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Terraz Jazz #11 : The Report

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TerrazJazz11

 

When we created Terraz Jazz, we planned something simple. What we had in mind is to push the regeneration process by creating a platform that’s free to use by any jazz oriented/related bands. They all can showcase their concept, skill either individually or as a unit, as well as getting experienced to play in front of the real audience and to taste how it actually is to stand on the real stage and be covered by the media. They can have the stage as a playground, the place where they can have fun while entertaining people at the same time, unleashing their passion and energy positively through music. And naturally, it should become a new spot for jazz lovers in Bandung to visit.

We make Terraz Jazz as a jazz-based program but open, meaning that we never close our door to any other genres as long as they are interested to play in a jazzmosphered show. We’ve also been trying to look up for unique formation that most people might never thought of. We have featured many special duos like drums-guitar, drums-saxophone, drums-keyboard and guitar-violin. We have invited full electric bands and acoustic ones. The younger musicians found on stage was 8 and 10 years old, many female drummers and percussionists, and speaking of location, we have had musicians not only from local Bandung areas but also from other cities like Jakarta, Bali, all the way to overseas like Malaysia, USA and France. And what amaze us is that all of these happened only in ten editions.

 

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Terraz Jazz 11 - Titbits (1)

 

With no intention of building an exclusive community, so far there are many regular attendances especially young musicians. Eventhough they had no schedule to perform, they just came either to watch or to join the jam session. We wish to keep it that way, making everyone feel at ease when they are attending the show. As our tagline says: “fun jazzin, fun jammin’, fun learnin’, these three aspects that are all rooted in ‘fun has got to be there in any edition. What makes us happy is that many successful, well-established or senior musicians/bands have given their supports and blessings. Some have even showed it by playing together with these young ones. We hope this to grow and continuously give benefit to Jazz, its development and everyone living in it.

So, just like we predicted, the Terraz Jazz #11 stood as a strong, solid one with rich flavors. We say rich, because there were varieties of styles and cross-genres in it. We spotted jazz fusion, smooth jazz, Brit-pop, blues and a pleasantful folk.

For the first time we featured a solo performer. We’re glad to have it from a young fella named Guntur Satria. We knew him when he came and took part in the jam session in one of the early editions. We directly got hooked on him, his magic charm worked just perfectly to stun us. From there we’re connected with him and all his updates.

 

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Terraz Jazz 11 - Guntur Satria-GFRtrio (7)

 

Guntur Satria has a trio called GFRtrio with bassist Farhan Faikar and drummer Raka Rizkyandi. This trio played at the 6th edition that was dedicated fully to Blues (read the report here: jazzuality.com/jazz-events/terraz-jazz-6-special-blues-edition/). The trio was just finished their recording session and is looking forward to launch their album. We’re planning to bring them again in letting them promote their upcoming album, but first we thought it’d be cool to feature him first as a solo player because we believe he’s capable to carry it.

He’s eccentric, meaning that he can be on his own doing weird stuff and unpredictable, he’s energetic, attractive, expressive and interactive. He could stun everyone when he’s on fire on stage. But surprisingly, when he stands alone as a solo performer he actually got a different concept. We have heard some of his solo sessions in his Soundcloud (https://soundcloud.com/gunturblues) and we just had to feature him in this format. He was a mad blues player when plays as a trio, but in his solo he’s a lot calmer both in gesture and music. He goes embracing the country side while still keeping his blues-rock tone in much smaller dose. But Guntur is always Guntur. He’s still fully connected to the audience and happily inserted some real-life stories during his show.

He started in folkish pop by covering John Meyer’s “Stop This Train”. Then he gave his newly written ballad, only 2 days old called “Kala Rindu”. “Blackbird”, a hauntingly beautiful song of The Beatles written by Paul McCartney came alive from him in fresh country style. This one is a winning song, the song that made us impatiently has to invite him to perform in this 11th edition. He sang another original song titled “Sabar” and then invited his band members to join his session. As Farhan Faikar (bass) and Raka Rizkiyandi (drums) came in, he delivered Sting’s “Englishman in New York” which included some solo runs and free improvisations.

 

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Terraz Jazz 11 - Guntur Satria-GFRtrio (4)

 

Guntur told us that recently he found a self-enlightement about his music passion. “Actually I found out that it’s not the skiill that’s important, but how I can share my true-self to my listeners. You know.. what should I bring to make people happy and to be a part of their lives.” he said. It’s amazing when someone as young as him already found that wisdom.  As a one-man show, he explores his sensitive side and appear like an ordinary young man that’s just enjoy his mornings by having a bedroom session only with a guitar. He doesn’t have to care about vocal manouvers, he doesn’t need a show-off on his guitar-playing ability. No, no, he just needs to let his feelings out honestly, as simple as that. And that suits him perfectly. Either as a trio or a solo performer, Guntur Satria deserves a recognition. Mark our words, this man is going to be big.

 

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Terraz Jazz 11 - 5th Avenue (6)

 

5th Avenue did really well for their second visit to Terraz Jazz. The first one was in the fourth edition last April (http://jazzuality.com/jazz-event-report/terraz-jazz-4-the-report/) when they pinned Cole Porter, Norman Brown, Roberta Flack and their own originals. Since we want to keep updated with their progress, it’s about time to have this cool fusion band again.

The band consists of four personnels. Chris Alfeus on guitar/vocals and also acts as the arranger for the band. Then the pianist is Stella Inke Pratama who also serves as the manager. The bassist is William Anthony and an all-round drummer who’s once active in Singapore music/praise and worship scene (also holds many achievements/awards in there), AlbenOctorys.

“Centrifugal Degrees” became their first choice. This jazz-rock song is their original work, and tell you, this could be a gem since this kind of music is ageless plus beautifully written and played by them. Then they went on covering “101 East Bound” and the smooth jazz version of Michael Jackson’s “Rock With You”. A new song titled “Membisu” took us deeper into relaxation. But for the last song, they took us upbeat again with another new composition “Come On Dance with Me”. The disco beat and funky rhythm was really delicious to listen to.

 

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Terraz Jazz 11 - 5th Avenue (7)

 

Once again they wowed us. Other than serving their meals tasty and chilled, they also creates a different way to enjoy instrumental numbers by involving cool scat-singing runs that fell into exactly the same notes from guitar played by the same man. Essential play in every line, tight as a unit. Since 5th Avenue are active in Weddings and parties, we can imagine how lovely it is to have them as the band. But with the quality the band has, 5th Avenue can and should also play in jazz stages as well. Being as one of the finalists of Jazz Goes to Campus (JGTC) Competition last year is a straight and solid proof of the band’s strength. This kind of band should have albums, and you’ll be their fans if your taste lies in the range of funky fusion and smooth jazz. We felt happy and relaxed by the performance at the same time. Sweet.

 

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Terraz Jazz 11 - Poinkustik (4)

 

Speaking of bands active in weddings and parties, here’s another recommended one, especially if you prefer an acoustic one. It’s Poinkustik. They have landed on many spots including having a regular gig at the same place, Terrazo Food Venue every Wednesday. We thought, since we are all using the same place, why didn’t we invite them to Terraz Jazz? We were in touch with Firman and his wife, the manager/sound engineer Regina, and happily they agreed.

This acoustic band is unique due to its multifaceted style. They can go with any concept just as good, from rock, pop, soul, funk to jazz without any problem. The members are Firman and Olive (vocals), Vik (guitar), Reo (keyboard), Boif (bass) and Uci (drums/cajon). They have served as the opening band for big names like Kahitna and Sammy Simorangkir, now it’s time to taste the jazz side of them.

Reo couldn’t make it, but the band was still able to carry their show without problem. Surprise, surprise, in this event this acoustic band went electric. And they did it well too. After BLP’s “Mati Saja” as an energetic opening, Firman left the center stage and let Olive sang Sky’s “You”. Erwin “Mr Uye” Saz’s hit “Sumitro Rojali” took them deeper into jazz. Olive once again ruled with”Bye-Bye” Raisa then gave the center stage to Firman to party with Michael Buble’s “It’s A Beautiful Day”.  Firman’s voice sounded exactly like the original singer that we would think it was Mr Buble himself on the stage if we had our eyes close. Olive then got her turn again with Britney Spears’ “Toxic” in a whole different arrangement and made it as the final song from them.

 

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Terraz Jazz 11 - Poinkustik (7)

 

The audience tonight should get the point, that an acoustic band can do so much more than one ever think of if they have strong lineup like Poinkustik. They all know their role and give essential contributions to everything they bring. Speaking of the vocalists, both are wide ranged and excellent. Firman also works as a vocal teacher, and Olive was actually one of his former students. And since the keyboardist wasn’t there, Vik as the guitarist did very well in covering the role of the pianist and himself all at once. Colorful music, interactive and entertaining. We’re proud to have them in one of Terraz Jazz edition, hope this won’t be the last time we see them gracing this event.

 

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Terraz Jazz 11 - Jam Session (2)

 

Jam Session was served directly right after. As this edition got many skillful musicians who dare to take step on jam, it was crowded right from the very first run. Guntur Satria was back again on the saddle, along with the regular jammers such as Andre Fernando (guitar), Farhan (bass) and Rizki Jonathan (vocal), a designer who finally sat behind the drumset again already leaving it for many years Rabi Perdana. Ines who sang for Owcindful in the previous edition was also took position. All set, they went right away sailing with Maliq n’ d’Essentials’ “Dia” and Sandhy Sondoro’s “Malam Biru”. After that, Erick Gabe jumped in along with Stella (piano) and the drums was taken by Raka. This group turned the stage into a happy playground with James Brown’s superhit “I Feel Good” all the way until the whole event reached the end with group photo session.

 

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Terraz Jazz 11 - Titbits (6)

 

All in all, this 11th edition was a dope by having strong lineup and rich varieties. We got so many flavors, different styles, different approaches that all in all served highly entertaining show. Just like before, we got many musicians who came to jam or just simply enjoying the jazzy atmosphere and supporting the playing bands. We feel satisfied with the result.

We extend our thanks to the performing bands, jam participants, the audiences including mall-goers who coincidentally were there and enjoyed the show. Many bands to come, many concepts and themes to bring. What makes us excited is that there are actually so many jazz musicians in Bandung, or those who are interested to try. We welcome you all with open arms, no matter what genre you’re into. We never plan to make this as an exclusive community, we want it to be as friendly as possible to everyone. Let’s keep on making this event as a comfy home for you, where you don’t have to feel intimidated or being stepped aside but a friendly place where you can use to bring out the jazz in you as free as a bird.

 

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Terraz Jazz 11 - Photo Session

 

Hope to see you in two weeks from now! Hint: in the upcoming #12 edition, we will feature a band that carries the mission to bring God’s image in blessing their audience with good show, a newly formed fusion band from STiMB and a band whose name was taken from the Sanskrit word from North Indian ancient mythology that means ‘the best/the ruler’.  We will let you know in details later, but for now remember this: Thursdays on second and fourth weeks of the month are the time when you can have full access on Terraz Jazz, the time where we all can jazz together as a big, happy family.

Watch the highlight of Terraz Jazz #11 on our Youtube Channel:

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Reporter: Riandy Kurniawan
Photographer: Nia Kurniawati, Ayu Lestari
Video editor: Vierna Mariska Kurniawan


Salamander Big Band Meets Ack van Rooyen: A Jazz Life – The Report

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salamanderbigband-ackvanrooyen-jazzuality

 

How relevant is a big band today, especially in a far away country from the origin of jazz like Indonesia? It’s far from the current trend, we don’t hear or see it often on TVs or radios, yet you’ll be surprised to see how many audience a big band could get in a concert. This Salamander Big Band‘s 8th Anniversary Concert in Bandung again got huge crowds, at least around 500 people or even more. Many of the audiences had to stand since all seats were taken, and many of them were youngsters. Another huge success for Salamander Big Band. Well prepared, great choice of songs, wonderfully executed, all resulting an epic concert.

Let’s see the case of this highly successful Big Band in Bandung for example, the Salamander Big Band. They don’t make concerts that often, only two to three times a year. But once they make one, it’s always that good or even sensational. For us who have covered their concert since 2008, we have seen tremendous progress of it. They keep the traditional formation of a Big Band like Count Basie’s ensemble, they are absolutely great in swinging, but they can cover more musical horizons too like fusing in some traditionals or going European style. They have served many collaborations with legendary musicians from Europe like Dieter Mack or Thorsten Wollman. Not only have them in concert, but the Salamander Big Band has been fortunate to learn from them as well. This year once again they got the previlege to have it from a legendary Dutchman from The Hague/NL, Mr Ack van Rooyens. Organized by Goethe-Institut Indonesien in corporation with Erasmus Huis, Salamander Big Band’s 8th Annivesary’s served grand in 3 locations: Bandung (Bumi Sangkuriang), Jakarta (Erasmus Huis and GoetheHaus). The program is a part of the initiative “Culture & Development” which was set up by the Goethe-Institut in 2009, with the mission to provide professional qualifications and support the intercultural networks as well as to create cultural and social platforms.

 

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Salamander Big Band meets Ack van Rooyen 2014 (5)

 

Maybe you don’t hear the name that often in Indonesia, but Ack van Rooyen is actually one of the most important names in European music scene especially in jazz. Ack van Rooyen was born on New Year’s Day of 1930 and already started playing flugelhorn since he was only 7 years of age. On a trip to US with brother Jerry van Rooyen and Rob Pronk, they heard jazz in New York and were among the first to introduce it to Holland. When he moved to Germany, Ack joined SFB Big Band in Berlin, also the SDR Orchestra in Stuttgart. He toured with Wolfgang Dauner and Albert Mangelsdorff all the way to Asia and South America. He’s also a charter member of United Jazz and Rock Ensemble plus Peter Herbolzheimer’s Rhythm Combination and Brass.

Not many of today’s generation know it, but Ack van Rooyen is closely related to Indonesia. In 1946 when the van Rooyens were members of a big band, interestingly they made music here in Indonesia. It was also here in Indonesia when Ack heard bebop for the first time. According to him, it became one of the most important milestones in his life, something that inspired him for the rest of his life. Speaking more specifically about one of the cities he’s going to visit, Bandung, this capital of West Java was the place where he made the acquaintance of Rob Pronk, the prolific Indonesian-born musician, composer and arranger who was later on working extensively with the siblings. A lot of nostalgia and memory must this be for him, therefore this year’s series of concert tour will also be used as a tribute or to pay respect to brother Jerry van Rooyen and Rob Pronk. A very important tribute to Ack van Rooyen’s life, could be the most important one, and Salamander Big Band is the ensemble for him to go with.

 

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Salamander Big Band meets Ack van Rooyen 2014 (19)

 

We came to the Salamander Big Band meets Ack van Rooyen: “A Jazz Life” (8th Anniversary Concert) in Bumi Sangkuriang Bandung on the lovely night of Monday (September 8, 2014). The concert began a few minutes after 7:30 pm and sailed directly after the opening speech from Verena Lehmkuhl,  Coordinator for Culture & Development Southeast Asia. The famous song written by Frank Foster for Count Basie, “Shiny Stockings” was the first choice. The singing pianist Imelda Rosalin took it to the top, creating a glorious opening. The founder Devy Ferdianto himself stood as the conductor.

Then he called Ack van Rooyen that directly told the audience that he was here in Bandung for the first time in 1948. “There’s a song I played back then that I still remember until now,” he said, and it was the ever-lovely “Moonlight Serenade”. They were like setting up a time capsule, sending more than 500 audiences to the swingin’ era in the 40’s. It was magic!

 

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Salamander Big Band meets Ack van Rooyen 2014 (1)

 

In “Walking Tip Toe”, Ack introduced the trumpeter to stand in front, Brury Effendi. This man matched Ack with his flugelhorn in the front row. They spread harmony, backing each other up and exchanged punch lines. Once again loud applauses were given to the team. Another Ack’s original song came next, “Autumn Bugle”. It’s a sentimental song, sweet and touching that could bring happy tears to those who hears it.

While Mr Ack took some rest, Devy Ferdianto introduced his vocal lines, the Salamander Voices. Four singers (Devi Remondi, Lia Amalia, Sekar Teja Inten and Adi Sigerra) joined the 18-piece big band. They covered an Indonesian evergreen song written by Maladi, “Di Bawah Sinar Bulan Purnama” very, very beautifully.  Since “Di Bawah Sinar Bulan Purnama” means “Under the Light of the Full Moon”,  something strange happened tonight. We don’t know if the musicians and audience realize this or not, but a shiny full moon actually graced the night sky outside the hall. Speaking of coincidence.

 

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Salamander Big Band meets Ack van Rooyen 2014 (10)

 

A song from Rob Pronk, a legendary Dutch musician with Indonesian blood (he was born in Malang, Indonesia) was the next piece. It was a pentatonic-based song called “Sinta”. Not an easy repertoire, yet they all did very well in bringing it back alive. The sweet night continued on with Imelda Rosalin back on vocal. She sang another standards, “It Could Happen to You”. Then the first session reached the end with the song everyone know so well, “Route 66″. The guitarist Bramania Bachtiar did a cool rock n roll solo, while the Salamander Voices was captivating.

 

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Salamander Big Band meets Ack van Rooyen 2014 (14)

 

The second session started with Matt Ashworth on flute stood right beside Ack. The ensemble played “Elusive” really well. Then Ack conducted everyone to hum along with some guitar lines, and that was the opening of the next song, “Sometime Ago” in swingin’ Blues. Bram once again showed his tasty blues line on guitar, but many other musicians got their own round too, from Imelda on piano, Brury on flugelhorn, Matt Ashworth on saxophone, Gallang Perdhana on contrabass, to Agustinus on drums, they all had fun with Ack’s flugelhorn who once again involved the audience’s humming sound brilliantly in this song. No wonder this song got the biggest applauses up to this point.

 

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Salamander Big Band meets Ack van Rooyen 2014 (2)

 

“Day In, Day Out”, a 1939 song by Rube Bloom and Johnny Mercer took a fast swing lane with Imelda’s vocal plus Brury’s solo run in the middle, followed by a very old standard, “For Heaven’s Sake”. “Time to visit Brazil”, said Ack before the Salamander Big Band pinned Ivan Lins’ song, “Commeçar de Novo”. A piece written by Jerry van Rooyen “Tailspinning” took us back to the jazz path. Matt Asworth gave a cool improvisation lines in this composition which is probably the most difficult piece they play this year. “Because I Love You” brought back the sentimental mood to us. Devy introduced the whole players before serving up the last song, a Jimmy Dorsey’s piece, “Tangerine”. Trumpeter Egi Bayu who got promoted from Sangkuriang Youth Jazz Orchestra (SYJO) to Salamander Big Band did very well in it. More solo runs and energetic playing sealed the official show with an ace.

 

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Salamander Big Band meets Ack van Rooyen 2014 (23)

 

Since it was very beautiful, the audience of course asked for more. So they brought one last song, Duke Ellington’s “Mood Indigo” by involving all players. One interesting thing about Mood Indigo, this was the song that made Rob Pronk fell in love with jazz for the very first time. Also because of this song, Duke Ellington became his role model). As much as we loved it, the concert finally reached the very end.

