube Video HERE

Due to Perform at Java Jazz Festival 2010... Michael Paulo

Michael Paulo is no stranger for the jazz lovers who are also the loyal followers of Jakarta International Java Jazz Festival. This saxophonist is the artist in residence for one of the world's largest jazz festivals. Michael Paulo came into prominence as a smooth jazz saxophonist during the late 70's. Renowned jazz musicians, including Al Jarreau, Olleta Adams, Jeff Lorber, Jeffrey Osborne, David Benoit and Rick Braun, have invited Michael to collaborate with them. The host of "Dolphin Days Music Festival" in Hawaii, the founder of "Temecula Wine & Music Festival" in California, and owner of recording label "Noteworthy Records", Michael Paulo began his music career in his teen years. It was in Los Angeles that he then developed his career further. His saxophone-playing is rich in harmony and impressive. Songs from Michael Paulo's solo album have held various spots at the "Top Ten Hit" of "Contemporary Jazz/NAC Chart" and "Billboard's Contemporary Jazz Chart".

Michael Paulo's Website

Check Out Michael Paulo's Youtube Video HERE

Due to Perform at Java Jazz Festival 2010... Jonathan Butler

Every now and then, an artist creates a special project so rich in content, so joyous in emotion, so fresh and inspired, that it becomes almost impossible to find a title that fully embraces the range and heart of the project. Such was the challenge when the gifted singer, two-time Grammy nominated songwriter, guitarist, and producer, Jonathan Butler, delivered his latest CD to his new label, Rendezvous Entertainment.

After numerous creative meetings between artist, managers, and the label, to find just the right title to convey the essence of the music, it became evident that the challenge was so difficult because Mr. Butler is such a truly unique talent. So, the album is simply titled Jonathan, reflecting exactly what this album is: pure Jonathan Butler. And that says it all. Jonathan is the product of South Africa. Born and raised in Cape Town, Jonathan Butler spent his youth under the shroud of apartheid, an official government policy of political, legal, and economic discrimination against non-whites. His escape was music. The youngest of twelve children, he began singing publicly in South African townships at the tender age of seven. Not even in his teens, Butler's talents as a singer and guitarist were recognized and he soon found himself touring his poverty-stricken country in a traveling variety show. 

Though his musical abilities would soon take him away from the world he grew up in, Jonathan would neither forget the plight of his fellow South Africans nor the man who ultimately led them to freedom. "Mandela Bay", the second track on Jonathan, is a lively instrumental tribute to the legacy of Nelson Mandela. The song exudes optimism - the joy of liberation, the celebration of life. Akin to a musical sunny day, "Mandela Bay" will raise spirits and stamp a smile on faces, guaranteed to last at least four minutes and eleven seconds, though no one will be blamed for putting it on repeat. Jonathan is the product of the Western World. At thirteen, Jonathan's talents caught the ears and eyes of British record producer Clive Caulder. He was signed to Caulder's Jive Records and as the old cliche goes, the rest is history. Jonathan's first single broke down racial barriers, becoming the first song by a black artist to be played by white radio stations in South Africa. Because Jive was headquartered in England, Jonathan decided to move there to focus on his recording career. His commitment to his craft paid off with his self-titled debut album, which received a Grammy nomination for the pop hit "Lies." Jonathan's ability to blend his roots in African music with western pop sensibilities would be a trademark of many albums to follow, though never more refined than in his latest release. For example, the first single from Jonathan is a rendition of the folk-rock classic "Fire and Rain." Butler breathes new life into this classic, infusing the vocals with intensity, as subtle as it is powerful. The musical arrangement is lively and soulful, indicative of his roots in World music. "Fire and Rain" is already garnering accolades from top radio programmers. Lori Lewis, program director for WSMJ in Baltimore states, "It literally gave me a lump in my throat. I walked into the studio and introduced it live on air. Vocals this great are really rare."  

British record producer Clive Caulder signed Butler as a teenager to Jive Records. His first single was the first by a black artist played by white radio stations in South Africa and earned a Sarie Award, South Africa's equivalent to the Grammys. Jive was headquartered in England, so Butler moved there and called it home for seventeen years. His self-titled debut album introduced him internationally and scored a Grammy nomination for the pop hit "Lies." An instrumental, "Going Home," earned a Grammy nomination and the mid-tempo ballad, "Sarah, Sarah," confirmed Butler's place in popular music. A collection of diverse albums followed. Through them and extensive concert tours, Butler solidified his presence in the 1990s with a body of music that crossed color and age lines. Was he a jazz instrumentalist that sang soulfully or a passionate R&B singer that played a cool jazz guitar? "I came to the West seeking artistic freedom to express myself," he recalled.

