Fourplay’s Java Jazz Festival 2011 A Milestone Live Jazz Performance in Jakarta
The appearance of Fourplay at the Jakarta International Java Jazz Festival in 2011 marked one of the most anticipated moments in that year’s edition of the event. The festival itself, held from March 4 to March 6 at the Jakarta International Expo in Kemayoran, is one of the world’s largest jazz celebrations, bringing together international and local artists across multiple stages and genres. Fourplay’s headline performance drew considerable attention from smooth jazz fans and general audiences alike.
Formed in 1991 as an American contemporary smooth jazz quartet, Fourplay had by this time established itself as a major force in the genre. The group’s lineup for the 2011 festival consisted of veteran pianist and composer Bob James, bassist and vocalist Nathan East, drummer Harvey Mason, and guitarist Chuck Loeb. This formation followed the departure of prior guitarist Larry Carlton earlier that year, and represented the band’s continued evolution.
The Java Jazz Festival performance showcased Fourplay’s signature blend of jazz, R&B, and pop inflection, delivered with a smooth yet dynamic energy. The group’s set was part of the first day of the festival and took place in Hall A3 of the JI Expo, where the audience packed the venue well before showtime, anticipating the quartet’s set. Fans young and old gathered in close quarters, clearly excited to hear the international smooth jazz icons live.
Fourplay’s repertoire at the festival included selections from their then recent album Let’s Touch the Sky, released in 2010, as well as earlier favorites that had cemented the band’s reputation over two decades. The ensemble’s approach blended structured arrangements with room for improvisation, a hallmark of their live performances that allowed each member’s voice to come through. Nathan East’s bass lines offered rhythmic depth and occasional vocal moments, while Bob James’s keyboard work provided melodic and harmonic breadth. Chuck Loeb’s guitar contributions brought both lyrical and rhythmic clarity, and Harvey Mason’s drumming anchored the group with precise, expressive rhythms.
Audience reaction at Java Jazz was immediate and enthusiastic. Patrons responded with applause and energetic engagement after each piece, reflecting both respect and enjoyment. The performance demonstrated Fourplay’s ability to bridge smooth jazz tradition with contemporary sensibilities, appealing to seasoned jazz enthusiasts and newer listeners alike.
Fourplay’s 2011 appearance remains a noteworthy chapter in the band’s extensive touring history and a memorable moment within the broader context of the Java Jazz Festival’s rich legacy. It stands as an example of how international jazz acts continue to resonate with global audiences, enhancing Jakarta’s reputation as a key destination for world-class live jazz music.