With Mr Ack van Rooyen, the Salamander Big Band sent respect to Jerry van Rooyen and Rob Pronk as well as treating the audiences with a very special and beautiful package. Last year they explored many difficult terrains, playing complex compositions that showed how far a Big Band can stretch its concept under the guidance of Dieter Mack (read the report here: http://jazzuality.com/jazz-event-report/salamander-big-band-7th-anniversary-latin-night-the-report/). This time they came back to the mainstream, embracing the true heart and real spirit of Big Band, just like the moment it was born and changed the course of music. Ack has taught them how to play as an ensemble. How they should blow the brasses to create an ‘alive’ sound. So tonight, we saw the whole team of Salamander Big Band involved their souls in creating a ‘warm’ tones with heartfelt dynamics on any given piece. We always know that Salamander can take up repertoires with high degree of difficulties but can make the more simple ones sound rich and majestic. Thanks to Ack, the Salamander has taken one step higher in producing lively dynamics throughout the performance.

 

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Salamander Big Band meets Ack van Rooyen 2014 (6)

 

Ack is the perfect one to do it. He has a very long experience, more than 60 years at least. There are many flugelhorn players, but it’s rare to find someone who still can play it like Ack. The sound he produces with his flugelhorn is naturally beautiful, it feels like having a heavenly sweet caramel candy melts in your mouth. The brass section of Salamander Big Band should be proud to learn it from him. But Ack gave a lot of space to the rhythm section too to shine.

For you who live in Jakarta, you can catch their next performances on Erasmus Huis (Tuesday, September 9, 2014) and GoetheHaus (Wednesday, September 10, 2014). Both show will start at 7:30 pm without taking any charge. The first concert in Bandung was very beautiful, you people in Jakarta should not miss this one.

 

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Salamander Big Band meets Ack van Rooyen 2014 (17)

 

We sincerely thank the Salamander Big Band, Ack van Rooyen, Goethe Institut, Erasmus Huis and everyone else (persons/institutes) behind this event. Happy anniversary Salamander Big Band! So happy to witness your tremendous growth for 8 years and look forward to see more updates from you. And long live, Mr Ack, may you be blessed with the best of health and keep bearing much fruits for many more years. We hope to see you again in Indonesia and give another unforgettable round with Salamander Big Band like the one we got tonight.

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Repoter: Riandy Kurniawan, Titus Firmanto
Photographer: Mia Damayanti

Duality: Album Showcase of Tesla Manaf and Gerald Situmorang Trio: The Report

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Duality-Tesla-Gerald-AlbumShowcase

 

What a showdown of talents. The team of Tesla Manaf and Gerald Situmorang Trio finally nailed their album showcase called “Duality” in two cities. Last Monday, September 8th, 2014 they successfully hit Indro Hardjodikoro’s Jazz Spot at Rolling Stone Cafe, Jakarta. Before they visit UPH Jakarta next week, on the beautiful but cold night of  September 12, 2014 Bandung got the chance to enjoy the package of these two brilliant young guitarists.

As we know, Tesla Manaf and Gerald Situmorang are young guitarists who have fought for their music since many years ago from one stage to another. The appealing point of this show was how two distinct styles and concepts of music could be cohered and blended harmoniously in one single concert. The collaboration of creating this concert occured since they both need to promote their new album, which, coincidentally or not, is being realeased during close period of time. Gerald and Tesla is around the same age, they have the same passion in music by playing the same instruments. Eventhough they are based in different cities, both of these guitarists have made big impact in Indonesia’s jazz scene. They gave a strong statement that a calling is worth fighting for. Look at how these boys struggle in their early career. But then, look where they are standing now, while they are still considerably that young. It surprised us when they announced this collaborative event, but it does make sense and should happen sooner or later.

 

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Duality - Album Showcase - Gerald Situmorang Trio (5)

What Gerald brought into this event is his trio, simply called Gerald Situmorang Trio which has just released an album entitled “Time is the Answer”. Gerald started the show with him alone playing a sentimental composition “Natural Thinker”. This composition brought out the sensitive side of us. Actually, Lawang Wangi is a cafe and art space that located in Bandung’s high land. Since the event was set outdoor, a very beautiful scenery of sparkling Bandung’s city lights was the background that naturally made a perfect harmony with the music, especially in night hours.

Before we carry on with this report, let’s take a closer look at Gerald Situmorang first. This man is skillful as a guitarist, great in composing and also ‘restless’, in terms of never stop producing something. He’s been active with variety of bands where each of them has different concept. BAG Trio came out at the first time as a jazz band, then they added more flavor and changed the name into BAG+BEAT with more team-mates and urban sound. He also shaped Hemiola Quartet and of course, his probably most famous band to date, Sketsa. It was born nine years ago, mainly as a guitar-duo concept (that stays until today), a showdown between him and Dimas Wibisana. However since they always love to place more sounds and wish to avoid stagnation, Sketsa’s formation is made flexible. They can appear as a trio, quartet or even bigger with vocals, violin, contrabass, percussion, clarinet and accordion.

 

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Duality - Album Showcase - Gerald Situmorang Trio (8)

Back to the concert, the second song was “P & L”. He called his team mates to play with, bassist Ankadiov Subran and a drummer Jessilardus Mates. They came out and brought a fun medium to fast beat. Jessilardus Mates was the spotlight on the third song, “Keeps Coming Back”. The syncopative drum beating, the long-duration solo run and cool dynamics made him gain applauses from the crowds. Gerald and Ankadiov gave him comfortable space to show off his ability. The next song was called “Debu” which allowed Ankadiov to set his bomb. Gerald played a pretty catchy melodious jazzy tune in it. “This song is a reminder that we’re all formed of dust, so arrogance should have no place in us.” Gerald said in explaining this song. This reflective song relaxed our minds.

“Familiar Song” was carried in solo format by Gerald Situmorang and still led a reflective nuance to the audience. After this one, Ankadiov and Jessi back to the frame by bringing a light countryside’s freshness entitled “Old Stories”. Gerald put some effects to the guitar’s sound on the next song called “Dice”. They mixed a rock sound and jazz vibes in one bowl with high beat and each of them had a space to do solo runs.
Once again they served a relaxing tune in medium tempo entitled “Time is The Answer”. This title track already got a video clip which was released just a couple of days ago (watch it here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xmUpviQz8mU). “Getting The News” became the last song that might be listed under the modern progressive jazz. Challenging but fun. The temperature felt like dropping colder, the consequences of watching a concert outdoor on a high ground. Thanks to the trio, we got warmer by their presentation.

 

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Duality - Album Showcase - Gerald Situmorang Trio (4)

Gerald Situmorang told us about his trio, “I’m so happy because I got two my closest friends to play with me.” Ankadiov Subran was like his ‘music soulmate’ that has played alongside him for many years, while Jessilardus Mates is his musical mate as the band member of Monita Tahalea.

More about his new album “Time is the Answer”, Gerald told us that this album can be used as an introduction for us to find out who Gerald Situmorang and his music really is, and it will lead to the upcoming solo album he plans to release next year. Other than having beautifully crafted music where jazz pulses strong, we always love the surprise factor in his music projects. That happens because he loves to try new concept by using different kind of stuffs and sounds, then put them all into the recordings. That move makes us able to be a part of his journey as well as using it as a window to see where Gerald is at one particular time.

Gerald, is a fine young musician who has the tendency to have borderless exploration no matter what format he’s in. Even with a minimalist formation like trio he still performs many manouvers and flies as free as a bird. No keyboards or other ‘melodic’ instruments to block the chords while Gerald runs freely, but they know how to make their music round and full. Nutricious show from Gerald Situmorang Trio we have to say. If you wish to get the album, you can buy it at our online store: http://store.jazzuality.com/product/gerald-situmorang-trio-time-is-the-answer/. The Gerald’s Game is always interesting isn’t it?

 

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Duality - Album Showcase - Tesla Manaf (2)

Tesla Manaf and his team took over the stage for the second and final show. Tesla has been through quite a musical journey. We caught up with Tesla for the first time when he was still in his first duo, Bayu & Tesla with Bayu Kristianto. Later on this young man’s progressing not only in skill but also in trying out different concepts. He was in Ivan & Tesla, another duo project with Grace Sahertian called Grace & Tesla, then a trio with Gallang Perdhana Dalimunthe and Edward Manurung called G/E/T.

But the genius collaboration with Mahagotra Ganesha, the Balinese gamelan ensemble from students of Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB) known as Tesla Manaf feat Mahagotra Ganesha seems to be his pot of gold. Maybe not really literally just yet, but this unique ensemble made quite an impact to his career. The album got sold out pretty soon and he caught the attention of MoonJune Records from USA that made him a fresh, new recruit from Indonesia after simakDialog, Tohpati Ethnomission, Dewa Budjana, Ligro and I Know You Well Miss Clara.

 

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Duality - Album Showcase - Tesla Manaf (4)

While Tesla Manaf ft Mahagotra Ganesha’s “It’s All Yours” appeared again with the repackage edition under independent label DeMajors (click here to buy: http://store.jazzuality.com/product/tesla-manaf-feat-mahagotra-ganesha-its-all-yours-reissue/), he’s ready to launch the whole new concept for a shot to be distributed internationally by MoonJune Records. He recruited Rudy Zulkarnaen (contrabass), Desal Sembada (drums) and Hadis ‘Hulhul’ Hendarisman (clarinet/sax) and the quartet embarks a journey towards the progressive acoustic experimental music. Rudy is the bassist for the album, but in terms of  concert, his place is given to Khrisna Alda Radiansyah. With this team, Tesla managed to make an album with the funny title: “A Man’s Relationship with His Fragile Area”. The surprise continues on with the most recent news we got from Tesla that his international debut will come as two-in-one album. That means, both his quartet and the one with Mahagotra Ganesha will be distributed all over the world by MoonJune. His never-say-die spirit that sometimes makes him more like a warrior than a musician proved to work. Tesla’s project with Moonjune Records is expected to arrive in November 2014.

Tesla started with a song called “Chin Up”. Hadis ‘Hulhul’ Hendarisman came first by playing his clarinet and the other players came in to build a complete structure. They combined the progressive free jazz with ethnic sundanese sound. The second one was the song of long distance relationship, “Counting Miles and Smiles”. They went out from the normal jazz pattern to create their own pattern, still involving the Sundanese sound. The third song was “Moving Side” where the clarinet spoke even louder. Is that it? Absolutely no. They actually have just begun and ready to bend our mind and flip it upside down.

 

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Duality - Album Showcase - Tesla Manaf (6)

Look at what came next. It was one of our favs, the spooky yet intriguing “Necrophilia” where horror and noir satire bumped to each other. Tesla and Hulhul created an interestingly different music hybrid unlike what you usually expect from guitar and clarinet sessions.”The Sweetest Horn” began with marching Celtic army, created by flute and drums, but then the strings completed it. Drummer Desal Sambada and bassist Khrisna built some variations of tempo and rhythm. “Where Are We Now” became the very last drop of Duality.

Tesla has a distinctive music style that’s like coming from a different dimension of brain and mind. We have noticed the seeds since many years ago when he was just started, and now comes the time for him to collect ripe fruits. As a quartet, the players sail towards the progressive-acoustic-experimental music where his nationality is shown within the pentatonic scales. Great ability to compose even the most complex piece, his braveness to go boldly beyond limit, visiting terrains not many have ever gone before and of course, fine execution with a perfect team, all makes the pendulum of fortune swings to his side. Don’t be surprise if soon he’ll be described as one of the finest, exquisite guitarists in the world.

 

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Duality - Album Showcase - Gerald Situmorang Trio (6)

Being a musician doesn’t mean that you should just wait for someone to give you gig but you can start making your own. And hey, you can also collaborate with your fellow musicians in making a ‘double-show’ concert. Tesla and Gerald did it. A simple idea but executed well with fine results in the end. Both of them are ready to make more impacts with their new works. For us who have known him since they were just begun, we feel really, really proud of them. It wasn’t easy, it wasn’t a one-night work, but it takes long struggling years. In the end, we all know that it’s all worth fighting for. They have became a good example in such young age. Well, Tesla Manaf and Gerald Situmorang Trio, congratulations and wish you the best with your album and future career. Shine on, jazz yourself all the way up!

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Reporter: Bintang S Tania
Photographer: Mia Damayanti
Editor: Riandy Kurniawan and Titus Firmanto

Serambi Jazz 2014 presents Sketsa in Surabaya : The Report

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SerambiJazz-Sketsa-Sby-2014

 

From 2009 Serambi Jazz has been providing series of quality concerts in Jakarta that involve both great local talents and European artists, mostly from Germany. This event belongs to Goethe-Institut Indonesien with Riza Arshad stands as the curator got so many loyal fans in no time, and said to be one of the most successful overseas programs of Goethe. Riza once said that this event was made as an alternative and complement the already existed events. But what this program brings is more than just that. For example, thanks to Serambi Jazz, the mutual friendship between these two great nations has been re-established through music as one of the art forms-jazz to be exact. The artists who show high commitment to jazz got a good spot to perform in front of the jazz aficionados in Jakarta. Later Serambi Jazz extended its service to reach other cities like Bandung, the capital of West Java and then stretched further to meet Yogyakarta and Surabaya. And that’s a good move, since those cities have many jazz fans too that are thirsty for a high quality event. Serambi Jazz definitely can quench that thirst.

Yogyakarta just got their wish two last July with Duo Project representing Serambi Jazz. Then two months later Surabaya got the chance. The Goethe Institut and Wisma Jerman Surabaya (Goethe-Centre/Goethe-Zentrum Surabaya) proudly presented a stunning band with unique concept, the one that we love to mention as one of the most dynamic bands in terms of musicality, variation and formation: SKETSA. This Serambi Jazz event took place at Ciputra Hall, Performing Arts Centre, Sekolah Ciputra, Puri Widya Kencana, Citraland, Surabaya with good amount of crowds.

Good amount of crowds? Yes. Let’s see some facts. The location of the venue is quite far from central Surabaya, and there were many events ran at the same time. But still, many jazz lovers spent time to be there watching the cool acoustic group from Jakarta.

 

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Serambi Jazz - Sketsa -Surabaya - 2014 (1)

 

Serving the opening act was a jazz fusion band from Surabaya named Deny and the Add. Under quintet formation the band released the joy of funky jazz fusion into the atmosphere. After that, madame Birgit Steffan, the Director of Wisma Jerman Surabaya gave the opening speech. And then the main show started right after.

Gerald Hiras Situmorang and Dimas Wibisana, the dynamic duo of Sketsa took their position on stage. Without further ado, they began sailing with the title track of their second album, “Different Seasons”.

 

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Serambi Jazz - Sketsa -Surabaya - 2014 (13)

 

 

Sketsa was originally formed as a duo almost a decade ago (in 2005). That’s the core formation. Just like the name says, the way they play music is like two painters painting as one. What they ‘paint’ on their ‘canvas’ is an connected discussion or heartfelt dialogue that can be enjoyed by anyone. Both have their own role in creating a masterpiece on the same canvas. Two should already be enough, that’s what we might think. But along the journey Gerald and Dimas have been enjoying the dynamic soundscapes through variety of extensions. Gerald once told us that he always needs varieties to avoid stagnation. Moreover, both of them always love to have richer tones by adding up other instruments than guitar. Who could predict that they would stretch the band from just guitar to ‘crowdier’ sounds involving contrabass, violin, percussion, clarinet, accordion and some vocals in adding up some more aestethic taste? But they have done it. Another important thing to note is that in any formations, Sketsa happily flies higher than genre. They serve rich varieties of sound, from jazz, bossanova, folk, pop and ethnics, not separately but in harmony to create enjoyable sounds that fits the ear of anyone who loves music.

For the second song, they called in one more player, Andreas Arianto Yanuar. From duo to trio, that’s right, but hey, Andreas didn’t play the usual instrument found in normal trio, he played accordion and clarinet. Andreas is not a newcomer in Sketsa at all. He’s been playing with the band since 2010 and participated in “Different Seasons”. Other than being a multi-instrumentalist, Andreas Arianto Yanuar is a well-established music producer, arranger and songwriter. You will find him in other successful bands too such as Andre Harihandoyo and Sonic People for example. As a trio, they played the fast-paced country-ish tune, “Horse Race”.

 

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Serambi Jazz - Sketsa -Surabaya - 2014 (11)

 

For the third song they played “Try Anything”, a composition that told a story of a man who’d do and try anything to win the heart of someone he truly loves. It started with clarinet that soon filled with the harmony of two guitars. This attempt created a sweet, soft nuance yet dynamic. During the concert they loved to throw jokes or making up funny gestures. Talk about the effort of making everyone felt at ease, they did it really, really well. Or maybe, it wasn’t even an effort since everything flew naturally from them.

In the fourth song, Dimas led the audience to clap their hands and used it as the beat. Andreas took his accordion and played “Cousins.” Not only accordion, Andreas also played clarinet in this one. Meanwhile, Dimas kept reminding the audience to provide the beat with their hands. The 5th song “Up and Down” kind of took the audience into a jolly joyride. Sketsa got a huge applause in this one.

What’s interesting is that Gerald took the chance to introduce his newer group called Gerald Situmorang Trio. With this group he recently released an album entitled “Time is the Answer”. More songs came in such as “Kita Tidak Bisa Mengulang Masa Lalu/Namun Ada Masa Depan”, “Anak Bungsu” (the album version is featuring Tohpati), the title track of the first album “Childhood’s Dream”, “Hop Hop” all the way to reach the end with one of their most popular tracks, “Into the Light”.

 

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Serambi Jazz - Sketsa -Surabaya - 2014 (18)

 

Taking Sketsa to Surabaya as the representative of Serambi Jazz was indeed a brilliant decision. This group is filled with experienced young lads that can give warm concert tone. They are explorative and love to spread the wings wide in creating music, yet somehow all pieces are friendly even to common ears. Under the trio formation Sketsa served a very intimate atmosphere. Some songs were melancholy but beautiful, creating the impression of sweet sorrow. “Did you try to close your eyes? I did, and somehow I felt like I was in Paris in the spring time” said one of the audience to us. While the harmonious sounds from two guitars took us into a journey around the globe, accoustically, in crossovers, Andreas’ accordion gave a strong scent of European accoustic scene/scent, just like the musicians you found while streaming along the streets of Paris.

Based on the great, appreciative response given by the crowds, we hope Serambi Jazz to keep Surabaya in the schedule. The good quality concert and players will stimulate and motivate the local musicians to reach their best state. Thank you Sketsa, Serambi Jazz, Goethe Institut and Wisma Jerman Surabaya for a beautiful concert. We loved it! May there be more to come.

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Reporter: Destina Kawanti
Photographer: I Putu Surya KB, Pramadi Wardhana
Editor: Riandy Kurniawan

Braga Jazz Walk, Premiere Edition : The Report

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Braga Jazz Walk 01

 

We have held Terraz Jazz for 11 straight editions. Actually it ran very well, but apparently the venue Festival Citylink suddenly closed its door and no longer wish to support the event for whatever reason. So be it. But since we carry such important mission to provide a home for musicians (especially the young ones in Bandung), a place where they can practice, gain experience and of course have fun, we just got to find a new ground.

Thank God we didn’t have to wait too long. The Braga City Walk, a mall located in the historical Braga street understood our mission and agreed to support. Being held in a new venue, this event got a new name too: Braga Jazz Walk. This new place should be easier to access since it’s located right at the heart of Bandung. KPH Music provides the instruments and sounds. All set. We look forward to have a solid cooperation and aim for a better future.

 

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Braga Jazz Walk 1 - Titbits (1)

 

We figured out that the event was held exactly on Bandung’s 204th Anniversary. It was totally coincidence, but we hope this to be a good sign.  What make us proud is that the event was a huge success. We got wonderful happening crowds that gave lots of applauses and cheers to the performers. Many musicians, many mall-goers and some audience from the Fave Hotel were enjoying the show too. Look at the photo above. We feel really, really happy with that scene.