"While my albums have always offered vocal cuts and instrumentals, for me it was never about creating music for a particular format or type of audience. That's too narrow and restrictive. For me, it's about surrendering to the will of the music and just letting it flow through me, whichever direction it may go."  

Jonathan Butler's Myspace

Jonathan Butler's Website

Check Out Jonathan Butler's Youtube Video HERE

Due to Perform at Java Jazz Festival 2010... Indro Hardjodikoro Trio

"Bass is not merely an instrument that produces rhythm, but also melody and rhythm section with harmonious effects when performing solo," explained musician-arranger-session bass player-performer Indro Hardjokoro about the concept of Indro Hardjodikoro Trio's performance at JJF 2010 Alongside Demas Narawangsa (drums) and Lal Intje Makkah (keyboards), Indro aims to showcase the minimalist, effective and solid trio concept tinged with modern jazz flavors. The trio is due to perform the likes of "Drums and Bass", "I Like Surprises", "Psychophat" and "Titik Awal".

Check Out Indro Hardjodikoro's Trio Youtube Video HERE

Due to Perform at Java Jazz Festival 2010... Jessy J

Jazz saxophonist Jessy J was born Jessica Spinella in Portland, OR, to parents who had emigrated from Mexico. She grew up in Hemet, CA, and began playing the piano at age four, spending her childhood studying and performing in musical competitions. At 15, she was named Piano State Champion at the Bela Bartok Festival in California. Later, she switched instruments to the saxophone. After graduating from the University of Southern California with a degree in jazz studies, she turned professional, finding work backing Michael Buble in the recording studio and playing in the touring bands for the Temptations, Jessica Simpson, Michael Bolton, Gloria Trevi, and Armando Manzanero. In 2004, she joined the touring cast of the Off-Broadway musical Blast! as a singer/actress/dancer/saxophonist and toured with the show in the U.S., the U.K., and Japan. Producer/guitarist Paul Brown first gave her a featured spot in his show on February 14, 2006, after which she began to make appearances on her own, her first major show occurring at the Catalina JazzTrax Festival later in 2006. She issued a self-titled album in 2007, then signed to Peak Records for her second CD, Tequila Moon, released on March 4, 2008.

Jessy J's Myspace

Jessy J's Website

Check Out Jessy J's Youtube Video HERE

Due to Perform at Java Jazz Festival 2010... Sheila Majid

 Malaysia’s foremost singing sensation, SHEILA MAJID has continued to hold her rank presence in regional music scene for the last eighteen years with her trademark contemporary pop music tastefully with a Jazz and R&B flavor.

 With the 1985 release of her debut album, aptly entitled Dimensi Baru, (translation: New Dimension), SHEILA MAJID brought a new dimension to the local music industry; building a phenomenal following manifested by sold-out concerts in various cities.

 With Emosi (translation: Emotion), released a year later, SHEILA MAJID made a Malaysian invasion of a very protective Indonesian market. She went on to win the prestigious BASF Award for Best Female Artist in R&B category in 1987; never before by a non-Indonesian. Her success in Indonesia was further entrenched by a 1988 nationwide tour, which received an overwhelming response.

 From Indonesia SHEILA MAJID spread her wings to Japan where she performed at the Tokyo Music Festival in 1989. She left such an impression at the Okinawa Music Pageant in 1990 that she was invited back to perform in Japan by popular demand that very same year. With two well-received albums and singles respectively she remains the first and only Malaysian artist to successfully infiltrate Japan, the world’s second biggest market.

 By the same time SHEILA MAJID released her 1988 multi-platinum selling album Warna (translation: Color) her album sales abroad were outstripping sales in her home country. Her music had broken all age and racial barriers and she had by now become a household name. Her popularity topped New Straits Times reader’s poll four consecutive years between 1987 to 1990, which incidentally was the last year the poll was held.

 Even before she could take time to revel in the resounding success of Warna, SHEILA MAJID embarked upon yet another pioneering project in 1990, fourth album Legenda (translation: Legend) which featured her fresh interpretation of several classics by the late P.Ramlee; perceived as a daring effort by critics and fans alike. Her tribute to Malaysia’s most unrivaled legendary artist captured the imagination of the nation across the board. Little wonder when in the same year, His Majesty the Yang DiPertuan Agong IX awarded her the Ahli Mangku Negara (A.M.N), a federal honour. To date, Legenda remains her best-selling album which was complemented by an enormously success nationwide tour, spanning over two years and culminating in a concert at Stadium Negara, Kuala Lumpur which drew a record-breaking crowd of more than 10,000 – hitherto the biggest by a local solo artiste.

