Vince Jones dedicates performance to Dita Sari
By John Gauci
SYDNEY — "This song is for an amazing Indonesian woman named Dita Sari. Thanks for being political tonight. Keep holding up those placards." This was how Australian jazz icon Vince Jones introduced his song "One day we'll all be free" at the Basement on October 16.
Delicious arrangements and high calibre musicianship were taken to new heights in the name of the imprisoned labour leader and member of the Peoples Democratic Party in Indonesia, Dita Sari. Jones — together with Tim Rollins (guitar), Hamish Stuart (drums), Sam Keeves (piano) and Jonathon Swartz (upright bass) — ensured that this was a jazz experience at its best.
The two sets included a swinging version of "Stop this world and let me off" dedicated to Rupee Doopee (a famous media baron), a soulful version of "If I had a hammer" with reference to Dita Sari and a special version of "What's going on", the Marvin Gaye classic.
Jones sings with mastery and emotion. He kindly invited Action in Solidarity with Indonesia and East Timor to hold a stall at his performance and is eager to work with ASIET in the future. Many people signed the petition for Indonesian political prisoners and gave donations.