 

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Braga Jazz Walk 1 - Duovali (2)

 

What did we have here in this new chapter? Three groups were participating happily: Two bands and one project plus a happening jam session as usual. The first performance was set for Duolid, a project belong to Andre Mangunsong, the founder of KPH Music and the soulful powerhouse Agis Kania. But since Agis fell ill and had to rest, the stage was given to Duovali. Still a duo, but it was a vocal-guitar connection with Dian and Yuga.

It turned out to be a very nice substitute and worked really well as the first performance of Braga Jazz Walk. Presented intimate in minimalistic concept, Yuga and Dian pinned some of the famous soulful RnB renditions like Brian McKnight’s “Another You”, The Commodores’ “Thank You”, also the current radio hit Magic!’s “Rude” and Renee Olstead’s song, “A Love That Will Last”.

 

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Braga Jazz Walk 1 - Duovali (6)

 

 

When we heard about Duolid as a project of Andre and Agis, we knew it’d be magic. It was unfortunate that Agis couldn’t come, but hey, we got a sweet surprise. Dian shone bright with a top notch RnB singing voice and Yuga is indeed a stylish guitarist.  What a lovely, intimate start it was. Minimalist yet warm, classy and fancy. Exactly what we needed after fighting the heavy traffic to reach the venue.

 

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Braga Jazz Walk 1 - Setim Project (8)

 

The second band in action was Setim Project. The band is still new but the faces found in the band are familiar to us due to their frequent appearance in our events. The personnels are the students of STiMB (Sekolah Tinggi Musik Bandung/School of Musician) consists of Jerry Gates and Amo Conka (guitars), Reinhard Worran (bass), Andi Pramudito (drums), Billy Geraldy (keyboard) and Budy Prama Dongoran (saxophone).

Based on the composition of player we knew it would be mad. But they ‘tricked’ us by starting soft. “Feels Like Making Love” from Roberta Flack was the first one pinned in smooth jazz followed by Marcus Miller’s song from the album Renaissance (2012) titled “Detroit”. After that they went harder by blending hard bop, fusion and heavy metal with Herbie Hancock’s classic, “Cantaloupe Island.” It was interesting to see this song being covered with heavy metal approach. Jerry’s fusion touch and Amo’s slashing metal licks created different musical dimension which later became even more mind-bending with solo runs from the rest. Reinhard’s rockin’ bass, the cool solo drums and an action served by Billy using a key-tar.

 

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Braga Jazz Walk 1 - Setim Project (3)

 

When people thought that would be it, they dropped huge bombs on the last two songs. First, it was “Blues For Ben”, a piece from rock/jazz drummer Stanton Moore in which they created jamming atmosphere. It was too hot to handle by the awesome crowds, they gave lots of noises many times to the band. But for the climax, they left jazz and went totally rock by playing Steve Vai’s “Audience is Listening.” How often would you see Steve Vai being covered in a jazz event? Slim chance. But this band is blessed by having Amo Conka, the ninja-like guitarist with complete killing strikes. He opened his shirt and then roared wild in building unbelievable ending.

A newly formed band, yes, but they are definitely not beginners. Apparently the School of Musicians has produced ripe fruits that are not only great in skills but also dare to go beyond limit. The entertaining rate was high. A wild party, edgy and in many ways, controversially stunning. Having these mad lads was clearly a dope.

 

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Braga Jazz Walk 1 - Chakraborty (1)

 

The last slot was taken by a band which adopts the philosophy of the North Indian ancient mythology, Chakraborty. It’s a Sanskrit word which means “(becoming) the best” or “(doing) the best”. The band is led by a fine young drummer named Joo Yang with other players such as Adya Amru Hidayat (guitar), Ayu Sara (vocal), Yosua Setiawan (bass) and Nicodemus Horisson (keyboard). Recently they seem to make great moves by getting more and more gigs, including some big catches, including Tangsel Jazz Festival 2014 just a couple of weeks ago. Being one of our loyal supporters, we are more than happy to place them under the spotlight again.  It’s time for us to get their updates. What did they bring this time? Well, assorted jazz rich variety.

Yosua couldn’t join the party since he had another job. Muhamad Ilham replaced him, plus Mada Radjab on saxophone. All set. Chakraborty started sailing with “(They Long To Be) Close To You” originally by The Carpenters and then asked everyone to celebrate the 204th Anniversary of Bandung with Ismail Marzuki’s national anthem, “Halo-Halo Bandung”. They smartly taylored this song with Jaco Pastorius’ “The Chicken”. All the way Joo Yang used cajon instead of the electric drum for this session. The last song was “Summertime” in groovy mood.

 

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Braga Jazz Walk 1 - Chakraborty (3)

 

We have known the band for quite long time and always appreciate their passion to music, especially jazz. For a band like this, the only way is up, if they keep the pace the way they are doing right now. Skillful players found in every corner, tight when they unite as a team. As we said before, this band is one of our biggest supporters. They’ve been visiting our event often and had fun together with us many, many times. Well guys, hope to see you again soon. Keep up the good work and be a ‘chakraborty’.

 

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Braga Jazz Walk 1 - Jam Session (2)

 

Jam Session took place directly after every performing bands rested their case. Wait, we haven’t mentioned that there were so many musicians from different backgrounds came to this event. Among them were a great drummer, an Indonesian but has been pursuing his career in Sydney, Australia for 18 years. He is the ‘Superman’ Deva Permana. As he’s back to Indonesia, he was very kind to visit us. We invited him to the stage for short conversation and then invited him to jam. Joining him on stage was his former band-mate Hendy Hertiasa (works as a lecturer in ITB) on vocal, Yopi D Navis on keyboard and Hajar AS (guitar). Another coincidence occured:  the band of ITB was formed! The combination of teacher-ex students from different years was there on stage. This team covered two songs: “Route 66″ in an open style and “Moody’s Mood for Love”. Ayu Sara joined near the end.

 

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Braga Jazz Walk 1 - Titbits (12)

 

The next batch filled with Billy (vocal), Chairul (sax), Nicodemus Horisson and Yopi D Navis (keyboards), Adya Amru (guitar) and Farrel (drums). “The Girl from Ipanema” was their choice which became the song that sealed this premiere edition. A photo session took place in the very end.

The street of Braga (Bragaweg in Dutch colonial period) holds historical value, artistic value and commemorative value. You can still see classic European Art Deco architectures along the street, old shops that live harmoniously with the new ones. It gives a perfect portrait of the past as the street has been passing quite a journey through time but at the same time it accomodates today’s lifestyle too. The place serves vintage/retro feel, stands as a cultural spot but also modern. It’s historical but trendy. A perfect hangout spot for everyone That’s why the Braga Street always has a magical atmosphere, something that’s hard to find elsewhere. What we hope is to have a reliable ground to keep carrying the regeneration process and supporting the young musicians in Bandung to fulfill their dreams.

 

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Braga Jazz Walk 1 - Photo Session

 

As we hold this commitment, we thank our partners, the Braga City Walk and KPH Music for the full support. May our cooperation last long in strong, natural synergy. We also send respect to every musicians who have been supporting us by coming regularly. We wouldn’t be able to do this without you, we really appreciate it. Thanks guys!

What we dream is this: one day soon, Braga will be remembered not only for its vintage atmosphere and modern scene, not only for the place to find fine arts and cafes, but also a place where you can find Jazz. Not the segmented and exclusive one, but the kind of jazz that carries the original philosophy, tradition and spirit. Every musicians can join in and add your own color into the provided palette. Jazz is, and should always be an open minded and friendly music corner to everyone. Having this kind of jazz in Braga, wouldn’t it be cool? Well, we’ll provide it twice a month, on the 2nd and 4th Thursday. Come to Braga and let’s jazz. Or say it in Sundanese way: Hayu Ngabaraga bari Ngajazz!

See the highlight of Braga Jazz Walk #01 on our Youtube channel

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Reporter: Riandy Kurniawan
Photographer: Nia Kurniawati, Ayu Lestari
Video and Photo Editor: Vierna Mariska Kurniawan, Titus Firmanto

PIM Jazz Festival 2014: The Report

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PIMJazzFestival2014

 

This year’s PIM Jazz Festival  was successfully held on Monday, September 28, 2014 at Wing Atrium of Palembang Indah Mall. Made by the cooperation between PIM-Palembang Indah Mall, Trijaya 87.6 FM, Palembang Jazz Community (Pal Jazz Com) and The Faculty of Computer Science of Sriwijaya University (Fasilkom UNSRI), the festival managed to grab the public attention in Palembang city as well as the musicians.

The event started early at 10 am in the morning with Festival Band Technology Euphoria. “This Festival is followed by no less than 25 bands with the hope to accomodate the creativity of young musicians in Palembang”, said Siti, the Chairman of Festival Band. Meanwhile, Adji from Trijaya 87.6 FM shared his happiness too. “This event become a solid proof that the jazz virus has indeed spread. More and more youngsters are into jazz in Palembang today.” Palembang Jazz Community or Pal Jazz Com is always consistent in searching young talents and provide enough space for them to  explore, as told by the head, Zaelan Hanani.

Bands from Pal Jazz Com were in line after that. Teguh Project was the first band. With the formation of Vinsensius Brian Jordi (keyboard, backing vocal),Rieo Rizky Permana Putra (guitar, backing vocal), Nickodemus Tethool (drums), Surya Adi Putra (bass) and three vocalists: Bayu Valerinoya, Ade Irma Suryani and Aldhita Rizky, they played 4 songs such as “Denganmu”, “Let’s Fall in Love”, “All of Me” and “Moving On”. This soon followed by Hei that chose fusion as their forte. Hei stands as the initial of the members: Hendra (drums), Edo (piano) and Ian (bass). The songs were “Smiling Faces”, “Friend & Stranger” and “Flying East”.

 

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PIM Jazz Festival 2014-Creative_Percussions (3)

The attractive performance was given by EMS Creative Percussion. Ical, Arif, Dhio and Irvan are the players behind this group from Entertainment Music School. They combined the harmonious sound of percussion with variety of beating technique and attractive arrangements.

 

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PIM Jazz Festival 2014-Mr (1)

 

After that, Mr Jack John, a group of six with two vocalists represented songs in blues color. Staccato was next, comprises of Andre Martadinata (vocal), Roby (drums), Riski (guitar), Agung (bass) and Icha (keyboard). They entertained the audience with 3 songs: “Spend the Night”, “Celebrate” and “Rame-Rame”.

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PIM Jazz Festival 2014-Staccatto (2)

 

 

The special guest Bintang Indrianto Trio was the final show. In this trio, senior bassist Bintang Indrianto brought two compatriotes: Danny Chasmala (guitar) and Muhammad Iqbal (drums). Bintang Indrianto Trio served live performance and music clinic altogether in one package. Nutricious education was given, yet informal and entertaining.

 

 

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PIM Jazz Festival 2014-Bintang_Indrianto_Trio (4)

 

The clinic part started with a brief explanation of setting up the instruments. Bintang Indrianto asked the audience and clinic participants especially bass, guitar and drums players to approached the stage so they could establish an intense communication. There were many interesting questions given to them, all were answered in detail by Bintang, Denny and Iqbal. Bintang emphasized on the importance of finding the right tone before one starts playing the instrument. What’s cool is this: Bintang directly invited those who asked questions to step up the stage and then tried it under their guidance.

Speaking of performance, Bintang Indrianto took a song highly popular in the early 80’s titled “Madu & Racun” in compelling rearrangement. He really showed his class as one of the all-time best Indonesian bassists through variety of techniques and his creativity of making unique sounds appear from his play. They also played a unique composition which he will include in the trio’s upcoming new album, “Kendang Kribow”. In the end, Bintang Indrianto Trio asked the local musicians to play together in an open jam session.

Based on the result, this event will continue to run for more years to come. Intan, the promotional manager of PIM said that PIM will always give different jazz entertainment plus music clinic as a part of responsibility to support the local musicians. With this we can hope to see more jazz players to emerge from Palembang as well as watching the tremendous growth of jazz in this particular side of Indonesia. Keep jazzin’ Palembang!

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The article’s written by: Eko Adji
Translated into English by: Riandy Kurniawan
Photographer: Djoean Kellij (except the header, provided by Eko Adji)

Braga Jazz Walk 02 : The Report

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BragaJazzWalk02

 

We scored another streak. After the crowded premiere edition, the Braga Jazz Walk #02 once again draws good number of audience. Held in the mall located at the historical Braga street named Braga City Walk, this second edition served something quite different than the menu on the previous one. This time it was about pop jazz, soul, and then the rare jazz flavored reggae with some blues, rock and pop delights. We believe by bringing in different styles we could introduce the rich variety of jazz towards the society as well as showing that jazz is indeed a genre that could fit everyone’s ears. Another important mission to accomplish is to make Braga City Walk a jazz spot/destination in Bandung. With the solid cooperation between us Jazzuality.com, the venue Braga City Walk and the kind-hearted music school KPH Music who provides the instruments and sounds plus the support of musicians in Bandung and the jazz fans who have been with us, we know we can make it happen.

 

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BragaJazzWalk02-Imagodeo (6)

 

The event started 15 minutes after 7:00 pm with a band of Maranatha University student, Imagodeo. Since Imagodeo shows the intention to reflect the image of God in their nature, this band wishes to luminate it through their music and performance. This band is focusing on ‘Pop Soul’ by placing quality and harmony up front. The personnels are Andhika Caesar Sesa (Dhika) on vocal, Yohansa Ambarita (Yoan) on electric guitar, Dennise Natasha Inadea Mata Hine (Dea) on keyboard, Janoko Dewanto (Ojan) on bass, Engelberth Fredrick Watory (Engel) on acoustic guitar and Gerids Yanri Yulius on drums.

RAN & Tulus’ “Aku Bisa” was their first song that directly followed by Earth Wind and Fire’s “September”. After the happy groove they turned to ballad, this time with a big hit from Brian McKnight, “Back at One”. A song from Tulus’ second album titled “Satu Hari di Bulan Juni” with a piece of “When a Man Loves a Woman” being blended in the middle. Dewi ‘Dee’ Lestari’s “Malaikat Juga Tahu” which also sang by Glenn Fredly was the next choice. In this song Dhika showed everyone his deep, soulful vocal quality that reminds us of Glenn. Dhika has the kind of voice that perfectly suits the trend in our music industry today. It was beautiful, but they didn’t want to end their session in mellow tune, so they took everyone for one last joyride with Slank’s “Kamu Harus Pulang”.

 

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BragaJazzWalk02-Imagodeo (7)

 

We have planned to bring them in for some months, but only until now we could find the time to have them for real. Well known songs, nicely executed with happy moods. This band would perfectly fit to run around the field of blues, jazz, groove, doo woop, traditional pop, soul, RnB and everything in between. An entertaining band it is. Well done, Imagodeo, keep reflecting the image of God in anything you do, especially in music!

 

 

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BragaJazzWalk02-RizkiJonathanProject (7)

 

The second session was taken by a band, still two months old named Rizki Jonathan Project. This group is led by a young male singer Rizki Jonathan, whose vocal character has gentle yet strong, bluesy, soulful and husky that in a way reminds us of Sandhy Sondoro. He came to our event so often, almost in every edition and consistently joined the jam session. Since he already established a group, it’s about time to feature him up in the showcase session.

Andre Fernando (guitar/backing vocal), Felix Jose (guitar), Yosua Setiawan (bass), Farrel Yanaga (drums) and Chaerul Ahmad (saxophonist) stood alongside Rizki. Their session started in a duo between Jonathan and Andre. The song was “Amazing Grace”, brought acoustic and quickly bagged applauses. The whole band members then joined these two lads and brought nothing but popular songs including Daft Punk’s “Get Lucky” and the most recent chart topper from the Canadian band Magic!, “Rude”. Then they went back to the past and covered one of Chrisye’s evergreens, “Kala Cinta Menggoda” and reached the end with a cool rearrangement of Michael Jackson’s “Man In the Mirror”.

 

 

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BragaJazzWalk02-RizkiJonathanProject (1)

That’s Rizki Jonathan. Not only he could sing very well, he also has his own color in unique tone. Since he’s still very young, he still has a lot of time to fulfill his dream. With such gift he can make it to the top in the near future. We’d love to see him and his fellows grow on our stage. Hope he will keep jamming and take some more slots in the future.

 

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BragaJazzWalk02-ErwinSaz (5)

 

The last performer was an artist who amazingly can enter the mainstream industry while still keeping his idealism attached. As long as people feel happy and have fun with him, then he’d accomplish his wish. Through quite long time of searching and trying, he found his magic formula that uniquely combines wide-array of music, from jazz, pop, soul to reggae. What’s great about his music is that you will find colorful dimensions created by crossovers of genres that feels natural. He is Erwin Saz a.k.a Mr. Uye.

As he’s finishing his new album (projected to release soon in November 2014), we were happy to be able to hijack him to share some teasers (as well as singing his hits of course) for this second edition. He was accompanied by heavy caliber (all-star cast) including Nissan Fortz (guitar), Dede (bass) and Dani Irjayana (drums).

We say it was a truly magnificent session that spoke loud about the multi-dimensional music concept, yet served really friendly and easy to absorb even by the most common listeners. And the entertainment factor is very high! All in all, they were playful and attractive throughout their almost an hour round.

 

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The main team started first and directly surprised the audience by a jazzy version of Bob Marley’s “Waiting in Vain”. Well, it started with smooth jazz-reggae outfit, but then more and more flavors were added into the palette, from blues to country. Nissan Fortz performed like a wizard, totally riveting with his multi-color tones. Dede got the rock bassist style by holding his weapon down low yet the groove and notes were clearly went to jazz. Dani is no stranger to jazz drumming, but here he demonstrated an all-rounder beatings. The featured artist Erwin Saz didn’t just sing, he already sounded his trumpet and harp from this first song all the way to the very end.

Mr. Uye suddenly opened the jam session on the second song, his own hit “Sumitro Rojali”. Genta (blues harp), Hafidz (trumpet) and Estu (violin) quickly submitted themselves into the show. Again, this song became a free-for-all playing ground. They all had solo run and Nissan conducted the drum and bass to keep changing the musical layer, from Latin to blues to country folk. The audience were involved too, singing together with them. “Englishman In New York” was the next source to have fun. All kinds of genre floated in, including house music. Everyone sang again led by Mr. Uye himself. “Do you want to hear one more, or should we stop right here?” he said. Of course we wished to have more. Apparently he still had one last song in his mind. It was a famous song written by the late, legendary Batavian artiste, Benyamin S entitled “Nonton Bioskop”. Keroncong was pretty much alive in this one, especially through Estu’s violin.  They poured out every energy they had left for one last magical jam.

 

 

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BragaJazzWalk02-ErwinSaz (11)

The whole show of Erwin Saz and friends was built under the concept of jam session. These guys turned the stage into a fun park where they could play around freely. An amazing, highly entertaining show was the result. Since the time was already too late, we had to cancel the open jam session in this edition. Many musicians came to jam, but we’re sure they understand. Not everyday we can have an ensemble like this. We can learn so many things from them. The concept building, the way to execute it, the good way to jam and of course, the entertainment factor. So X factor, WOW factor, or whatever you call it, Erwin ‘Mr.Uye’ Saz and his team mates have it. It was mad! Uye!