 The release of her fifth original studio album, Ratu (translation: Queen) in 1996 was a marked transition in SHEILA MAJID’s singing career. By now her voice and singing style have matured completely. Her immense popularity, despite a 6 years break, coupled her enchanting new found velvety smooth sound had enabled her to collaborate with some of the world’s best musicians – most notably bassist Nathan East of American jazz group Four Play, who has worked with the likes of Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Babyface, etc. and Rex Goh of Air Supply fame on guitars, as well as Japanese violinist, Aska Kaneko.

 With this critically acclaimed album, SHEILA MAJID took her music to United Kingdom where she performed at a sold-out concert at London’s West End Royalty Theatre in March 1996. To mark this historic event – again, Malaysia’s first – East West Records, her UK affiliate label, occasioned a special release of Ratu with a meet-the-fans session at the world’s biggest music store, Tower Records at Piccadilly Circus, London – a privilege usually reserved for international superstars.

With growing demand for her presence in London, in December of the same year she accepted an invitation by Ronnie Scotts’, the jazz Mecca of the Music world to take to the very stage where her idols like Aretha Franklin and Stevie Wonder had once performed. In the United Kingdom, much encouragement was given for her to embark upon a long awaited English album but SHEILA MAJID’s orientation remains committed to her roots. Many critics believe her magical delivery is most apparent in her mother tongue but none has so far ruled out the viability of an English project. Neither has she.

The release of SHEILA MAJID’s highly anticipated sixth studio album, Ku Mohon (translation: I Pray) in November 1999 is an affirmation of her leading position in the music industry. With a successful nationwide tour preceding the album release, Ku Mohon went on to win four awards most notably ‘Best Pop Album’ at the Anugerah Industri Muzik (AIM) 2000, Malaysia’s equivalent of the Grammy. The title track, one of her five compositions in the album and incidentally her first lyric creation was named ‘Song of the Year’.

 In July 2000, SHEILA MAJID created history yet again by being the first local artiste to perform at the Dewan Filharmonic PETRONAS. The two night sell out concerts were held in conjunction with her fifteenth year anniversary in the music industry. Amongst those present to celebrate the occasion were Their Majesties The Yang di-Pertuan Agong XI and The Raja Permaisuri Agong on the first night and the Prime Minister and First Lady on the second.

 In November 2001, SHEILA MAJID was invited to represent Malaysia in Jakarta entitled DIVA SEA which brought together leading singers from Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines. The concert was televised live to millions all over Indonesia.

In October 2003, SHEILA MAJID was invited to headline a live concert by TransTV, Indonesia. This two hour special, entitled 'Konsert Perjalanan Seni Sheila Majid' was a prelude to the release of her much anticipated new album. Cinta Kita, her seventh studio effort was another milestone in her career if not the Malaysian music industry as a whole. This album, helmed by Warner Music Indonesia saw SHEILA MAJID collaborating with some of Indonesia's industry giants like Andi Rianto, Tohpati and Indra Lesmana who collectively contributed towards 80% of the album production. To date, both the album as well as its first single, 'Kerinduan' have reached number one in Indonesia.

Sheila Majid's Website

Check Out Sheila Majid's Youtube Video HERE

Due to Perform at Java Jazz Festival 2010... The Manhattan Transfer

The Manhattan Transfer were not an overnight success, but a result of many years of dues-paying and persistence, particularly by bass singer and founder Tim Hauser. Tim's musical history goes back to a doo-wop group called the Criterions, who recorded a couple of singles on Cecilia Records when Tim was 15. Subsequently, Tim formed the first Manhattan Transfer, five members strong and featuring Gene Pistilli, who had co-written some songs recorded by Spanky and Our Gang. The resulting album wasn't stylistically well-integrated, and didn't catch on commercially either. That first version of the group broke up in 1971.

The Manhattan Transfer re-emerged as a four-piece, with Janis Siegel (alto), Laurel Masse (soprano), and Alan Paul (tenor), who found each other in a series of happy accidents. Tim Hauser was driving a cab at the time, and picked up passenger Laurel Masse; they got to talking. Tim met Janis Siegel through a drummer acquaintance. Janis had been performing at the Greenwich Village coffeehouse scene with a group called “Laurel Canyon.” Alan Paul had been appearing in the musical “Grease!” (Laurel's boyfriend was a musician in the production, and referred him).

With personnel in place, they began to build a following at all of the hip New York clubs: Max's Kansas City, Reno Sweeney's, Cafe Carlyle, etc. Atlantic's Ahmet Ertegun heard of them and came to a gig. His enthusiastic response resulted in a record deal and an association that lasted for many years. The Manhattan Transfer's first recording, the self-titled “Manhattan Transfer” featured “Operator,” a fifties gospel tune, which reached number #22 on the Billboard chart and was their first hit. They were hard to catagorize - “Cabaret Rock” or “Disco Sha Na Na” were some of the labels attached to them - but their popularity grew solidly, accompanied by intensive touring. They even had their own short-lived TV series (as well as frequent guest appearances on other variety programs). “Coming Out, “ “Pastiche” and the first live album followed. “Pastiche” was noteworthy as it was the first time the group collaborated with Jon Hendricks (of Lambert, Hendricks and Ross), and was the beginning of a long and remarkably fecund relationship. However, the record did not sell well, and as fate would have it, Laurel was in a car accident in 1978, which curtailed her activities (her jaw was wired shut for three months). She ultimately quit the group. The Manhattan Transfer re-located to California and began the search for a new soprano vocalist.

Cheryl Bentyne joined in 1979. Her father had been a jazz bandleader and she had sung with him, developing a technical facility that she would need with the Transfer. Her audition pieces were “You Can Depend On Me” and “Candy.” With Cheryl in the group, the group went forward with their next record: “Extensions.” It was a hit and the group were swept up in the disco craze with the single “Twilight Zone/Twilight Tone.” In addition, “Extensions” included “Birdland,” the Weather Report composition that became a Manhattan Transfer signature tune. The group won two Grammy's for that album, the first of many.

“Mecca For Moderns” followed, which included Gene Puerling's “A Nightingale Sang In Berkeley Square” and “Boy From New York City.” Having discovered them, the public and the critics continued to bestow honors upon the Manhattan Transfer, as they received the Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group Grammy, and “Boy” reached number seven on Billboard.

Atlantic released their first greatest hits album, while the group went to work on “Bodies and Souls.” The record company's agenda, which necessitated more pop hits, prevailed, but the record did not do well and the group wasn't musically satisfied. The record that followed it, “Bop Doo Wopp,” included some live recordings of standards and doo-wop classics, but didn't connect with its audience either. Given the disappointing sales, the group saw no reason to pursue a commercial direction, but decided to go back to the music that they felt was their strongest suit, and for which they had a demonstrated ability unlike any of their contemporaries. With collaborators Jon Hendricks and Richie Cole, they focused on the use of the vocalese technique - singing lyrics over jazz solos - the album, entitled naturally, “Vocalese.” The group already had modeled their distinctive voicings on that of the big band horn section of Count Basie, and this approach culminated in a triumph. They received twelve Grammy nominations for “Vocalese,” and won three.

“Brasil” was an exploration of the textures and rhythms of world music, juxtaposed with jazz. The group worked with Brazilian songwriters such as Milton Nasciment, Ivan Lins and Djavan on the record, and it was another unique musical collage, bringing the decade of the 1980's to a close. Manhattan Transfer also had won the Playboy and Downbeat “Best Jazz Vocal Group” category every year from 1980 to 1990.

The group went to Columbia for two releases: “The Offbeat of Avenues,” which was a mostly self- written collection, and their Christmas record. Unfortunately, “Avenues” did not get the attention it deserved. The group members also ventured out on a variety of solo projects, including movie soundtracks, and guest starred on the TV series, “Home Improvement.”

The group's next project was a children's album, “Tubby The Tuba.” The group played all the parts for this charming story of an insecure tuba searching for a melody. Then, after returning to Atlantic, the Manhattan Transfer produced “Tonin',” featuring such luminaries as Laura Nyro, Frankie Valli, James Taylor and Chaka Khan, singing classic pop hits. A most entertaining record, it nonetheless didn't break any new ground musically for the group. Their latest recording, “Swing,” was a tribute to the music of the 1930's and 1940's, and no one could do it better than America's preeminent purveyors of vocal harmony. They reinterpreted several tracks, such as “Java Jive,” specially for this recording, which debuted at #1 on the Billboard Jazz Chart.

What now, after so many years of success? Only time will tell, of course, but the four singers continue to be partners personally and professionally, and certainly an inspiration to all who hear them. Whatever it is, it'll be done as only the Manhattan Transfer can do it!