 

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BragaJazzWalk02-Titbits (6)

 

The Braga Jazz Walk #02 turns out to be a fun edition. We got lots of groove, a lot of happy vibes, cheerful moods and tasty tunes. There were many cool covers of today’s hitlist, but there were also some originals that have strong potential to be succeed in the market. Many thanks to all the bands, the jam participants, our partners and of course to you all, gorgeous, happening crowds! We hope you enjoy this edition and keep supporting us in the next editions. Jazz belong to everyone and should be able to penetrate all segment of society. We bring our concept into the mall which is located in the middle of the historical Braga street in a wish to introduce the friendly face of jazz and its colorful varieties (and possibilities) to both devoted jazz fans and new/common listeners.

 

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BragaJazzWalk02-PhotoGroup

 

 

We will be back again in 2 weeks, scheduled for October 23, 2014. Fresh batch, colorful variety are to be expected. Hope to see you then!

Watch the video highlight on our Youtube channel:

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Reporter: Riandy Kurniawan
Photographer: Nia Kurniawati, Titus Firmanto
Video Editor: Vierna Mariska Kurniawan

Serambi Jazz 2014: Benny Lackner Trio ft Azfansadra Karim and Johanes Radianto : The Report

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SerambiJazz-BennyLacknerTrio-2014

 

Serambi Jazz hasn’t visited Bandung for quite some times. So now that the program landed again in the Parahyangan soil, the jazz aficionados should be excited. It was a 5 star quality concert with very interesting collaboration between a group who’s been placing its feet on Berlin and New York, and two of the best Indonesian musicians from younger generation. Representing Europe is a group formed more than a decade ago in New York, Benny Lackner Trio. This trio is led by the German-American pianist Benny Lackner, who’s been known as one of the most successful students of Brad Mehldau.

The trio came for an Asia, Australia and New Zealand tour in order to promote their 5th album, “Sisikiyou” which was recorded at the famous Jazzanova Studio in Berlin. For this tour Benny Lackner is accompanied by drummer Matthieu Chazarenc and bassist Paul Philipp Kleber. Speaking of Paul, we have been wowed by his mastery play last year when he came with Kai Brückner for a mind-bending encounter with Riza Arshad Project on April 2013. http://jazzuality.com/jazz-event-report/serambi-jazz-kai-bruckner-and-riza-arshad-project-the-report/. If this trio is already stunning, the collaboration with two of considerably young but highly skilled musicians got their master degrees in Netherlands: Johanes Radianto (guitar) and Adra Karim (keyboard/B3 organ).

 

 

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Serambi Jazz 2014-BennyLacknerTrio (12)

 

 

We attended the Bandung gig on October 15, 2014 which took place at the historical hall of ITB, the Aula Barat (West Hall). There were lots of things going down in this particular spot in the 70’s when it comes to the history of jazz in Bandung. So placing such classy concert like this in this building created some kind of different atmosphere to the already fully spirited one.

The concert started right after the welcome speech from ITB, Mrs Sulastri and Riza Arshad. Lackner began with glittery solo piano as the opening of soft, smooth with David Bowie’s “Cygnet Committe.” Adra Karim joined them shortly after to play “Pianohaus”, a song listed in their 2012 album, “Chacuma”. The beauty of free jazz shone from them where both piano and keyboard collided yet they went on harmoniously.

 

 

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Serambi Jazz 2014-BennyLacknerTrio (20)

 

 

Let’s get a little bit deeper with Benny Lackner Trio. This group was build under a standard jazz trio formation, but their concept is anything but typical. Their music is like the combination of hard grooving beats, slow, atmospheric sounds and modern jazz. The balance of the composed music and improvisation contains a deep respect for the Jazz tradition but at the same time bringing out contemporary elements of modern music which can be inspired by Radiohead as well as harmonic language inspired by composers such as Brahms and Chopin and Keith Jarrett. You can only imagine the wideness of their coverage musical area.

In a way, you can say that their music resonances the expressive jazz. They decorate their music with slight electronic that spiced the acoustic sound with subtle electronics by utilizing organ like  the Nord that’s being used in this concert. The team marched on playing totally collective with each member plays an equal role inside. Modern, groovy beating rhythm, artistic and in their veins, you can find the fine electrocoustic feel.

 

 

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Serambi Jazz 2014-BennyLacknerTrio (9)

 

So far they had formed a quartet at the West Hall of ITB.  Johanes Radianto expanded the formation to quintet. “Name Dropper” arrived in fair fusion style. They went dreamy in the next song, not too long but enough to share a lot of feelings. Benny and Paul left the stage and a new organ trio was formed between Adra, Johanes and Matthieu. A warm swingin’ straightahead became a base for them to play around. That include, a cool 8-bar trading.

Lackner and Kleber came back again to play a song from their new album titled “Heartracer”. Heartbeating, heartpounding, and certainly, heartracing that was kept intense and sharp.

“A Park” brought them back to the beautifully build melodical structure. Next they played Adra’s composition titled “It Hurts A Bit” that created the wonderland atmosphere.

 

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Serambi Jazz 2014-BennyLacknerTrio (10)

 

The unconventional interpretation of some diverse contemporary works of artists ranging from Jimi Hendrix, Prince, Björk, Feast to David Bowie has won more and more crowds everywhere they landed. But that’s not all, since they can fly their wings to reach wider lands by making surprisingly insightful arrangements of Charles Mingus, Thelonious Monk and the Gershwins. and of course Benny’s former private mentor Brad Mehldau who openly stated his compliment to Benny.

The variation and combination between interesting covers and originals can be found in their collections like “Not the Same” (2003), “Sign of the Times” (2006), “Pilgrim” (2007) and “Cachuma” (2012). In the brand-new 5th album “Sisikiyou” they continue to feature a modern, groove-oriented sound with electronic embellishments. Funky, but full with twisting techniques that can only be done by highly skilled players like these lads.

 

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Serambi Jazz 2014-BennyLacknerTrio (13)

 

 

Anyway, let’s go back to the concert. It was already late, close to 10 pm. As much as we loved the concert, they have reached the end of the line with Jimi Hendrix’s song “If Six Was Nine” which appeared in their 2003 album, “Not the Same”. This composition still built under the blues taste but also played within augmented and chromatic scales. Kleber gave one bluesy solo run in this one. The intensity created a perfect climax. It was clean and tight!

ITB handed each of them batik syal and tote bag as they finished the concert. But apparently the audience didn’t want to let them go. Under the ‘we want more’ chants and claps, they came back again to play Indonesian traditional folk song “Gundul-Gundul Pacul” where the improvisation interestingly locked in one chord. Huge applauses was given to them in big respect.

 

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Serambi Jazz 2014-BennyLacknerTrio (18)

 

Unlike before, for the first time Serambi Jazz served an open jam session. Three players from ITB Jazz including Hajar AS (guitar) and the current coordinator in chief Hizkia Natanael (bass) came onto the stage and had a fun jam with Lackner. Only one song with one set of players, then it was wrapped.

Once again Serambi Jazz delivered a very, very nutricious jazz concert where people can be entertained and learned altogether at the same time. You don’t have to be a jazz expert to enjoy this concert, but if you’re a hardcored jazz fans, you should really take this one as brilliant. Technically they maximize the richness of Blues, Ionian, Chromatic, Augmented and Diminished scales, but let’s put it simple: they appeared like 5 architectures working together in building a beautiful, monumental masterpiece. Slowly constructed each composition to stand tall and ellegant.

Jazzmen from two different part of the spheres collided in perfect harmony. Not that they have played together for many years, they have even just met a couple of days ago, only practicing twice, yet they  amazingly created one peaceful and harmonious collaboration with deep mutual understanding to one another. “Yes, it was the very first time for me to play with them, but it seems easy for me to connect with the boys. I guess, one of the reasons is because they are very kind and friendly.” said Johanes to us after the concert.

 

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Serambi Jazz 2014-BennyLacknerTrio (17)

 

We send our highest appreciation to Benny Lackner, Matthieu Chazarenc, Paul Kleber, Johanes Radianto and Adra Karim, also to everyone behind the Serambi Jazz and Goethe Institut. Hope you read this article early, because the next gig will be in Jakarta today at GoetheHaus Jakarta (on October 16,2014). If you are in Jakarta, seriously don’t miss this one. Something like this goes for free, and you miss it, it’s really not a smart thing to do, right? Well, hope you have the time to catch it and enjoy this one as we did.

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Reporter: Riandy Kurniawan, Jerry Gates
Photographer: Titus Firmanto


Braga Jazz Walk 03 : The Report

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Just a couple of days ago Indonesia officially has a new President. Joko Widodo, better known as Jokowi took his oath on Monday, October 20, 2014. As TIME magazine put him in the cover with “A New Hope” as the title, the music people now can hope for a better future, simply because for the first time this nation has a President who’s really a music fan, especially metal. Moreover, many times in his campaigns he affirmed commitment to support the creative economy. He’s only just begun, so let’s hope for the best.

Enough of the introduction, let’s get down to business. We scored another goal. A hattrick. Yes, we’re happy with the result of Braga Jazz Walk, 3rd edition. Speaking of variety we got Soul-Blues-Swing, Funky Fusion, Hard Bop and Groovy Pop Jazz among some other jazz corners that appeared here and there in smaller amount. Since all performers did their thing really well, this edition was filled with joy. Happy, tapping feet, smile, cheer, claps were all over the venue throughout the show.

 

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Braga Jazz Walk 3 - Titbits (4)

 

Braga Jazz Walk is a two weekly event (on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month) that’s created by Jazzuality.com in full cooperation with Braga City Walk and KPH Music. We wish to (re)introduce the rich varieties of jazz to the society especially the music lovers who live in the same city, Bandung. Through this regular event we wish to push the regeneration much forward by providing reliable ground for them to gain experience, make themselves heard and try their music in front of real audience. At the same time we believe this event will give good entertainment to everyone watching. Thus, this is an edutainment program that hopefully can give benefit to the jazz development.

 

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Braga Jazz Walk 3 - AllVoices (4)

 

AllVoices was the first to begin with. This band was established 3 years ago when the personnels were still in high school in Sukabumi, West Java. In pursuing the education, they have to be scattered in three different cities: Bandung, Jakarta and Sukabumi. But amazingly the band was still well kept. They even still manage to have regular practice in their hometown. Talk about passion and commitment, they really have it.

AllVoices appeared in full team with Boy Hylmy and Simplicity (vocals), Dori wirawan and Trisna Wiguna (guitars), Yudansyah (bass), Elko Nurul (keyboard), Aldi (sax), Rizfan Zulkifli (percussion) and Puji Belmanda (drums). Right after the whole team arrived at Braga City Walk, AllVoices heated up the audience right from the start with Reza’s “Berharap tak Berpisah”. The second song was the posthumous hit of Michael Jackson with Justin Timberlake, “Love Never Felt So Good”. But interestingly, they taylored the song in mid tempo smooth jazz, not the original breezy disco confection. Brave attempt but it paid off.

Still with smooth jazz, the Dewa 19’s hit “Pupus” took us into even more melancholy night. Rizfan changed his gear to flute that gave richer layer to the song. For the last song they went upbeat, this time with the cool rearrangement of GIGI’s “Nakal”.

 

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Braga Jazz Walk 3 - AllVoices (1)

 

Just in 2014 alone they have performed in three prestigious stages: Kampoeng Jazz 2014 (as the winner of Band Auditions), Ramadhan Jazz Festival and Tangsel Jazz Festival. A fruitful year it’s been, and we’re just proud to be able to invite them. Fresh, groovy pop jazz like this are always perfect to capture the mall-goers, especially when it’s well executed by a band like this. As an evidence, we got good amount of crowds right from the start.

AllVoices is a solid proof that jazz has been growing very well in Sukabumi. From them we got the info that Sukabumi already has a jazz community called “Ngajazz”. We’re happy to know it. May there be more jazz bands from this particular city in Braga Jazz Walk. Thank you for coming and playing, AllVoices, hope to see you again.

 

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Braga Jazz Walk 3 - Lumiere (6)

 

Time to check out the ‘Light’, a direct translation of the name of the next band, Lumiere. Established by a bunch of friends: Hendike (saxophone), Widiyanto Sutanto (keyboard), Marissa Wiguna (drums), Robert Daniel (bass), Daniel Christy (guitar) and Gerry (vocal) in June 2014, this band move quite fast by already has one recorded track from their original materials. Speaking of the composition of players, Lumiere is like a marriage between two bands: Out of 7 and Final Script. We know the great talents behind this band and expected something tight from them. Did we get it from them? Absolutely.

A package of funky hard bop was served as the opening with Herbie Hancock’s “Chameleon”. Massive funk-attack were thrown from the stage by them. After this instrumental track, Gerry joined the musicians to sing their original song, “Tak Terkalahkan”. Benjamin S’ “Nonton Bioskop” got a groovy, fusion suit and then they sealed up high with Daniel Christy’s favorite pick, “Night Rhythms”. Solo runs, tradings, call and response and improvisations were all over each song. It was tight!

 

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Braga Jazz Walk 3 - Lumiere (7)

 

Powerful in every line, we should say. Infectious monster groove from the bassman, the colorful beat from the lady drummer, sharp jazz-rock guitar, the stunning improvisation on the piano and funky boppin’ sax were merry like a multi-colored Christmas light bulbs. By the addition of RnB male vocalist, Lumiere should shine even brighter. Still 4 months old, but with this kind of players the band can really go far, no doubt about it.

 

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Braga Jazz Walk 3 - Agis Bape (3)

 

The mainstream industry in Indonesia today tend to go more into big sized band plus the amount of singers that is never enough. If that’s the reference, the young musicians would think that the big sized is the only way for them to succeed. Because of that, while we are dealing with the regeneration process, we have to push the establishment of smaller format, all the way to duo or even solo. As we have showcased the duos and solos a couple of times in the old Terraz Jazz, Klab Jazz moved towards the same point, even further by making up a Duo Tone concert. Four duos plus one special performance by Sarah N Soul for us became an important agenda not only to keep the music scene full of variety, but also as a reminder that a duo can be good too if not even better.

So here, we invited one of the four duos and placed them as the final show: Agis Bape, the collaborative project between the powerhouse soul sister Agis Kania teamed up with swingin’ guitar sensation Opik Bape. They have worked together for quite some time, especially in the French Gypsy Swing/Jazz Manouche group Satura. In Satura there are two guitarists and two vocalists, this time it’s like being cut in half. By going smaller, these two artists are able to focus on their forte which creates a unique blend between soul and swing.

Agis has a strong, 5-star soulful vocal character while Opik is a fine swing guitarist that would have been a huge success had he be born 80-90 years ago, either in Paris or Chicago. With that kind of hat, Opik got even stronger spirit and look cooler. They began sailing with Stevie Wonder’s “I Wish”. Agis showed how strong she could sing as well as demonstrating a voice with character. Then she went back all the way to the mid 30’s with a jazzy blues blast from the past, “Why Don’t You Do Right”. If the 30’s sounds too far, this song was sung by Jessica Rabbit character in the trailblazing combination of animation and live-action from 1988 movie, “Who Framed Roger Rabbit”.

 

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Braga Jazz Walk 3 - Agis Bape (7)

 

Etta James’ “Fool that I Am” served deep before they revisited Motown with Marvin Gaye’s “Inner City Blues”. Agis’ all time fav “Change The World” originally by Eric Clapton became the last meal. Not an easy song to sing since one has to have the ‘it’ factor other than top-notch singing/guitar playing quality, but these two folks have it all. What a way to end a show.

Just two of them, but look at the music they produced. It felt fully round and deep, not flat and has no blank spots. Players in a duo have to know their own role and be connected fully to each other. In our opinion, Agis Kania and Opik Bape is definitely one of the best pairings ever made in Indonesia and they should be able to march much further, if the industry still care of quality.

 

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Braga Jazz Walk 3 - Nouveau Project

 

Before the jam session started, we gave a shot to a group of Telkom University students named Nouveau. They have been coming regularly but they haven’t got the slot just yet. We invited and let them play one song. They surprised us with a unique swingin’ cover of Pharell Williams’ “Happy”. They gave good shot. For sure you will see them again in even longer duration in one of the soon-coming editions.

 

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Braga Jazz Walk 3 - Jam Session (1)

 

Then the jam session started. Billy (vocal), Andi Pramudito (drums), Robert Daniel (bass) and Nicodemus Horisson (piano) were there together with three guitarists: Daniel Christy, Jerry Gates and Thomas. Chick Corea’s “Spain” became their choice. A group photo session occured earlier since some of the players especially the AllVoices members from Sukabumi had to go home. But the “Spain” was back again right after the session and carried on up until the end.

 

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Braga Jazz Walk 3 - Photo Session

 

Three groups, different sizes, multi flavors, plenty of highlights and so many cool rearrangements, these would be good enough to describe this third edition. It was filled with groovy tunes, funky chops, jazzattack and classic/authentic swingin’, bluesy soul. With that range of variety, we hope the audience and mall-goers were entertained, while the coming musicians got something to look at. We thank everyone who have come and support us up until now. More to come in the next editions, so stay tuned and meanwhile, keep jazzin’.

Watch the highlight in Youtube channel:

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Reporter: Riandy Kurniawan
Photographer: Titus Firmanto
Video Editor: Vierna Mariska Kurniawan

Braga Jazz Walk Special Edition: In a Series of Bragalicious : The Report

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BragaJazzWalk-Bragalicious

 

Braga City Walk is launching its new event called Bragalicious, a culinary festival for 5 straight days that’s planned to run a couple of times a year. If before there was Braga Culinary Night, now this concept is adopted by the Braga City Walk to facilitate the society’s needs of finding foods and beverages in variety, including the artistic aspects.

Braga Jazz Walk which was created by Jazzuality.com in full cooperation with Braga City Walk and KPH Music that has been running regularly every two weeks since last month. We are happy to be able to participate in the grand launching, supporting it with exclusive live jazz performances. We invited three bands as usual that pretty much represent the history of Braga street and the hang-out folks that are usually found along the sidewalk.

 

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The first turn was given to a band of university students, SSP. Stands for Suka Suka (As We Like) Project, this Padjadjaran University students band choose to go free with style and genre. They don’t want to be trapped in any corner, instead they want to be able to explore free as a bird. Jo (vocal), Ezra (keyboard), Fahmi (drum), Hiro (guitar), Rayan (bass) and the brass section consists of Widi (saxophone), Rifky (trumpet) and Djani (trombone) are the personnels of SSP that serves joy through their groovy and chillin’ light jazz-oriented songs.

Having a brass section, what to bring? Well, they streamed fast and high directly, taking on Stevie Wonder’s “Superstitious”. Hiro’s written song, “Fantasi” took the lane of acid jazz bands like The Groove, catchy melody and lyrics that will have a success among the young music fans. After another groovy soul track from Eric Benét entitled “Spiritual Thang”, a ballad written also by Hiro titled “Terlambat” put us all in a mellow mood. Again, this song has the power to be a hit. If Tulus could do it with “Sewindu”, this one could too. Pharrell Williams’ “Happy” brought everyone safely back to the happy mood.

 

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A band of campus students is always fun to watch. The youthful spirit, the playful mood in serving easy listening but ear catchy tunes. When we got a band like SSP, they have it all but also good skills in playing and rearranging the materials. Other than that they have original songs with strong potential that would do really well in the market. The combination of prime soulful male vocalist and highly capable musicians with the intention to share their happiness of playing music creates a warm atmosphere inside the Braga City Walk. What’s also great is that they brought loud, happening crowds too. We’re glad that SSP was here with us in this special edition.

 

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BragaJazzWalk-Bragalicious-Satura-ft-PuspalliaPanggabean (4)

 

For the next group, let’s begin with one question. How could we bring ‘Parijs van Java’ – the nickname of Bandung-, into life? Well, music can do that. Not many bands in Indonesia play it, but there’s a duo that brings the reminiscence of Parijs van Java in their concept: SATURA. They bring back the Gypsy Swing to the surface, as if it was still the era of Django Reinhardt and the other Romani guitarists, Paris-circa 1930.