Members - Tim Hauser, Janis Segal, Alan Paul, Cheryl Bentyne

Read the fantastic review of The Manhattan Transfer's latest album "The Chick Corea Song Book" in All About Jazz 

The Manhattan Transfer's Myspace

The Manhattan Transfer's Website

Check Out The Manhattan Transfer's Youtube Video HERE

Due to Perform at Java Jazz Festival 2010... Tohpati & Friends

"Gitaris yang sangat dikenal karena kekalemannya, di atas maupun di luar panggung. Tapi dia memang banyak senyum, akrab dengan banyak musisi dan penyanyi. Kini ia telah menjadi salah satu gitaris papan atas, yang disegani di tanah air saat ini. "


Tohpati Ario Hutomo, begitu nama lengkapnya. Biasa dipanggil dengan, Bontot. Ia memang anak bungsu dari tiga bersaudara, dari pasangan Ir. Harnoko Hadisubroto dan Siti Werdhi Harini. 
Perjalanan bermusiknya, teristimewa untuk gitar dimulai sejak ia di Sekolah Dasar kelas empat. Ia ingat, pertama kali ia menyentuh gitar kepunyaan pamannya, yang dipanggil, Oom Herri. Sejak itulah ia mulai mencoba belajar serius, dengan mengambil kursus gitar klasik di Yayasan Musik Indonesia. Di situ ia sampai Level 5.

Dari Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple sampai Didi AGP, Dian HP dan Ubiet 

Saat itu masih diingatnya, ia tertarik dengan musik-musik cadas seperti Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, Genesis, Yes, Police dan sebangsanya. Kemudian ketika ia masuk SMP, di SMN 68, ia bertemu dan kemudian banyak bermain bersama Didi AGP dan Dian HP, yang lantas membuatnya masuk formasi grup Splash Band. Dalam grup itu, terdapat pula musisi kawakan lain seperti Cendi Luntungan (drummer), Nya’ Ina Raseuki alias Ubiet (vokal), Ricky Johannes (vokal) dan Yoyok (saxophone). Bontot kelahiran Jakarta 25 Juli 1971 ini sejak itu mulai mengecap pengalaman untuk mengisi rekaman, juga mengisi acara jazz di TVRI. Ketertarikan musiknyapun berkembang, ia mulai menyimak dan menyukai nama-nama yang kondang di dunia musik jazz, antara lain Mezzoforte, Casiopea, Uzeb, Spyrogyra, Kazumi Watanabe dan banyak lainnya.
Lantas ia mengikuti kursus band di PPMC di sekolah musik Yamaha, yang dilanjutkan dengan membentuk formasi Tohpati Band, bersama kakak kandungnya sendiri. Grup tersebut mengikuti ajang kontes band paling bergengsi saat itu, Light Music Contest, menembus hingga final nasional.

Halmahera, Frontpage, Be Soul dan Erwin Gutawa 

Setelah Tohpati Band, ia lantas membentuk Halmahera, saat ia kelas satu di SMAN 70 Bulungan. Grup tersebut dibentuknya bersama Ari Darmawan (drummer), Sonny keyboardist), Asep (Bass) dan Genky Gutawa (synthesizer). Dengan formasi ini, Halmahera menjadi finalis kontes band lanjutan Light Music Contest, yang berganti nama menjadi Band Explosion. 
Halmahera berubah formasi dengan keluarnya Asep, digantikan Indro Hardjodikoro dan masuknya pianis, Kemal Panigoro. Kemudian Halmahera menjadi home-band acara mingguan di TVRI, Kuis Gita Remaja. Dan juga sempat menghasilkan dua buah album rekaman, masing-masing adalah Halmahera 1 dan Alam Seniku. Halmahera juga sempat mengikuti kompetisi band di Taiwan.


Di saat ia kuliah, ia meneruskn karir bermusiknya dengan masuk formasi beberapa entertainer-band yang sempat bermain rutin di lingkungan kafe atau clubs seperti  Frontpage, Be Soul. Grup terakhir itu, sempat bermain bersama penyanyi dan musisi terkemuka asal Amerika, Warren Wiebe dan Kenny Garret. 
Selain itu, ia juga diajak bermain bersama Erwin Gutawa, untuk orkestra maupun grup bandnya. Dengan Erwin Gutawa tersebut, ia mendukung Konser Ruth Sahanaya, dan konsernya keliling Amerika. Kemudian juga Konser Chrisye, dan turnya ke Australia. Hingga Konser KD. Saat itu ia juga kian aktif terlibat dalam rekaman banyak penyanyi. Iapun juga masih sempat menyisipkan waktu sesaat untuk melanjutkan menimba ilmu ke musisi kawakan seperti Donny Suhendra dan Indra Lesmana. Lantas ia berkawan dekat dengan Aminoto Kossin, keyboardist dari kelompok Karimata. Aminoto menawarkannya untuk membuat album solo gitar.