Satura was born not that long ago, but when you hear them play, it feels like they have been playing together for decades. What they play is a heavenly stuff with swing articulation that has the Musette waltz with chromatic Gypsy style. Many historians believe that this style was invented by Django Reinhardt and became his legendary signature playing style. This style is difficult to play, especially by two guitarists. But Opik and Arief are equipped with magic fingers and united soul. They can play at maximum speed without any problem. Clean, tight and sharp, perfect in harmony.

The evidence can already be traced right from the start. Who could ever thought they would start with “Flinstones”? Not just the theme, but also played in in cool Gypsy swing style. Huge applauses were given to them. Then they carried on with “Lady Be Good” and rose the musette swing even happier with “Tiger Rag”.

For tonight they got empowered by one of the female vocalists that they often feature, Puspallia Panggabean. Like having an old soul, she has a perfect jazz tone and articulation, wide vocal range and high singing technique. She’s a living songbook since she memorizes so many songs. She’s charming and has a sweet smile. What’s not to love about her? After last week we were wowed by Agis Kania, now Puspall did it in her own way.

 

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Puspallia Panggabean placed herself on stage to sing “Sweet Georgia Brown” that made us feel like enjoying the Parisien cafe in the 30’s.   “Bye Bye Blackbird” and “Bluesette” became their next presentation that made them bag even louder cheers from the crowd. For the last song they surprised everyone with one of Ismail Marzuki’s masterpiece, “Sersan Mayorku” brought in multi-modulation technique based on the version of Bandanaira. Very, very difficult, but they did it really well.

The nickname “Parijs van Java” was given to Bandung for its resemblance to Paris and European atmosphere back at the colonial times. According to many historians, Bandung attained the nickname actually from what was going on in Braga Street in the 20s. At that period, this particular street was already happening. There were chic cafes, restaurants, boutiques, European art deco buildings and flowery scents around. In year 2014 we thought it’d be nice to have the scene being captured in our mind. Thanks to Satura who ressurects this authentic vintage aromatic floral scent of French Gypsy scene, we could finally have it. C’était merveilleux! Merci Beaucoup.

 

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And now, it’s time to see the mindbending musicality from 3 mad-men. The personnels should be five persons, but for this event they could only come by three. What to do with two players defisit? This band proved they had no problem at all with it. It was still a hillarious show where a new musical dimension came alive through the collision between two worlds. Wait, we forget mentioning the band. It’s the one and only, WEST JAVA SYNDICATE.

West Java Syndicate came alive in 2010 by  Zahar Mustilaq, the drummer who actually live in between two spheres, the Sundanese traditional and the modern western music like jazz, blues, rock and so on. It didn’t take long for them to find the formula, but interestingly the personnels always love to explore and try new things, endlessly. Together with Yopi D Navis (keys) and Dede SP (bass), Dosenk (kendang/flute) and Randy Gevenk on woodwind section including tarumpet, karinding and bamboo flute, West Java Syndicate throws all the barricades to offer something unique. On the surface you might refer them as a band who plays Ethnic Progressive Jazz, but believe us when we say that they actually give more than just that.

From the very first song they already showed a high skilled-theatrical show. They were playful, humorous and totally interactive. The progressive ethnic was felt right from the first note with “Bubuka”. Then the folk song “Bajing Luncat” was delivered with wide room for improvisation.  What a surprise to see another traditional song “Manuk Dadali” got an electronica treatment and served theatrical.

 

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An original piece written by YD Navis titled “Tembang Katresna” (Love Song) was next. The last song was their first song, “Gending Rame ku Kendang”. “What we intend to say with this song is that kendang should have the same portion. Kendang can be a layer, it can do melodies as well.” said Zahar. The song is kendang-based composition, they didn’t have kendang player, yet they did really great in covering the loss. The solo bass in the middle was tight, and the other players poured the rest of energy they had left for an intense climax.

It was a mind-bending final act where the traditional Sundanese music got a rock and jazzitude treatment seamlessly. Acrobatic, entertaining, full of action, plenty of jokes, a ‘crazy’ package that amazingly served only by three fellows. Absolutely amazing.

 

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Jam session took place after that, and coincidentally it became one hot blues jam. The guitarist of Firewire Blues Galura Wirayudanto was on stage along with SSP drummer Fahmi and bassist Rayan. On keyboard was Nicodemus Horisson of Owcindful and Chakraborty, while the mike was taken by an alumni of Rising Star Indonesia, Andre Arizky. “Come Together” and “Route 66″ were their choices.

 

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Our MC Erick Gabe couldn’t help himself not to join. He did the scat singing and mouth trumpet along with the lineup. Then Danto moved to bass as a blues guitarist Idris took his place. Playing guitar and sing at the same time, Idris led the group towards the classic ballad lane with Jimi Hendrix’s “Little Wing”.

 

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Another batch came in with Joo Yang behind the drums, Klency Lembono on keyboard, Yosua Setiawan (bass) and the Indonesian Idol 2014 alumni Yesaya Pangeran Muda Siagian sang Beyonce’s “Love on Top”. Puspall who apparently loves this song joined the gang as the photo session took place. As the vocalists were able to fly up high with their vocal, the signature modulation was done spontaneously several times. We would love to see more, but we have to wrapped it up since it was already late.

 

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As the first-ever special edition of Braga Jazz Walk, we take this one as a beauty. And what makes us proud the most is the fact that it was carried by all-local bands that were all out to give a 5-star performance. Both Satura and West Java Syndicate should already have their career on international level based on their distinct/unique material, amazing skill and fine execution. They can really do it, we always believe so. As for SSP, this band of youngsters has been gaining more and more popularity among the UNPAD students that hopefully will bring them to the higher ground. Why not? They are entertaining, they have skills and they know what to do in cheering people up. And the jam session? It was hot and full of stars.

Bragalicious opens up a chance for everyone to enjoy the culinary festival. Plenty of food choices, variety of beverages from almost 50 brands/restaurants/cafes were found inside the modern-looking mall with art deco concept in the historical street, Braga City Walk. It’s also good to see that the programs of this mall are being integrated and supporting one another, and for us behind the Braga Jazz Walk, we’re happy to participate and hope this event contributed positively towards the success of it. May there be more edition to come, and if you ever need some jazz again in supporting the event from the entertainment side, count us in.

 

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Thank you very much to the musicians, the partners, supporters, the Bragalicious peeps and the audience. The next stop of Braga Jazz Walk will be on November 12, 2014. We have prepared three groups for it. Need some hints? There will be piano-drum duo project, a new but solid trio and a large-sized band that will remind you of young Kahitna. Curious? Stay tuned and don’t forget to come back in two weeks from now. We’ll be there to jazz you up.

Watch the highlight in our Youtube channel

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Reporter: Riandy Kurniawan
Photographer: Titus Firmanto, Nia Kurniawati
Video Editor: Vierna Mariska Kurniawan

 

4th Jazz Not Jazz “Absolutely Sensational Fusion” : The Report

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After three successful edition, 100.4 FM KLCBS off-air program JAZZ NOT JAZZ bagged another success in year 2014. This event is a KLCBS Jazz Alliance Community Gathering that stands as an amicable meeting of jazz people – from jazz listeners (from beginners to enthusiasts), collectors, experts, musicians, journalists, and everyone who have interest in jazz.

The combination between the music appreciation side, the market’s response, the blends between careful selection of musicians and music pieces will result into unique presentation in every edition of Jazz Not Jazz. Furthermore, the Marketing Director of KLCBS Khirzan N Noe’man has stated earlier that in more than 2 hours all the attendances would enjoy the presentation and collaboration altogether, including Meet and Greet.

KLCBS, BNI and the venue Prama Grand Preanger presented The 4th Jazz Not Jazz with high quality entertainment by presenting mouth-watering batch of all-star cast who have been placing their feet in between jazz and rock for many, many years. The band is Donny Suhendra Band, consists of Donny Suhendra (guitar), Budhy Haryono (drums), Krishna Balagita (keyboard) and Adi Darmawan (bass).

 

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Donny is a guitar hero who plays just about everything. He’s capable to play all kinds of music. Other than maintaining his own band, he’s one of the pillars of ESQI:EF aka Syaharani and the QueenFireWorks. Let’s not forget that he’s one of the Krakatau and JavaJazz. Not only he is a great guitarist, he is a superb teacher and mentor too. There are so many successful guitarists today who actually learnt from him. Then, Budhy Haryono. This is a versatile senior drummer who was involved in so many famous jazz and rock bands like Jamrock/Jamrud, GIGI, Krakatau and Karimata. Krishna Balagita is widely known as the keyboardist of ADA Band, but this man is actually not far from jazz. He even had the opportunity to learn from Jack Lesmana. He just celebrated his ‘comeback’ to jazz by releasing his solo album “Sacred Geometry” earlier this year and a shot at the Java Jazz Festival 2014. As for the eccentric bassist Adi Darmawan, he’s one of the LIGRO madmen. He plays bass like none other. Not only using his fingers or thumb, he often utilized other materials such as nail, woodenblock, iron plate, spatula, hammer and so on in his act. Other than that, he often hum in high pitch to give some haunting sound of world music.

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While Donny has played together with Adi many times, it was great to see the ‘reunion’ between Budhy and Donny. During the early stage of Donny’s career, it was Budhy who often accompanied him. “We even built Krakatau together.” said Donny. But then they went on separate way. Donny was clearly happy for having Budhy again on his side. “You know, Budhy is a true fusion drummer.” he said.

This quartet got full reinforcement by more artits. The soulful powerhouse diva Dira Sugandi and one of the Salamander Voices (also the background singer of Tulus) Lia Amalia were in charge of vocals. Trumpeter Brury Effendy of Salamander Big Band and the jazz Paganini from Bandung, one of the 4Peniti: Ammy Kurniawan got important roles too. Mouth-watering lineup that for us could stand as a fine representative of Jazz Fusion at its best.

The whole lineup is also perfect to bring the theme of “Absolutely Sensational Fusion” which was set from the beginning by KLCBS.

The venue Prama Grand Preanger is one of the most famous historical buildings. It was once a grocery store but in 1897 it became a hotel, named Preanger Hotel. For over a quarter of a century thie Indische Empire style hotel stood as the symbol of pride of Dutchmen in Bandung. Then in 1929, the hotel was re-decorated by C.P. Wolff Schoemaker with former Indonesia’s first president Ir. Soekarno as his assistant. You can still find the classy art deco nuance in this 5-star hotel until now, both on the structure of the building and the interior. Serving a jazz community gathering inside a historical hotel brought such beautiful vibe which added even more values to it.

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The adventurous “Tales from Nauru” and a refreshing track taken from Donny’s first solo album, “Disini ada Kehidupan” titled “Pagimu” gave a beautiful sign that we were about to go deep into fusion. Donny then invited trumpeter Brury Effendi to play Chick Corea’s “Sea Journey”. Brury’s sharp attack was loved by the audience as he got a lot of claps. Right after Brury left the stage, Krishna took over the course with his sparkling melodies. This song kept him busy as well as showing his skill. Budhy’s cool solo drum was the highlight too on this one.

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Ammy Kurniawan came on stage. He was set to play Donny’s song “Kano”, but first Donny asked him to play a long solo. He did. Like a wizard he put spell on everyone. If the solo was already magical, his ‘duel’ with Donny doubled it. They flew together exploring the highest terrains, really entertaining as the excitement rose above the roof. They rose the bar higher with “Kano”, a song with high degree of difficulties, yet cleanly executed. The speed, the pace, the adrenaline rush, the dynamics, the precision, all were unbelievable.

Donny Suhendra Band carried on with a song written in 1991 by Donny that finally made its way into the recordings: “The Los Feliz”. It was written after his experience when he went to California with his group JavaJazz (along with Indra Lesmana, Embong Raharjo, AS Mates and Gilang Ramadhan) more than 2 decades ago. This song was the most rockin’ composition for the night. Sharp, edgy, and powerful. This song will appear in Donny Suhendra’s upcoming new album, projected to come in 2015.

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Brury Effendi was back again, but this time with Flugelhorn. Ammy Kurniawan too, entering the scene from the audience’s area. They served Hoagy Carmichael’s classic, “The Nearness of You” in sweet fusion. A surprise came in the end since they sealed this song in an odd way, in keroncong style.

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Time to hear some vocals. Lia Amalia was the first one, singing her favorite “Feeling Good”, a standard from the mid 60’s, which became popular again in 2005 by Michael Buble. Lia showed an awesome control on her voice, soulful yet bluesy, powerful yet smooth. Wow, what a voice.

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She called Dira to replaced her position. She sang a jazz version of R Maladi’s evergreen, “Rangkaian Melati”, in loving memory of her grandparents. After that he cheered everyone up again with a hot samba beat on “Mas Que Nada”. She made the audience sang together while she was dancing just like a Brazilian girl in the carnival.

Donny Suhendra Band served one last instrumental titled “Teen Spirit”, and for the very last song, Lia Amalia sang her song  written by the late artiste Harry Roesli called “Kami Cinta Indonesia”. With this acousticly served song, the whole event was wrapped.

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High caliber band, the special force of jazz fusion in Indonesia was able to bring the absolutely sensational fusion for the 4th Jazz Not Jazz gig. If the band was brilliantly formed from these experts, the featuring artists made it shine even more. Another important thing to mention is, eventhough the rain was heavily poured since the late afternoon, plenty of people still came to enjoy the presentation. Thank you KLCBS, BNI and Prama Grand Preanger for this nice fusion gig, until we meet again in the 5th edition next year.

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Reporter: Riandy Kurniawan
Photographer: Mia Damayanti

2014 Roundup: Indo-jazz and Blues-Rock Delight Bangalore Fans

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As 2014 comes to a close, the jazz calendar in Bangalore comes to a climax with a range of outstanding acts at venues such as The B-Flat Bar! The featured bands include a number of local and international artistes, covering a range of styles: straight-ahead jazz, fusion, Indo-jazz, blues-rock and electro-jazz.

Here are some of the groups who delighted jazz fans this year at B-Flat, and I had the good fortune to check out many of them performing live! See also my earlier article, Big Bang Blues, 4th Element, Sean Rolden: A New Generation of Blues and Jazz in India.

Jovol ‘Bam Bam’ Bell

Phenomenally-talented drummer Jovol Bell has played with Stanley Clarke, Herbie Hancock, John McLaughlin, Jack Dejohnette, Miles Davis, Joe Sample, and many other jazz greats. The Texan drummer, a Berklee College graduate, was joined by Parker McAllister (bass), Kavyesh Kaviraj (keys), Mark Aranha (guitar) and Vasundhara Vee (vocals). Bell describes his music as ‘New Era,’ which with elements of jazz, gospel, salsa and even hip-hop. The set in Bangalore was an outstanding collaboration, with soaring vocals and scatting by Vasundhara and tight coordination between Jovol and Parker. Vasundhara Vidalur and Adil Manuel are the frontliners of the Indian blues band Adil&Vasundhara, and have released the album Ampersand.

 

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Jyotsna Srikanth http://www.indianviolin.eu/

Indian violinist Dr. Jyotsna Srikanth, now based in London, performed a fusion set of carnatic violin blended with Western folk and classical. She was joined by Shadrach Solomon on keyboards and Manjunath N.S. on drums; the trio covered a wide range of musical territory and drew loud applause for their cross-cultural creativity. Jyotsna has also collaborated with the French Jazz Quartet, flamenco guitarist Eduardo Niebla, Portuguese singer Vitorino and Brazilian bassist Mario Caribe. She has collaborated on movie soundtracks with musical directors from South India such as Hamsalekha and Ilayaraja. Her albums include Call of Bangalore and Life.

Malcolm Braff www.malcolmbraff.net

Swiss pianist Malcolm Braff has a wide range of musical influences from Brazil, Cape Verde, Senegal and India. He has collaborated with djembe player Yaya Ouattara and French jazz trumpeter Erik Truffaz. Braff’s albums include Voltage, Benares, Yay, Methane, Walkabout, Maximal Music, Yele and Live in Lausanne. On his India tour of spiritually-inspired soul-jazz, he was joined by Reggie Washington (bass) and Stéphane Galland (drums).

Divine Raaga http://www.divineraaga.com

 

Divine Raaga is a Hindi folk-fusion band based out of Bangalore. Their debut album is titled I’m Divine Raaga. Most of the tracks are based on Hindustani ragas. The current lineup includes Buddhabrata Chakravorty (or Buddha, on vocals), Rahul (guitars), Mrinal (drums), Ashish (bass), Prithwin (flute), Ashraf (guitars) and Kishore (keyboards). Formed in 2009, the group’s songs are also about causes, such as cross-border brotherhood, inter-faith unity, and the importance of hope and nature.

Paban Das Baul

Paban Das Baul is a leading proponent of Baul folk music of West Bengal, and has evolved a unique genre of folk-fusion music. The vocalist also plays local percussion and string instruments such as ektara, dubki, dotara and khamak. He was joined by his wife Mimlu Sen (bells, cymbals), Lew Hilt (bass), Satish Sharma (acoustic guitar) and Tanmoy Pan (cajon). Based in France, Paban Das Baul has played across Europe and Asia, and released the albums Real Sugar, Inner Knowledge and State of Bengal. Baul music praises the divine love, and draws from a range of traditions including Tantrism and Sufism. Two musicians from the fusion band Aghor opened the evening’s performance: Jataveda Banerjee (singer-songwriter) and Nikhmal Gartuala (guitarist-composer from Kathmandu).

Chandbibi and the Waste Candidates

Bangalore-based band Chandbibi and the Waste Candidates released their debut album Tidy Funk at B-Flat in October. They blend jazz, electronica, progressive rock, Latin and Carnatic music. The lineup consists of Mana Dhanraj (vocals), Sidhant Jain (guitar), Kavita Sarna (bass) and Navneet Rao (drums). The musicians met at the Swarnabhoomi Academy of Music. The tracks What Have We Become? and Moonlight drew loud applause at their B-Flat performance, and the band also played at The Humming Tree.

 

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Indian Blue http://indianblue.org

Indian Blue is a talented fusion band founded by Shiraz Ali Khan on sarod, with a phenomenal family tradition in Indian classical music as great grandson of legendary Acharya Baba Allauddin Khan, grandson of late Ustad Ali Akbar Khan, and son of late Dhyanesh Khan. He began experimenting with other sounds as well, and founded the fusion band, Indian Blue, in 2002. He is accompanied by Dishari Chakraborty (santoor), Arindam Bhattacharya (Indian vocals), Debjeet Ghosh (English vocals), Santanu Borah (rhythm guitar), Ronodeep Bose (lead guitar), Avijit Sarkar (drums), Ranjan De (tabla) and Shovon Mukherjee (bass). The haunting sound of the sarod coupled with Indian vocals and Western instruments makes for a marked contrast as well as smooth blend.

 

 

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Parvaaz www.parvaazmusic.com

Parvaaz was founded in 2010 by Khalid Ahmed (vocals, acoustic guitar) and Kashif Iqbal (electric guitar) from Kashmir, and is based in Bangalore. They are accompanied by Sachin Banandur (drums) and Fidel D’souza (bass), and have performed their blend of blues and rock along with lyrics in Hindi, Urdu and Kashmiri in festivals across India. The youthful band’s debut CD, Baran, is named after the Persian word for rain, and is a soul-searching album about seeking truth in an increasingly materialistic and greedy world. In a sign of the times, the album was entirely crowdfunded with the help of 96 contributors. Their set in Bangalore was their last one of the year, and climaxed with the superbly-textured tracks Colour White and Roz Roz featuring Khalid’s soaring vocals and a superb bass solo by Fidel.

Other Indian blues bands that have performed at B-Flat include Hoodoo Gas, whose lineup has included Ananth Menon (lead guitar and vocals), Snehal Pinto (bass), Deepak Raghu (drums) and Vasudev Prabhu (harmonica). Mumbai-based Kabir Café also played to a full-house, with a blend of folk, rock and the philosophy of mystic poet and saint Kabir. The band is founded by Neeraj Arya (vocals, guitar), Raman Iyer (mandolin), Mukund Ramaswamy (violin) and Viren Solanki (drums).

 

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Folk-rock was also showcased in B-Flat by the band Lagori, named after a popular South Indian street game based on striking a pile of seven stones. Their urban sound combines Indian classical melodies with rock music. The lineup includes Tejas Shankar (vocals), Geeth Vaz (guitar), Edward Rasquinha (guitar), Shalini Mohan (bass) and Vinyl Kumar (drums).

B-Flat’s programming on Wednesdays has featured DJ Unnayanaa (Prashanth Pallemoni) who blends Afro, funk, soul, electronic and experimental sounds. We look forward to another terrific lineup of bands at B-Flat and other Bangalore venues in 2015 already!

Written by Madanmohan Rao
Editor & DJ, World Music and Jazz; Bangalore
Global Correspondent for Jazzuality.com

 

Braga Jazz Walk : Special Christmas Edition: The Report

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“Speaking of jazz, of all season, I think Christmas is the best season for it.” That’s what a musician told us a while ago, expressing how happy he feels during Christmas season. Well, Christmas and Jazz have been buddies for many decades, probably right after the birth of jazz. Many people enjoyed it throughout the years, today we still enjoy it. Think of how many pop artists go swingy when they sing Christmas carols. Christmas and jazz, they are hardly separable.

Braga Jazz Walk has reached the 7th edition. What a pleasant coincidence that this year’s Christmas actually fell on the fourth Thursday of December, exactly on our regular shedule. That made us able to bring our Christmas Edition right on the special day. For this special edition, we set our mind towards the variety of jazz that would make the best of Christmas celebration. Smooth jazz, swing, fusion, bebop? Checked. Traditional, modern, soulful? Checked. Full band, instrumental, with vocals and just vocals in harmony alias acapella? Checked too. From adult to children? Yes, that too. Together with our partners in crime, the venue Braga City Walk and KPH Music, we, Jazzuality.com proudly presented this edition that suit the theme of the mall: The Oldtown Christmas. What made us even more proud is that we got to celebrate it with many audience. Some came to watch it, some were the mall-goers. Together they created a joyous atmosphere inside the big hall.

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The band consists of children age ranging from 12-16 called MY Kids were first. MY stands for Maulana Yusuf, the name of the street where their church stands. Billy (drum), Panji (bass), Adam (electric guitar), Korin and Miguel (acoustic guitar), Yugo (conga), Ferdi (keyboard), Louis Arnita and Syela (vocals) were found inside this team. MY Kids was formed from the GKI’s Sunday School who apparently have talents in music. They started only with acoustic guitar but then grew with more kids coming in. They have began their service since April 2011 and has been serving twice a month ever since.

Dream of cheerful Christmas celebration? The kids wanted to bring exactly that. “Allah Sumber Kuatku” was the first choice. This happy opening soon followed by “Sebab Tuhan Baik” and GMB’s “Tiba Saatnya ” which nicely included Sundanese music and singing style.  “Hark the Herald Angel Sing” was delivered in quite difficult rendition but executed perfectly by these kids.

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It’s always fascinating to see the kids play music. They are cute, but the way the perform, which usually are all out with ‘nothing to loose’ spirit can create surprises. The same with these kids. They are still at their teens, but they can entertain people already, as well as share the blessings. This is why we exist. The reason why we make Braga Jazz Walk in first place: to push the regeneration process forward, providing playground for the young ones to practice everything they learnt in front of real audience. We send love to MY Kids. Keep up the good work, kids! Don’t stop using your gifts to bless others.

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The second session was filled by one of the prestigious Jazz Goes to Campus 2014 consolation prize holder, 5th Avenue. This band consists of  a couple Chris Alfeus (guitar) and Stella Inke (piano), plus two more compatriotes AlbenOctorys (drums) and William Anthony (bass). Their playground is somewhere around jazz fusion and smooth jazz. Some of their specialties including brilliant arrangement and the scat singing along with guitar playing on the same note (or at the interval of an octave) by Chris. It brought Chris to win the Best Guitarist for Jazz Goes to Campus 2014 less than a month ago. They have some great original compositions, they do interesting covers of some famous jazz repertoires/songs. But here we got the chance to taste their Christmas menus. and man, it was delicious.

“Winter Wonderland” was served in GRP’s Smooth Jazz style. “Joy to The World” was served in more rockin’ style, Still keeping the groove but in slower rhythm, the band delivered “White Christmas” in medley with “Let It Snow”.  Chris demonstrated his scat-singing style while playing guitar in perfect pitch.  A lovely original song titled “Abba” was played sweetly before they ended up rockin’ on “Joyful Joyful”.

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A fusion style of Christmas was served classy by 5th Avenue. We have tasted their unpredictably complex arrangement over well known songs, we enjoyed it too when they take the simplicity road. They are not agressive on stage, but they know how to grab people’s attention and make them stay until it’s done. Speaking of Christmas, they took some of the most famous songs and put up fresh colorful outfit on it. Once again a solid package from them, being given just like a beautifully wrapped Christmas gift.

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For the final act, we invited a band that delivers jazz with action, the Out of 7. The band places their feet in between secular and gospel. The personnels are active praise and worship musicians beside their daily works. We used to call them acrobatic band due to their ‘stunt’ attempt in exploring wide array of genres. The keyboarist Widiyanto Sutanto is the leader who is also in charge of composing the materials. Then, the young but hyperactive lady drummer Marissa Wiguna who has catchy appearance and rich punching variety, guitarist Herman Yulianto and Daniel Christy with their rock-blues colors over jazz and funky bassist Abet Darmaji. Last but not least, the man you’ve seen in every Braga Jazz Walk edition as the MC, Erick Gabe is the vocalist. This man has a magical vocal ability. Wide range, perfect pitch, extreme manouvers, scat-singing, mouth-trumpet,trombone, beatbox and so on, you name it, he does it. Today the band has original songs (including several contemporary gospel songs). They have won the Espose 2013 band competition and landed on JakJazz 2013.

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Before the band appeared in complete team, first a trio called Harmony consists of  Norama Herty Yunieke, Mutiyani Repie and Lela Yuliantika Kawareh gave an acapella presentation titled “The Lord’s Prayer”.  A vocal harmony group is an important subject in making up Christmas Edition,  so we’re happy to have these three ladies taking on this part. After that, a duet between Lela Yuliantika Kawareh and Fredi Hendarman sang “What a Wonderful World” accompanied by Widiyanto Sutanto.

Then Out of 7 got their round. The band kicked off with “Gloria (in Exelcis Deo)”. Blues shone with “Amazing Grace” and then the swingy “Winter Winterland” with a little piece of Bobby McFerrin’s “Don’t Worry Be Happy” in the middle. Their original song “Sang Penerus Dunia” with a sharp rockin’ style and then sealed it up with “Spain” . This last song was served in jamming mood with enough solo run from each of the players.

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We haven’t seen them for a while, but they are still carrying the same spirit in even more enhanced skills. Composition is still their forte while the manouvers created such attraction that’s fun and entertaining. Since they are building their career in both secular and gospel, let’s wish them the best. One thing for sure, with the way they play, surely they can really spice up both world.

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The jam session was opened shortly after and quickly taken by some of the attending musicians. Chris Alfeus and William Anthony of 5th Avenue was back  again, also Widiyanto Sutanto and Marissa Wiguna of Out of 7. Then three members of Talking Jazz: Steven (piano), Billy (saxophone) and Jabez (guitar) also took part. On vocals were three men from the audience: Mr Simon singing “White Christmas”, Alex from Timor Leste took on “Karena Cinta” and Prof. Dr. Amri Amir, SpF, SH from Medan sang The Beatles’ “Yesterday”.  One singer from MyKids Louis was back too with “The Christmas Song”.  It was already 10:30 pm, still we got one more batch singing Michael Buble’s “Home”. Rizky Jonathan (vocal), Andre Fernando (guitar) and Yosua Setiawan (bass) were the last participants.

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BragaJazzWalk-Christmas-PhotoSession

 

We started the jazz community event in the first month of 2014, now we have reached the last presentation for this year in Braga City Walk. We have run more than 20 editions and so far presented musicians from Bandung, Jakarta, Sukabumi, Bali and also from Malaysia, France, USA and Australia, plus the more recent, Timor Leste. There are many things we still have to work on, but so far we are happy and satisfied with the way things are. The regeneration process is on going. We have met and provided familiar playground to so many newcomers ranging from solo to full bands, welcoming the well established and experienced musicians/bands that wished to support the new players and presenting unique formation/combination that are rarely found in today’s stages.

It feels good to end our 2014 series with a joyful Christmas Edition. Such happening crowds, such joyful performers. The variation was on top since this edition contained many styles from swing, bebop, fusion, soulful to even rock, presented instrumentally, with vocals and acapella by adults and early teenagers. As for the age, this edition stood above all because the range was unbelievably wide, from 12 to 73 year-old.

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BragaJazzWalk-Christmas-Crowds (1)

As the disintegration is taking place here and there by some people, we do hope jazz can stand as a great tool to promote peace and unity among people and nations, making it appears as an example of peaceful, full-loving and tolerance world. On behalf of everyone in Jazzuality.com and Braga Jazz Walk, let us wish you Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and Happy Holiday to you all. Let there be peace on earth and joy to the world.

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Reporter: Riandy Kurniawan
Photographer: Titus Firmanto
Video Editor: Vierna Mariska Kurniawan

Braga Jazz Walk #08: The Report

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BragaJazzWalk8

Braga Jazz Walk opened up its second year of service with interesting theme. This first one in 2015 a.k.a 8th edition featured notable musicians/singers from groups which have participated in our events earlier who are currently trying to establish their solo career. As we are committed to the regeneration process of jazz (related) musicians in Bandung, channeling the potential talents becomes crucial. So we are happy that the first Braga Jazz Walk in 2015 actually highlighted this matter.  We are also proud to have Braga City Walk and KPH Music still fully supporting this regular program.

Three names, more than three players and many jamming participants were in. Each slot has its own persona where different styles successfully caught the attention of people spotted in the venue. Some came to watch, the others were mall-goers who were there during the event, they got sucked in to see the musical concept these gifted young artists wished to offer. There were blues, folk and rock/heavy metal found in this edition along with assorted jazz as the main dish. Some were joyful, sweet and cool, but some were sharp and rebellious, like a strike of slashing blade. The audience loved it, so did we.

 

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Braga Jazz Walk 08 - Guntur Satria (2)

This 8th edition kicked off with a one man band, Guntur Satria. We knew him from his catchy naughty blues trio called the GFRtrio. With GFRtrio he appears as a wild, expressive (and explosive) bluesman who knows how to burn the stage with so many unpredictable moves. He’s much calmer when he’s all alone, yet his charisma still allowed him to shine.

Sam Smith’s “I’m Not the Only One” was first, followed by a gem from 1969,  “Across the Universe” originally recorded by The Beatles. The Beatles  presented it in psychedelic folk  with rich musical structure, Guntur respected it yet he infused his own soul into the song. Then he played his original song “Kala Rindu” which will be available when his EP’s finished. This song has the tasty indie content that’s loved by majority of young music listeners today in Indonesia, we believe this song has enough power to achieve success once it enters the market. Another The Beatles’ classic was perfectly covered by him, it’s called “Blackbird”. The freshness of country side was all over this one.  He then chose to seal his performance with a song that’s meaningful for him, “Englishman in New York.” The audience sang the reffrain several times together with him.

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Braga Jazz Walk 08 - Guntur Satria (5)

You can visit his Soundcloud https://soundcloud.com/gunturblues to listen to some of his tracks. Currently he’s working on his EP titled “Pergi Keluar” which consists of 5 tracks. Billy Ramdhani is featured in the album, and Sarasvati’s said to be on one track too. We are happy to steal him again from his studio activities and get the update. All looks good. The way he let himself connected with the audience, the songs which speak about his real life story, the ability to write and compose, he has it all. Not many young lad could take the one man band road and have success, but Guntur surely can. No doubt about that.

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Braga Jazz Walk 08 - Fearman (7)

The second session was taken by Fearman. This man is not an ordinary singer since he can sing all kind of styles as he wishes. He can go sweet and simple, he can give flawless manouvers in perfect pitch. He can climb the highest octave easily, he can reach the low keys without problem. He can climb the highest note like a rock star but he can also croon the way Michael Buble does. We have enjoyed his performance with his band Poinkustik a few months ago, but now he’s thinking of building his solo career as well, and we’re more than happy to provide him the ground.

Like we told you in the info article, he performed with a rock guitarist named TNT (Tinto Arief Anugrah). He was supposed to have a full band backing him, but since he didn’t get the available musicians, he decided to march on only with TNT. For us it was a blessing in disguise, since with minimalist concept we can enjoy his talent much clearer. Especially since both of them have bagged many achievements during their career and the good chemistry between them, their session was really enjoyable.

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Braga Jazz Walk 08 - Fearman (5)

Andre Hehanussa’s “Bidadari” was the first song in medley with Koes Plus’ “Jemu”. TNT was done tremendous work on guitar by flying wild from country to blues. Next was “Esok Kan Masih Ada”, one of the signature songs of Utha Likumahuwa delivered in sweet, romantic mood.  Then they took surprising choice, “Kantoi”.  This funny song of Zee Avi with brilliant lyrics that’s written in Manglish (a cross between Malay and English) sounded cool from Fearman, TNT was kept busy with his country guitar playing. His original song “Demi Kamu” delivered sweet and romantic. For the last song he gave Michael Buble’s medley including “Home”, “Feeling Good”, “I Just Haven’t Met You Yet” and “Save the Last Dance For Me”.

As we said, this man can sing just about anything. But we are happy that he took the jazz lane for his solo debut. A voice like him would be great to sing with big band, but perfect too with minimalist concept like this one. He’s still at the good age, he’s like prince charming on stage with all the good vibes surrounding him. There are many guys can sing, but not so many have the singing skills like him. It was a nice collaboration with TNT, simple yet rich.

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Braga Jazz Walk 08 - Amo (6)

The last session was filled with madness. This lad has never failed to surprise us everytime he appeared on our stage. He was called Conka by his friends before, but now he’s settled with Amo. His rocking spirit has been built since early age and grew up with such bands like Megadeth, Anthrax and Slayer. He likes to keep all the distortion and slashes his guitar like a metal pro yet jazz can be clearly captured during his play. Vicious heavy metal riffs complete with rebelious distortion now blended with jazz, the genre that he’s started digging not too long ago, about a year and a half. Can jazz go with rock distortion? Amo said why not. Tonight he gave a solid proof that it indeed works. Jazz with rock and distortion, we called it ‘Jazztortion’.

Together with his friends including Andi Pramudito (drums), Robert Daniel (bass) and Hadi (rhythm guitar), Amo roared right from the start with three songs:  Andy Timmons’ “Groove or Die”, Lee Ritenour’s “Rio Funk” and Eric Johnson’s “Zap”.  Amo still kept the heavy metal sound roared wild on stage but he clearly brought in some cool groove and good doses of jazz. His team mates Andi, Robert and Hadi gave such substantial work in supporting Amo’s attacks.

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Braga Jazz Walk 08 - Amo (1)

Jazz and rock have been on of the most exciting adventurous style that we have had in last century and combined/fused until they created some hybrids. We have enjoyed it for many decades, but apparently there are still areas left to explore. What Amo does is simple. He tries to enter the ‘new’ territory while still keeping everything real, holding in his pure rock spirit. The result is somewhat interesting. Yes, playing jazz with electric guitar along with distortion have been done by some artists, but Amo still offers something fresh and different by pushing the jazz-rock holy matremony into the far edge. So edgy until you forget to breath. Amo is dangerous when he’s running loose. If he keeps doing this path, he may even create a new hybrid. Absolutely sensational and distinctively unique.

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Braga Jazz Walk 08 - Jam Session (4)

 

Jam Session was open, but first it was taken by a young talented man who visited us for the first time. His real name is Rizky Ahmad Mudzakkir, but he likes to be known as Izky Mudza. This man is talented in singing and playing guitar, plus he can write songs. What’s also cool from him is the way he control his performance. He enjoyed every second of his moment and shared it to the audience. Oh yeah, he’s also cool when he put his voice into falsetto.  Just two songs but memorable, how happy it is to spot great new talent.

Then three players of Find Taste took position on piano, guitar and mike. Erick, Puspallia Panggabean and Andhika Caesar of Imagodeo did scat party and some mouth trumpet/trombone.  The photo session took place during this act, and that’s the end of the show.

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Braga Jazz Walk 08 - Photo Session

 

Cool stuff was found right from the first minute. All headlines for this 8th edition has something in common: are the key player in their group, but now they take another further step to establish their solo career. They have skills, highly talented and full of charisma, the thing that’s urgently needed if one wishes to pursue a solo career. They can turn the game differently, they are passionate and have something different to offer. We are happy to be able to provide the reliable ground for them. For all the musicians who showed up, we really appreciate your coming, hope you will make this community event become your own home. And to the happening crowds, thank you so much and look forward to have your support furthermore.

Watch the highlight on our Youtube channel:

In two weeks from now we will feature more bands, including a very mind-bending project where you can find progressive jazz and mystical ethnics pulsing strong in every note. Until then, take care and keep jazzin’.

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Reporter: Riandy Kurniawan
Photographer: Titus Firmanto
Video Editor: Vierna Mariska Kurniawan

Braga Jazz Walk #09 : The Report

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BragaJazzWalk09

 

Another edition, another batch, another story, another result. The Braga Jazz Walk has reached its 9th edition which was served in wide variety. Three featured bands/artists had totally different style, different formation, different approach, different way of playing, but all of them were really entertaining and wonderful to watch. They gave a cool miniature of jazz and its richness. That goes for age too. A boy below teen-age to adult, all celebrated jazz with their own way. From the traditional, modern jazz to the marriage between jazz and traditional Sundanese music, together they created a small but rich package of a show.

Some jazz/music VIPs were found among the audience. The 2013 AMI Award winner for the Best Female Jazz Artist who once worked as the state pianist, composer/pianist/vocalist Nita Aartsen, also a piano teacher who has made many successful jazz pianists, Mochamad Yahya Salam. The senior guitarist Venche Manuhutu came too. The first performer, 10 year old Kafin Sulthan Reviera is Yahya’s student who takes lesson at Venche Music School (VMS).

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Braga Jazz Walk 9 - Kafin (5)

We prepared something really special right from the start by presenting the kid prodigy, Kafin. He’s now a part of Mickey Mouse Club Indonesia, currently rehearsing and preparing for soon to be aired on Disney Channel. He is one of Erwin Gutawa’s ‘Above Average’ kids project which is also in the middle of recordings and concert, and he was also joined the gang of Mira Lesmana and Riri Riza’s Laskar Pelangi Musical Theatre a few years back. Amazingly, we are talking about a 10 year-old boy blessed with so many gifts. We met him last year when he was taking lesson at Venche Music School, we invited him to our event, he peformed with his teacher Mochamad Yahya Salam and he totally blew everyone away. From that moment on, this boy has grown fast. So it’s about time to have him back again.