Tawaran tersebut dijawabnya dengan yakin dan hasilnya adalah dua buah album, Tohpati (1998) dan Serampang Samba (2002). Beberapa bintang tamu musisi kenamaan ikut mendukung solo albumnya tersebut, seperti Eric Marienthal, Indra Lesmana, Glenn Fredly, Shakila dan lain-lainnya. Kedua album solo tersebut dirilis di bawah label Sony BMG.

Dengan simakDialog dan Trisum 

Bontot kemudian masuk formasi kelompok jazz-kontemporer, simakDialog. Ia bermain bersama Riza Arshad, Indro Hardjodikoro dan Arie Ayunir. Grup tersebut menghasilkan empat buah album yaitu Lukisan, Baur, Trance/Misión dan Patahan. Grup ini sempat melakukan konser di gedung Petronas, Kuala Lumpur, Malaisya. 
Ia memperistri Ratih Mustikawati dan memiliki dua orang anak, Saskia Gita Sakanti dan Adwitya Gita Tisti. Selanjutnya, ia juga makin dikenal sebagai Music Director yang antara lain menggarap musik untuk KD Show di Trans TV dan Konser Titi DJ Sang Dewi di Plenary Hall, JCC. Selain beberapa pertunjukkan musik lainnya.


Terakhir ini, Bontot membentuk Trisum bersama Dewa Budjana dan I Wayan Balawan. Trio gitar yang didukung pula oleh Sandy Winata (drummer), Indro Hardjodikoro (bass), Saat Syah (suling) Jalu Pratidina (perkusi etnik) ini sempat menghasilkan sebuah album rekaman yang terdiri dari rekaman audio dalam CD dan audio visual dalam DVD. Ia juga menyempatkan diri menyelesaikan album solo ketiganya yang diberi judul, It’s Time. Sementara itu Trisum juga berubah formasi dengan keluarnya Wayan Balawan, dan saat ini sedang dijajaki format bermain dengan violis, Henri Lamiri. Format ini telah diuji coba dalam kesempatan Jakjazz 2007 dan Java Jazz Festival 2008 silam. 
Kesibukan lainnya saat ini, ia juga memproduksi album dan bertindak sebagai aranjer untuk rekaman artis-artis penyanyi seperti Marcel, Ruth Sahanaya, Andien, Rio Febrian, Chrisye, Iwan Fals, Ebiet G.Ade, Harvey Malaiholo, Audy, Pinkan Mambo, Titiek Puspa, Yuni Sahara, Sania, Delon, Chandra, Dian PP, Terry, Reza, Rieka Roslan, Nina Tamam dan lainnya.

Tohpati's Website

Check Out Tohpati's Youtube Video HERE

Due to Perform at Java Jazz Festival 2010... Sandhy Sondoro

Sandhy Sondoro, was born on the island of Java, Indonesia. Came from a musical family, where the house provide the likes of American pop, folk, Jazz and blues tunes coming from his Mother’s or father’s guitar everyday. Those were the joy that shaped his talents. It is not traditional Indonesian music that influenced him but rather soul and blues. Sandhy Sondoro is an excellent singer, songwriter, and guitar player he also has many other proficient talents like drawing and cooking. In Indonesia Sandhy Sondoro started to play in a band at high school. They did mostly covers of Van Halen and Mr. Big or The Black Crows. At the age of 18 he went to visit his uncle in California and stayed there for a while. Over a year later he went to Germany to study architecture. He first had to improve his German proficiency to be admitted at the university. He graduated in interior design but his passion for singing and playing the guitar was stronger than the wish to work in an office. His first experience as a street musician was gained in Biberach on the Riss in Baden Wurttemberg in 1996. The international flair of Berlin attracted him and inspired him. In 1998 he moved back to Berlin and started his career as Sondoro singing and playing the guitar in bars, clubs and in the metro. His famous song Down on the streets was inspired by the experience gained in Berlins metro. He performs also in famous theatres like the House of World Cultures in Berlin, plays at music festivals like at the Bode museum isle festival. He has fans in Hamburg, Cologne, Stuttgart and many other places in Germany. Sandhy Sondoro’s music is influenced by American and British rock legends like the Beatles and Led Zeppelin. The power of his voice reminds us of Curtis Mayfield und Marvin Gaye. Sandhy sings ballads, which express love and his longing for peace. When singing rock songs his voice can turn into a powerful volcano that sounds like Joe Cocker or Roger Chapman. Sandhy’s voice is so flexible that he is sometimes called the Ben Harper of Jakarta. The Berlin-based artist Sandhy Sondoro was one of the participants in Stefan Raabs song contest SSDSDSSWEMUGABRTLAD and finally ranked 5th in December 2007. On April 25, 2008 he published his debut Album with the title “Why Dont We” his sophistication for love, peace, and harmony. The album was very well responded around central Europe although distributed through indie networking. After this success he oftenly appears on national TV in various music program, as the number of visitors of his MYSPACE page www.myspace.com/sandhysondoro increased every day. Sandhy Sondoro is also a first winner of pop singing competition in Europe "Sound Wave"