If a year ago he still needed his teacher to be with him on stage, this time Kafin did it all by himself. Kafin egan swinging with a famous song “Lullaby of Birdland”. He kept the pace with with “Take the A Train”. “Moody’s Mood For Love” became a chance for him to demonstrate his ability.  Not an easy song to sing, not an easy song to play. But he did it all alone, along with connected improvisations which was spectacular. For the last song, he did a very, very lovely swingy Ismail Marzuki’s song, “Layang-Layang”.  When he’s done, our MC Erick Gabe teased him to give one more. With Erick’s mouth contrabass, he sang “Route 66″ and bagged loud applauses from the audience.

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Braga Jazz Walk 9 - Kafin (1)

It’s a wonder how a boy his age could do it, but as we said, he’s indeed a kid prodigy, meaning a kid with extremely early on age displays excellent capacity and expertise in one particular industry/field which is over their particular amount of readiness. We saw how fast he has progressing, how great he is now but at the same time still reflects the adorable look according to his age. Cute but unbelievably gifted, skillful performance. We’re just glad to know this amazing boy.

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Braga Jazz Walk 9 - Etudiant (1)

Next was a jazz trio established just a couple of months ago but certainly isn’t a rookie. First of all, the members are not new faces in Bandung jazz scene. They have been working inside for quite some times, and they do possess great skills, chemistry and speak jazz fluently. Etudiant, that’s the name of the band, consisting of Tiurma Tizadya Ramadhani Siregar (piano), Ilham Septia Inda Nugraha (bass) and Galih Cahya Nugraha (drums). As Etudiant is a French word means Student, what do they want to tell? According to Ilham they used it as a reminder that they are all students from UPI and that they have to keep learning and practicing.

They began sailing with Miles Davis’ “Nardis and kept the straightahead party with Jerome Kern’s “All the Things You Are”. Some cool tradings were given in this one. Next, “Donna Lee” and they reached the end with Sound Of Music’s “My Favorite Things”, which for us stands as the winner of their renditions. One of the most interesting versions we have ever heard.

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Braga Jazz Walk 9 - Etudiant (4)

When the industry tends to suggest more and more players in a band, we’re just happy that jazz trio is still available in Bandung’s jazz scene, and we are happier to see a trio this good. It won’t be easy for them to establish a solid grip inside the pop-tendency country, but hopefully with the growing number of jazz events, they can have more chance to grow. A really good jazz trio this is.  They fly wide, they keep the modern jazz real, they make proper but interesting arrangements that are nicely executed, tight and clean. Tasty!

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Braga Jazz Walk 9 - Hariring (5)

For the last show, we invited an ensemble consists of talented young lads who dare to connect western musics like jazz, soul, blues, rock, hiphop to even dance) with traditional Sundanese ethnique, progressively. It’s Hariring, a Sundanese word means hum or sing gently. The crossgenres don’t happen just on the sound, but also the instruments. They do use the modern, western instruments but also some traditionals.

The ensemble consists of daring musicians who understand how to carry this concept including Ringga Hardika (electric bass, fretless electric bass,), Ares Rudhiansyah (kendang, suling, ethnic percussions),  Resya “Eca” Firmansyah (Kolintang awi, kacapi, angklung, bass, bonang, saron), Asep Everbeat (cajon, karinding) and Awenk (Djembe, Tarompet penca).

What’s important to mention is that these dudes are not just active musicians but they are all craftsmen. All the instruments that they use are made by themselves. Even the bass was made by order. If you need any of these instruments, you can contact Ringga Hardika on 08122016628 or email him at ringgahardika@gmail.com.

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Braga Jazz Walk 9 - Hariring (1)

They played four songs for tonight: “Kaul”, “Beat My Axe”, “Gaang” and “Kagagas”.  Just as you see, Hariring already has their own songs. The band has even have their album titled Fall in West, officially released 2 years ago. The album’s  sold out, but the good news is, now you can get the album for free, simply by downloading it at http://ringgahardika.webs.com/hariring or http://ringgahardika.blogspot.com/2014/12/the-hariring.html.

It was different. Highly entertaining, very natural and authentic Sundanese, yet open for any twists. They were playful with lots of jokes and high fun factor while served ambient, traditional music in modern approach. It stole people’s attention, it was both relaxing and refreshing.

Not everyone dare to take this musical path. It’s not easy, it’s even against the trend, so we give huge respect to bands who decide to walk this lane especially when the crafts and players are this good. Keep everything up, Hariring! See you again soon.

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Braga Jazz Walk 9 - Jam Session (7)

Jam session turned out to be hot from the first batch. Mr Yahya Salam responded to the call from the young musicians to participate. Later on YD Nafis of West Java Syndicate sat beside him sharing one piano while guitarist Anjuan Julio surprisingly took position behind the drum and played it well. Boy, what a set.

Then Anjuan took his gear and gave the drum position to Galih. Ilham on bass, Yahya was still on piano and Kafin was back. They played two songs: “Route 66″ and “Through the Fire”. Anjuan also sang and scat in front with Kafin. They both created wonderful scene.

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Braga Jazz Walk 9 - Titbits

For the last batch, Andre Fernando and Jerry Gates (guitars), YD Nafis (piano), Ilham Septi (bass) and Joo Yang (drums) gave “Englishman in New York”.  Anjuan took one more appearance but this time as a singer. A photo session occured during the song and that’s the end of this ninth edition.

One kid prodigy, a cool jazz trio and a stunning fusion jazz ethnic ensemble lightened the 9th edition Braga Jazz Walk. It was rich on variation, full of young but skillful players and entertaining from the start to the very last drop.

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Braga Jazz Walk 9 - Group Photo

We thanks all the performers, all the coming musicians both who took part in jam session and sat with the audience, we send respect to you all. Keep supporting your local musicians and community events, because we won’t last long without you guys. See you again in two weeks.

Watch the highlight of Braga Jazz Walk 09 on Youtube

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Reporter: Riandy Kurniawan
Photographer: Titus Firmanto
Video Editor: Vierna Mariska


Braga Jazz Walk #10 : The Report

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BragaJazzWalk-10

It feels like yesterday when we moved to a new venue after the old one didn’t wish to support our jazz community event any longer. It was the last week of September when, finally we rebooted the event in Braga CityWalk and changed the name to Braga Jazz Walk. We reset the count back to one but kept the rule of the game. Three showcases and one open jam session up to the end, until the mall ends its service. From one edition to another, all of a sudden we have come to the 10th edition. As usual, together with our partner in crime, the Braga CityWalk and KPH Music, the Braga Jazz Walk #10 showcased assorted flavors of jazz, played by mostly young talents. What’s unique is that in this edition one could find the connection and harmony between artists who grow in the communities: those who have taken the road earlier and the younger ones. These more ‘senior’ musicians began their musical path from jazz communities but look at where they stand now. The young ones can learn from them, how and what did they do to achieve success by having communities as the start point.

We once promised to bring special tribute once in a while. We began with a tribute to Joe Sample and the (Jazz) Crusaders a couple of months ago, courtesy of Chakraborty (read the report here). In this edition we highlighted a living legend, so unique in style as his music covers wide area from glam rock to pop to RnB. Plenty of his songs are evergreens (he has placed more than 50 top 40 hits), he has sold no less than 300 million albums, he won Grammy many times since 1972, one Academy Awards (Oscar) and 4 Tony Awards. He’s been in the industry for over 50 years without ever losing passion even a bit. His long time fans would remember him for his eccentric/wild stage costumes, but for us, it’s his signature baritone voice and ability to make beautiful melodious songs are the things that make him immortal. He is Elton John.

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Braga Jazz Walk 10 - Christ Stanley (3)

But before the tribute appeared, a young but highly skillful and fully experienced pianist Christ Stanley gave his solo jazz piano recital. He was supposed to appear in a trio formation with Okki Jatikesuma and Puspallia Panggabean, but alas, they couldn’t make it. Showing a good professional musicianship and commitment, Stanley decided to keep going even alone, and it turned out to be a blessing in disguise.

Miles Davis’ “All Blues” launched first and directly showed his mastery specifically on jazz piano. Stanley began to embrace jazz piano since 20 years old. Interestingly, he began from a jazz community in Bandung, Klab Jazz. He grew there, gaining more and more experience while digging knowledge from mentors like Mochamad Yahya Salam, Henry Virgan, Nial Djuliarso and plenty of workshops. He’s been busy with many groups including the sensational Halfwhole Project, his trio, quartet, quintet and so on. He is the pianist for Danilla.

The Beatles’ classic “Blackbird” appeared nicely in complex composition yet natural with jazz and blues inside. “Gonna Be Alright” continued the high level structures and then he reached the end with Thelonious Monk’s masterpiece, “Straight No Chaser.” All the songs he played were standards, you thought you knew the songs, yet he could make it as if those were his own. Flowing naturaly, complex in high difficulty yet felt simple and easy to enjoy. What a nice first round.

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Braga Jazz Walk 10 - Christ Stanley (6)

No one denies his awesomeness playing in any formation, but it’s rare for us to see him doing solo jazz piano recital. Performing alone often needs more than just skill. The player has to be able to carry the role, own the stage and bring everything full in order to meet the audience satisfaction. Does Stanley have it? Yes. We have seen him developing throughout the years, either at the community he grows, Klab Jazz and other events from small to big, prestigious ones. He has transformed to be a reliable jazz entertainer including a trustable one man show. He has the skill, he possesses good vibe, even his ability to sing could definitely steal your heart. As we don’t find pure jazz solo piano recital that often anymore especially in Indonesia, Stanley is the one to look for. Smooth and sweet swingin’ performance that worked perfectly for Valentine’s Day.

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Braga Jazz Walk 10 - Andre Arizky (2)

Move on to the second act, the tribute. It’s not easy to find someone who could bring the cool impression of Elton John, since the person has to be able to play piano and sing at the same time, has to have the charisma and of course, the baritone voice. That’s why we were happy when we met Andre Arizky, who actually admitted to be highly inspired by Elton John. When we invited him to perform at Braga Jazz Walk #06, he delivered a couple of Elton John’s classic really well. So we thought, we don’t he just make a tribute to Elton instead? Andre agreed and happily took it.

The Academy Award winning song for Elton John fom Lion King “Circle of Life” opened up his session that directly showed how good he covered Elton John both in piano playing and the Barritone voice. Elton John’s gem from seventies “Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word” sounded really nice from him as well. Then he went back o the Lion King soundtrack “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” before picking another evergreen, “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me”. A song that we always dearly love, “Rocket Man” was perfect from him. As much as we enjoyed his performance, this lovely song was the final from him.

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Braga Jazz Walk 10 - Andre Arizky (1)

Rizky was in Rising Star Indonesia 2014 and made it to Top 36 Wall Riser. He also competed in StarVoices season 3, and currently tries his luck in X Factor Indonesia 2015. As for Elton John, a legend like him should be placed above genres, especially since his songs are sung in countless of styles by artists/people all over the world over the years. We are happy to have a tribute to Elton John at Braga Jazz Walk and certainly proud to have such talent like Andre. Let’s wish him all the best for competing in X Factor. Based on his talent, passion, ability and effort, this man should be one of the serious contender.

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Braga Jazz Walk 10 - In and Out (2)

The last shot was filled by young guns who are all active as praise and worship team in their churches. The band’s called In & Out, with guitarist Andreas Johan brought in his friends including Cakra Khan’s bassist Reinhard Woran and two Out of 7 members: Widiyanto Sutanto (keyboard) and the sensational girl drummer Marissa Wiguna (drums). True, we never heard this team play before, but we do know the members very well. We know they are highly skillful and capable to bring out action. We believe they would be surprising and it turned out to be true.

In & Out showcased top notch jazz rock rendition with well known standards including Dave Brubeck’s “Take Five”, Herbie Hancock’s “Cantaloupe Island” and Chick Corea’s “Got a Match”.  As you can see, these are not easy songs to pick. And for your information, the band is just a week old, built especially for Braga Jazz Walk. Yet these brave young lads and the fearless lady took all the risk in bringing these masterpieces.

More than enough rooms for each of them to do the solo run, their facial expression glowed happily.  Widiyanto as usual let his fingers danced some free jazz, Marissa on drums gave no mercy, Reinhard let out some unpredictable walking bass and Andreas rocked his way on the surface. It was a thrilling joyride from start to finish.

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Braga Jazz Walk 10 - In and Out (1)

We are always excited when a new jazz-oriented band is formed, and even more excited when we know the quality of the players inside the band. In & Out is still a week old, but these young guns are fluent in playing jazz rock. They are fun to watch, ear and eye catchy. Since the band is promising, we hope they keep the band alive and look for opportunities to go higher. What can a week-old band do, you say. Well, In & Out proved that it can go further than you think. It was refreshing, a stunner.

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Braga Jazz Walk 10 - Jam Session (2)

Jam Session took place immidiately. The team of Jerry Gates (guitar), Joo Yang (drums), Yosua Setiawan (bass) and Billy (vocal) went bossa with “Girl from Ipanema”.  Shortly after Andre Fernando joined Joo Yang and Yosua and delivered one song. Since it was already late, the photo session wrapped this 10th edition.

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Braga Jazz Walk 10 - Photo Group

This edition interestingly featured all young players serving variety of jazz with their own ways. There was player who have taken the road earlier, hatched and grew in jazz community and then achieved success, then there was a very potential rising star and a group of skillful musicians, playing jazz tight and clean. Then, we also have to mention the jamming squad, consists of those who regularly come and participate in the jam session. They all created a good run in this 10th edition.

Watch the highlight of Braga Jazz Walk 10 on our Youtube channel:

 

NEXT STOP: BRAGA JAZZ WALK SPECIAL EDITION: PRE EVENT JAVA JAZZ FESTIVAL 2015
Featuring Multi-National Artists (from Indonesia, Mexico and Italy)

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pre event java jazz festival 2015, israel varela, nita aartsen, vac, daniele cappucci, batavicada, marcello allulli

Before we wrap up this coverage, allow us to have your attention. The next stop of Braga Jazz Walk, on February 26, 2015 Braga Jazz Walk is going to become the Java Jazz Festival 2015 Pre Event for Bandung. This speical edition will feature multi-national artists including Israel Varela (Mexico/drums), Nita Aartsen (Indonesia/piano) and Daniele Cappucci (Italy/bass) as VAC featuring Yeppy Romero (Indonesia/acoustic guitar), then the marawis/darabuka ensemble Batavicada featuring Marcello Allulli (Italy/saxophone) plus some local performers. There will be Drum Clinic by Varela, former student of Dave Weckl and played with Pat Metheny and Mike Stern among others. The clinic and concert are both totally FREE as always. It’s time to show that jazz is really happening in Bandung and we are loud minority!

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Reporter: Riandy Kurniawan
Photographer: Titus Firmanto
Video Editor: Vierna Mariska

Braga Jazz Walk Special Edition: PRE EVENT JAVA JAZZ FESTIVAL 2015 – The Report

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PreEvent-JJF-BragaJazzWalk--

Chinese New Year had passed, so had Valentine’s Day. it is already last week in February, get yourself ready to welcome the new month. Before that, close this lovely month with something special in accordance to the biggest jazz meeting in the world that’s amazingly made in Indonesia, the Java Jazz Festival. For jazz aficionados, the month of March must be the most exciting month of the year.

This year the Java Jazz Festival is going to celebrate its 11th aniversary, as usual with hundreds of shows and thousands of players.  Jazzuality in collaboration with Braga CityWalk, KPH Music, and Java Festival Production gave the best serving for you people who adore music, especially jazz. Bandung, a friendly city with its cool atmosphere, has not so many jazz events compare to Jakarta, but this year, Java Jazz has its eyes on Bandung, most especially at our own regular community event, the Braga Jazz Walk.  looking at the increasing rate of excitement Bandung people have for jazz gigs. Surely it is an honor Jazzuality and all the partners to be chosen as a partner in hosting the Java Jazz pre-event. Speaking for the venue, Braga, one of well-known areas in Bandung with its vintage yet sophisticated ambiance absolutely is an exact place to hold this event. Thankfully Braga City Walk and KPH Music continuously place themselves as our partners in crime serve the best for you who long to see jazz gigs in public places.

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Pre Event Java Jazz Festival 2015 - Braga Jazz Walk Braga CityWalk- VAC ft Yeppy Romero Marcello Alulli (14)

At the very last Thursday on February 2015, Braga Jazz Walk had its special edition as one of Java Jazz pre-event. Not only you could feel Java Jazz vibes early, but also you had the chance to see some musicians who will participate at Java Jazz Festival 2015. It was also a good opportunity for the artists because they could warm themselves up before the main event next week. What a good luck for people in Bandung.

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Pre Event Java Jazz Festival 2015 - Braga Jazz Walk Braga CityWalk- Drum Clinic (2)

It was 5 pm. not too many people yet, but it increased as the night came and this event was totally free charge, no wonder many people did not want to miss this opportunity. The show was started with a drum clinic with Israel Varela. If you haven’t heard his name just yet, you should now, since this man has a very unique way of drum playing, rich in variations and of course , dare to take any risks. Such quality brought this former student of Dave Weckl to play alongside big cats like Pat Metheny and Mike Stern.

For fifteen years he has played Flamenco Jazz as drummer and uncountable best players already he played with. It is not easy to start doing something new and so Flamenco Jazz did to him. The hard long journey started when he moved to Andalucia and stayed at some gypsy camp, a small remote area but it was similar to his hometown. Varela said the key to his success now is to respect the music and just start playing it. There is no shortcut in music and no one say it is easy, but you absolutely can nail it when you put full effort and pratice everyday. He already proved it, and it was the time for him sharing it to Indonesian audience at Braga.

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Pre Event Java Jazz Festival 2015 - Braga Jazz Walk Braga CityWalk- Drum Clinic (5)

Speaking about Flamenco Jazz, Yeppy Romero and Israel Varela gave us some important pieces about it. Flamenco was originally formed in Andalucia, Spain and it is absolutely not Latin. Flamenco Jazz parts into two categories:  traditional and modern. The former is a little hard to understand, but we will see a lot of percussion and traditional dance if we refer it to Indonesian culture. The latter consists of guitar, dance, and song with upbeat style like Rhumba (dance). As Romero said, he cannot claim his group as the first Flamenco jazz, but they continually try to socialize it so more people know about this rare genre. Varela added that beat or rhythm is the most important part in Flamenco and second one is hand clap so it can harmoniously go along with the dance. Playing music like doing conversation is also important, Varela shared his experiences while working with some great musicians that your musical skill go after your listening comprehension because you have to be a good listener to produce some good musics.

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Pre Event Java Jazz Festival 2015 - Braga Jazz Walk Braga CityWalk- Kafin (1)

No pause, the concert began. Kafin, young body with many wonderful gifts started sailing. He is only 10, he has long way to explore the other side of him; guess there are many hidden talents he hasn’t showed us. For tonight, this participant of Mickey Mouse Club Indonesia, Gita Gutawa/Erwin Gutawa’s  Above Average project and Laskar Pelangi team  showed us the beautiful voice and awesome piano playing through sets of difficult songs including “Lullaby of Birdland”, “Take the ‘A’ Train”, “Moody’s Mood For Love” and epically closed with Ismail Marzuki’s legendary song, “Layang-layang”.