Sandhy Sondoro's Myspace

Check Out Sandhy Sondoro's Youtube Video HERE

Due to Perform at Java Jazz Festival 2010... Gugun Blues Shelter

Previously called the Bluesbug, Gugun Blues Shelter is an Indonesian blues power trio that is a breath of fresh air in the seemingly dying Asian blues scene these days. Influenced by the likes of Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Bettie Davies, and Led Zeppelin among others, the band forced many music fans to take notice of its powerful, flawless genre-crossing blend of blues that incorporate influences from rock, funk, and soul. Led by guitarist/vocalist Gugun, Gugun & Blues Shelter has released two albums under the Bluesbug m o n i k e r " G e t T h e Bug" (2004) and "Turn it On" (2007) that has been gaining praises from music critics and fans alike.”Turn It On” was voted as one of the best Indonesian album in 2007 by Roll-ing Stone Indonesia Magazine and Gugun was noted as one of the most promising local guitar player by the same magazine. In the same year, Indonesia's Trax Magazine also voted Gugun as the best guitar player in South East Asia. Gugun Blues Shelter is not only drew the attentions of local music lover only. The band also received attentions from European fans, thanks for years of playing for expatriate fans during its pub-playing days. As the result, Gugun Blues Shelter was participated in Belfast Big River Blues and Jazz Festival 2008 and played several dates in a four-weeks UK tour at cities like Burnley, Scarborough, and Crewe. Due to the good receptions, the tour was extended to other cities like Leeds, Oxford, York, Rotherham, and culminated in another festival,”Colne Great British R n' B Festival” at the Manchester outskirt. In Asia, recently Gugun Blues Shelter played several dates in Malaysia in 2008, participated in Singapore Art Festival at the same year, as well as in Indonesia's big festivals such as Java Jazz Festival and JakJazz Festival. Recently, Gugun & Blues Shelter embarked another European invasion by participated in Skegness Rock and Blues Festival and finished recording another new album, titled “Set My Soul On Fire”.

Gugun Blues Shelter's Myspace

Gugun Blues Shelter's Website

Check Out Gugun Blues Shelter's Youtube Video HERE

Due to Perform at Java Jazz Festival 2010... George Duke

George Duke showed a great deal of promise early in his career as a jazz pianist and keyboardist, but has forsaken that form to be a pop producer. Inspired early on by Les McCann, he worked with a trio in San Francisco during the mid-'60s. In 1969, Duke accompanied Jean-Luc Ponty, recording with the violinist. After eight months with the Don Ellis Orchestra, he joined Frank Zappa for much of 1970. Duke spent 1971-1972 with Cannonball Adderley and then returned to Zappa for 1973-1975. In 1975, he worked with Sonny Rollins, co-led a group with Billy Cobham, and then formed a funk band (the Clarke-Duke Project) with Stanley Clarke. By the late '70s, he was completely outside of jazz, playing R&B and producing projects for pop artists. Although he has since expressed interest in returning to active playing, little of George Duke's post-1976 work is relevant to jazz, but he has kept himself busy with projects. Dukey Treats appeared in 2008 from Heads Up Records.

George Duke's Myspace

George Duke's Website

Check Out George Duke's Youtube Video HERE

Due to Perform at Java Jazz Festival 2010... Dave Koz

The latest contender for the instrumental pop saxophone throne, Dave Koz came out of nowhere after his self-titled 1990 release made it onto the Billboard contemporary jazz charts and stayed there several weeks. He has more fire and intensity in his work than Kenny G, and often sounds like a reworked David Sanborn. Koz also played on Arsenio Halls show, which increased his popularity among the urban contemporary, light jazz, and pop audiences. Koz plays instrumental pop covers, some upbeat tunes, and generally sticks to the fusion production formula: background vocalists, synthesizers, and drum machines, a minimum amount of solo space, and so on. His sessions are available on CD and have been regularly released since his first appearance on the scene. Highlights include 1993s peppy Lucky Man, 1999s collaboration-heavy Dance, 2001s holiday treat A Smooth Jazz Christmas, and 2007s film music-themed At the Movies.

Dave Koz's Myspace

Dave Koz's Website

Check Out Dave Koz's Youtube Video HERE

Due to Perform at Java Jazz Festival 2010... Bubi Chen

Bubi Chen is the "Art Tatum of the East"; hands down, he is one of Indonesia's greatest jazz virtuoso. A self-taught jazz musician, he was also the former student of Teddy Wilson. Residing in Surabaya, Bubi Chen was the founder of The Circle, a group comprising of musicians such as Maryono, F.X. Boy, Zainal, Tri Wijayanto and Koes Syamsudin. Alongside Jack Lesmana, Maryono, Kiboud Maulana, Benny Mustafa and Jopie Chen, Bubi Chen was also a member of Indonesian All Stars, a group which performed at Berlin Jazz Festival in 1967.

Check Out Bubi Chen's Youtube Video HERE

Due to Perform at Java Jazz Festival 2010... Adonis Puentes

Music reflects the present and Adonis Puentes is a Cuban Sonero for our times. Its a role he was destined to play. On March 29th, 1974, Adonis was born into an atmosphere charged with Cuban music. His family lived 45 miles southwest of Havana, Cuba in the town of Artemisa. Father, Valentin Puentes taught music and played guitar, and he wasted little time before passing on his gifts to Adonis and his fraternal twin brother, Alexis (aka Alex Cuba). Already at the age of 6, Adonis was playing with a Childrenʹs Guitar Ensemble formed by Valentin. By the time he was 14, he was singing and writing his own music. Though his musical talents were undeniable, his ability to shine as a performer emerged later still. 

At 21, Adonis entered and became one of the finalists of ʹMi Salsaʹ, a Salsa/Son singing competition that was broadcast throughout Cuba on television. His performance caught the attention of the nation and his notoriety began to soar. Three years after an initial tour of Canada with his brother and father in 1995, Adonis came back to start a new life as a proud Cuban‐Canadian. Along with his brother Alexis (now an accomplished multi‐instrumentalist), The Puentes Brothers would record their first CD called Morumba Cubana. The disc caught the ears of the Canadian music industry that rewarded the brothers in 2001 with a Juno Award nomination (the Canadian Grammy), as well as a West Coast Music Award and a Canadian Independent Music Award.  

After such a warm reception in his adopted home, Adonis was ready to take a giant step forward toward the realization of his personal musical vision. In 2005, he released his first solo album called ʹVidaʹ or ʹLifeʹ. Containing a diverse and dance‐friendly collection of original, contemporary takes on Cuban tradition, radio programmers nationally began spinning their favorites and Vida ended up on many Top 10 charts. The video single for ʹCommercianteʹ entered Much More Musicʹs Top 5. In his West Coast home, Adonis received the Island Music Award for Artist of the Year and Male Vocalist of the Year. 

Canadaʹs National broadcasting service, the CBC, recorded Adonis LIVE for a national audience. And, his growing reputation as a gifted singer spread South as well as he continued to tour and perform on radio, television and in concert in the USA. The work has been done; the skills have been learned and now is the time for Adonis Puentes to add a fresh voice to the list of great Cuban soneros. As if to receive one final, ringing endorsement, Adonis recorded lead vocals with Legendary Percussionist Orestes Vilato whose album ʹItʹs About Timeʹ received a Latin Grammy Nomination in 2009. Even Juan de Marcos, one of the masterminds behind the Buena Vista Social Club project and leader of the groundbreaking Afro‐Cuban Allstars calls Adonis, ʹVerdadero Sonero,ʹ ʹA True Soneroʹ. To date, Adonis has shared stages with illustrious Latin music legends like Celia Cruz, Oscar De Leon, Juan De Marcos and The Afro Cuban All Stars, Paquito De Rivera, Eddie Palmieri, Orlando Valle ʹMaraca,ʹ Cuban Timba All Stars, Giovanni Hidalgo, Pianist Hilario Duran, Jane Bunnett and Pancho Quinto, as well as Jazz greats Hubert Laws, and Kenny Burrell. Adonis thrives on the growth and acclaim for his original sonero sound. As he puts it, ʺI feel like a messenger of my roots and tradition, blessed that with me I have taken my music and heritage to many different places in the world; from Cuba, to Canada, USA, Mexico, Europe. My mission is to make you dance and enjoy my melodies and rhythms.ʺ His music bridges generations and cultures with a charisma and delivery that shines brighter than life in intimate or full‐blown arrangements, from solo performances with piano or guitar accompaniment to fronting orchestras. 

Throughout history, these traits have been characteristic to the great soneros and this is the time for Adonis Puentes.

Adonis Puentes' Myspace

Adonis Puentes' Website

Check Out Adonis Puentes' Youtube Video HERE