Kafin, a living proof that age doesn’t matter, he is so young compare to another musicians, but you couldn’t take your eyes off ever since he was on stage. Right before he played, Kafin gave his thought about jazz. He got his heart on jazz because he loves how jazz gives so much freedom. He breaks the stereotype people think of jazz, for Kafin jazz is not hard, instead it is a playground where he can fully play the imagination and sharp the skill. Maybe you are wondering how difficult it is to play a piano and sing at once. For Kafin, it is not difficult, it is more a challenge and he takes it in fun way where he can challenge himself. A boy wonder he is.

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Pre Event Java Jazz Festival 2015 - Braga Jazz Walk Braga CityWalk- Hariring (1)

Then the stage went warmer in different tone courtesy of  Hariring, Originally, this band consists of everal skilled craftmen show their talent with various genres of music and the blends between modern and Sundanese tunes completely chilax our senses. But since around half of them couldn’t make it, the number decreased to three, with Ringga Hardika (bass, angklung), Asep Everbeat (cajon, karinding) and a substantial help from Alfariz (guitar).

With Fariz, the rule of the game changed. If they usually served Sundanese ambient music, this time the course moved to sharp rock funk. But hey, as mentioned above, they used angklung and karinding too. The result is somewhat unique.  The aroma of Borneo traditional music was locked around their music, thanks to Fariz’s homeland. Experimental, jam mode with combination of instruments you probably never thought of. Well, the three pax Hariring is actually still groundbreaking. Not many people realize, but actually the work of Hariring is important for Indonesia, our music and our industry. We’re just happy to be connected with them.

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Pre Event Java Jazz Festival 2015 - Braga Jazz Walk Braga CityWalk- Batavicada ft Yeppy Romero and Marcello Allulli (3)

Then, we got Java Jazz gets “Exploring Indonesia” as its theme for 2015, and as expected, both international and national musicians have all their supports to expand Indonesian culture through music then make it known worldwide.  Interesting experience it was, where we can see the blending between Indonesian culture and other countries in tunes. These two bands are multi-national but showcased the magic when East and West (and Middle East) collide.

First, the completely different genre, Batavicada, an acoustic band who cleverly mixed jazz with several traditional instruments like Marawis/Kepak from Batavia (Betawi) and Darbuka from the Middle East/Turkey. According to Nita Aartsen, Batavicada originally has guitar player, but this time Nita took charge in producing the melody. With Wisnu (acoustic bass) plus Erick, Roby, Graha (marawis and darbuka) , Batavicada proved that music including or especially beat is borderless but somehow connected from one side to another parts of the world.

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Pre Event Java Jazz Festival 2015 - Braga Jazz Walk Braga CityWalk- Batavicada ft Yeppy Romero and Marcello Allulli (1)

The Middle-Eastern beat from Graha, Robby, and Eric made the crowd cheered enthusiastically. The crowds popped several times, and the number of audience suddenly jumped high. They popped several times, some were caught dancing and tapping according to the beat. It was when the ethnic tunes met jazz. The first time ever they tried to collaborate and the result was amazing. The blending between street music and jazz was naturally delivered to our ears and broke the image of exclusive and segmented jazz music. Soon after Yeppy Romero joined the others at front and spoiled us with his guitar play.

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Pre Event Java Jazz Festival 2015 - Braga Jazz Walk Braga CityWalk- Batavicada ft Yeppy Romero and Marcello Allulli (17)

Continued with Marcello Allulli and his saxophone and smoothly went into the melody along with piano and marawis. Though it was rarely played together but the harmony was surely there, you could feel it and it was so much exciting. They played “Caravan” and the mixture between flamenco, jazz, and gypsy music were clearly heard.

A blazing showcase that flew miles higher than the ordinary, a breakthrough and magical beat and rhythm showdown. Batavicada opens up a new dimension that shows the unlimited possibilities as well as the unity between rhythm and music from different corners of the world. Very rich and solid. Magnifico!

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Pre Event Java Jazz Festival 2015 - Braga Jazz Walk Braga CityWalk- VAC ft Yeppy Romero Marcello Alulli (8)

The number of (loud and vibrant) audience jumped over the roof – as  the main eventer  VAC grouped on stage. This band consists of trio Israel  Varela as drummer (Mexico), Nita Aartsen as pianist (Indonesia) and Daniele Cappucci as bassist (Italy). Three countries in one stage, you can see the riches through their unique Flamenco Jazz music.  Nita served as the state pianist for 15 years and known as a pianist who bridge classical, jazz and Latin. While Daniele Cappucci is a wide explorer, reaching from classical to jazz and beyond.

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Pre Event Java Jazz Festival 2015 - Braga Jazz Walk Braga CityWalk- Batavicada ft Yeppy Romero and Marcello Allulli (8)

In order to add more colors to their performance, Yeppy Romero, a guitarist, showed up on stage. This MURI record holder (for playing guitar 10 hours straight, featuring 150 songs in 4 languages and 10 music genres, also collaborating with 100 top class musicians aside of his monumental Batakustik)  is in fact the frontliner in Indonesia when it’s about Flamenco Jazz. He’s been socializing this for some years, and now we finally got his performance in Bandung.

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Pre Event Java Jazz Festival 2015 - Braga Jazz Walk Braga CityWalk- VAC ft Yeppy Romero Marcello Alulli (23)

As Nita Aartsen said in beginning, they will play together with Marcello Allulli and Yeppy Romero at March 7th, 2015. Luckily, here people in Bandung, had the opportunity to taste their performance live on stage and got a little preview about how they will perform later at Java Jazz Festival. For free. Totally a dream come true isn’t it?

 

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Pre Event Java Jazz Festival 2015 - Braga Jazz Walk Braga CityWalk- VAC ft Yeppy Romero Marcello Alulli (11)

“Madrid”,  a song from Marcello’s first album became the opening and immediately jumped to second song from Nita Aartsen’s first album, “Blue Rondo” . Next song was the well-known hits by Beethoven “Fur Elise” played in interesting arrangement but still the classical touch was there. Then, Yeppy Romero and Marcello Allulli once again joined on stage and entertained the increasing crowd with exotic romance in “La Fiesta” and Mozart’s “Symphony 40″. Nita’s charm which lies in between classical, jazz, Latins and Flamenco naturally flew throughout their repertoires. The colorful Flamenco beat, the jazz-classical-Flamenco piano playing, and of course, the wild, wild fired up contrabass runs were hand in hand in creating a new musical dimension. Plus, Yeppy and Marecello’s fine works made everything even merrier. It was tight and delicious. Sharp like a dagger but also enchantingly exotic. Surely, the jazz fans who came to see them last night would already have something to remember for a long, long time.

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Pre Event Java Jazz Festival 2015 - Braga Jazz Walk Braga CityWalk- Jam Session (1)

The musicians must have been tired already, but they still happily agreed to have some of the audience to jam with them. Marcello, Daniele, Nita Aartsen stayed on stage, the Batavicada percussion trio came back to the stage, and from the audience: Widiyanto Sutanto, Alman Naufal and Frank Navayo joined the party. Nita distributed the chance for each player to get their shot while making sure that the jam session worked as how it should be.

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Pre Event Java Jazz Festival 2015 - Braga Jazz Walk Braga CityWalk- VAC ft Yeppy Romero Marcello Alulli (12)

The scene happened on this special edition of Braga CityWalk was simply unbelievable with that size of crowds. They were enthusiastic, responsive and lively. What a joy for us to see it. Thank you very much to you who came. And for the musicians, we send you huge respect. Many, many thanks for supporting a small community in Bandung like this. We feel honored and proud, we’re sure this brings wonderful benefits to jazz development in Bandung.

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Pre Event Java Jazz Festival 2015 - Braga Jazz Walk Braga CityWalk- Photo Session

Finally, a serious reminder.  The day comes nearer; have you already bought your tickets for Java Jazz Festival 20155, fellas? As you can see from this event’s report, Java Jazz surely has many more things in order to satisfy your musical needs. Braga Jazz Walk had already tasted it, and once in a lifetime, you should feel the ambience of the biggest annually jazz event in Indonesia. So, mark your dates! It is on March 6th until 8th, 2015. See you there jazz lovers!

Watch the highlight of Pre Event Java Jazz Festival at Braga CityWalk on our Youtube channel:

See more pictures:

Reporter: Mellysa Anastasya, Riandy Kurniawan
Photographer: Titus Firmanto
Video Editor: Vierna Mariska Kurniawan
Special thanks to Nita Aartsen and Yeppy Romero

Java Jazz Festival 2015: Day 1

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Java-Jazz-Festival-Day-1

The Java Jazz Festival 2015 has reached the 11th year. As usual, this largest annual jazz meeting in the world runs for full three days, presenting more than 50 acts per day (that’s hundreds of artists), spread over almost 20 stages for straight 8-9 hours. For this year there are many new names and interesting new projects, special tributes and so on. From legends, big names, today’s headliners to promising newcomers, all shaped each edition to stand strong both for jazz lovers and music fans in general.

Several stages started early in the first day. Farrah Di ; once a cute little girl but now 18 years old ; played with Jei Angklung in collaboration with Sol Project BPJS. Three more shows running almost at the same time were trumpeter Etienne Charles who represented Trinidad music vibe in jazz, UPH Conservatory Orchestra and the band from Yogjakarta consists of brave young lions, Rekoneko. Just like Farrah Di, Rekoneko got young players when the band was born in 2009. Ido (piano), Andreas (bass), Luke (guitar) and Mahesa (drums) is still the core of this band. The beauty of fusion shone from them, with some ethnic spices here and there.

 

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Java Jazz Festival 2015 Day 1 - Akiko

First performance at Semeru was so much as expected. Labeled “Straight Ahead Venue”, the artist brought strong jazz bebop, uptempo swing with aggressive solo for real jazz aficionados at this festival. Straight way ahead! Her name is Akiko. Imagine that fused with Joey DeFransesco and Jimmy Smith, then voila! We have Akiko. Teamed up with a guitar, drums, and a trumpet, the band was full of energy and attractive. Not only that, Akiko included gimmicks such as playing “Circus Charlie” in her solo and also included a little bit of “Whiter Shade of Pale”. One of the song they played was called “Johnny Comes Marching Home”.

During a little speech in between her songs, she said that this year is her 50th year in music career, right after that speech she played a beautifully organ-ized cover of “How Deep Is Your Love”, which got the audience to sing along. Great vibe! The show was satisfying. Semeru is definitely THE place for straight-ahead jazz, thanks to its excellent acoustic settings.

The harmonica and vibraphone virtuoso Hendrik Meurkens made his comeback to this festival. Just like in 2011, his passion in blending jazz with Brazilian music (bossa, samba, chorinho and many more) is captivating especially with his quartet, the Hendrik Meurkens Samba Jazz Quartet. Meurkens doesn’t bring just Brazilian music flat; instead he infuses lots of bop. What a way to enjoy Brazilian music-bop style.

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Java Jazz Festival 2015 Day 1 - Andre Dinuth

Some more shows ran on different stages. Four On A Swing, a band started by pianist Pradyumna Manot with William Walters (bass), Aniruddh Saha (drums) and French Emmanuel Simon (percussion) featuring New Yorker Megan Powers on vocal lightened up the B2 stage. At the same time, Andre Dinuth, the name behind Glenn Fredly, Afgan, Rossa, Sandy Sondoro, Once and one of the Six Strings (with Dewa Bujana, Tohpati, Aria Baron, Baim and Eross Candra) who recently appeared in front by releasing his solo album heated up the other spot. From fusion to progressive to rock, it’s about time for him to make his own story. Meanwhile, the Institute Music Indonesia (IMI) Soca Project gave a tribute to a legend who passed away not long ago, Rinto Harahap. Beautiful arrangement was heard through several hits by him, such as “Ayah” and “Benci tapi Rindu”.

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Java Jazz Festival 2015 Day 1 - Mary Stallings

Krisdayanti, Ruth Sahanaya and Titi DJ as 3 Diva took place on D2 Main Stage. It was first time ever for these divas joined the festive Java Jazz and surely they colored the stage with numerous hits they sang. The man representing British jazz scene without neglecting his Afro-Caribbean roots, Courtney Pine shocked the audience with his shocking free jazz  and the new saxophone sensation Ricad Hutapea gave a smooth contemporary jazz delight on the other side of the stage. In addition, his fine works on the debut album “Jalan Pertama” surely loved by the visitors. Mary Stallings gave a warm, intimate show on the 6th floor while Aditya Elman served the Delta stage with several jazz standard.

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Java Jazz Festival 2015 Day 1 - Wayne Krantz

As Pie Grande, Benjamin Herman Quartet and Angel Pieters, a beautiful youngster whose talents once awed David Foster, ran in their stage respectively, the group of giants rested their case on the big hall. One of the world’s best guitarist/composer Wayne Krantz with his mates: stellar musicians Anthony Jackson and Cliff Almond. Cutting edge, adventurous and action packed show presented by these giants. What a show, we’re lucky to see it.

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Java Jazz Festival 2015 Day 1 - Michael Lington (1)

Michael Lington is a superb saxophonist. No one denies that. But when he released “Soul Appeal”, suddenly we see another side of him that brings the classic soulful vibes to life, unlike others has done it. He doesn’t need to make difficult runs in complexity, extreme maneuvers; instead he just let his feeling out, transferring it into stream of melodies naturally. No need to think, just feel and enjoy what you feel. He can smoothly seductive, he can go wild, and either way Lington’s show was entertaining and should be able to meet the needs of audience.

Potret at Java Jazz Festival? But Potret is not a jazz group. Well, yeah, but listen to this. They’re just back again in 2015 with new single, plus the addition of two new players who are actually deeply connected to jazz: Nikita Dompas and Mery Kasiman. And then, Aksan Sjuman and Anto Hoed were inside too. So Melly Goeslaw should have a new ground, which should not be a problem for such talent like her. They played their famous all time hits, also featuring Yuni Shara.

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Java Jazz Festival 2015  Day 1 - Gilang Ramadhan Komodo Project

Things got heated up at the prime hours. Swing legend Oele Pattiselano demonstrated the most beautiful side of swing under quartet formation. His show featured the daughter of bassist Jeffrey Tahalele, Crystal Tahalele.  Swing and samba were delightful from them. Then Agam Hamzah, Adi Darmawan and Gusti Hendy of Ligro Trio served thrilling high-octane action like riding a dare-devil roller coaster ride. At the B2 stage, Gilang Ramadhan presented his newest project, the Komodo Project with Ivan Nestor as guitarist and vocalist, Donny Suhendra, and Adi Darmawan as bassist. Just like the name, Gilang showed how good he is in capturing the beautiful scenery of Komodo Island in every beat. As how he does in Nera, this time he delivers unique drumming with fellow musicians including Ivan Nestorman, Pra Budidharma and so on.

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Java Jazz Festival 2015 Day 1 - Biel Balester Trio

A genius play by Biel Ballester Trio (with Graci Pedro and Leo Hipaucha) from Argentina gave us a slight sensation as if we were watching Django Reinhardt in modern world. The jazz manouche/gypsy jazz from the trio was sensational. After playing in several events including the Jazz Goes to Campus, Chika At Last Project finally landed at this prestigious festival for the very first time.

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Java Jazz Festival 2015 Day 1 - Gregoire Maret John Beasley James Genus Jeff Watts

Not only Meurkens, this year Harmonica in jazz is also represented by Gregoire Maret. He has played with big names from Pat Metheny, George Benson, David Sanborn to Herbie Hancock and Marcus Miller just to mention a few. He performed as Gregoire Maret Quartet, featuring A list musicians including pianist John Beasley, bassist James Genus and veteran drummer Jef ‘Tain’ Watts. Marvelous!

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Java Jazz Festival 2015  Day 1 - Snarky Puppy (2)

A gang of big names took place at D2 Main stage. It was Yamaha Music Project which featured Glenn Fredly, Bams, Marcell, Sandhy Sondoro and Is from Payung Teduh, Bonar Abraham, Yoes KSP, Jonas Wang, Sadrach Lukas, Hentriessa, Denny Chasmala, and Jubing K. Together they prepared special show in Tribute to Michael Jackson and these awesome fellas sang many hits by the king of pop. A different story but also crowded happened at the other side. We still remember the crowds at Snarky Puppy‘s show at last year’s Java Jazz Festival Day one. At that time their session started really late, close to midnight, but this 2014 Grammy Award winner attracted so many people to come watching their show. In their second appearance again they got massive crowds. But that’s not all, because the view on their stage was also glorious with handful of instruments such as guitars, percussion, the keyboard, woodwinds, and brass played by many happy players. As promised they dropped quite different bombs that once again blew the audience’s mind totally. Cool, Snarky Puppy, hoping you to make a hat-trick next year.

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Java Jazz Festival 2015 Day 1 - Dominik Bukowski ft Sri Hanuraga (2)

There was an interesting show at the Semeru Hall. Interesting, not only because it featured amazing players from two countries: Poland and Indonesia, but it’s also because it carried an important agenda. It was Dominik Bukowski Group, commemorating the 60th Anniversary of Polish-Indonesian Relation. The Dominik Bukowski Group led by Dominik himself, a jazz vibraphonist and composer with many achievements. The bassist is also Polish; Piotr Lemaczyk and two other players is Indonesian. They are the scientific pianist with lightning speed fingers Sri Hanuraga and brilliant young drummer Jessilardus Mates. Clearly the energetic tunes with complex rhythms and harmonies were served interactively between them. Who could believe that “Bengawan Solo”, the masterpiece of maestro Gesang was actually famous in the 60’s in Poland? Dominik told us so, and the way they played was simply elegant. Musicians from different sides of the sphere are connected in one common language, resulted a delightful package. Meanwhile, young trumpeter/vocalist from New York City, Jumaane Smith was in brass-showdown with Ron King Quintet.

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Java Jazz Festival 2015 Day 1 - Indro Hardjodikoro and the Fingers (2)

What can bass do in a group? You’d be surprise when the question’s given to Indro Hardjodikoro. With his group Indro Hardjodikoro The Finger, he pushes bass much more forward to take the role of other melodic instruments. In some ways he can even make it like ‘singing’. Along with his former student Fajar Adi Nugroho, keyboardist Andy Gomez, and drummer Yandi Andaputra, featured Gilang, Yankjay, and Soukma. Indro once again showcased a bass party. What a fun and pleasuring show as always. Indro Hardjodikoro The Finger has released their new album featuring Tompi, which is ‘Gadis Shanghai’.

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Java Jazz Festival 2015 Day 1 - Angela Nazar

This legend’s known as the Indonesian George Benson. He plays guitar and sings just as good. He has many hits both in solo career and as a part of a group. That’s Mus Mudjiono. At this year’s episode he got his own show that he took as a media to share his music journey which spans for 30 years the least. Then Angela Nazar, the lady who successfully became the runner up of the Dutch’s X-Factor shared her weapon that made her climb that far. Once known as a reliable band member and additional player, this year Kevin Josua shows his leadership in a quartet formation, just like in his debut album (released this year) titled “Contradiction”. Sri Hanuraga as pianist, Robert Mulyarahardja as guitarist, and Dezca Anugrah as drummer accompanied him on stage.

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Java Jazz Festival 2015 Day 1 - Naturally 7

We have seen many vocal harmony groups in Java Jazz Festival, from New York Voices, Duwende to Manhattan Transfer. This year came Naturally 7, a group of seven musicians who serve music they call “Vocal Play”. Vocal Play? Yes, because they utilize their vocals in unison to recreate musical instruments in variety from drums, bass to guitars. They have performed with Michael Buble and Quincy Jones just to mention a few. You thought you heard full band, but no, they were all made by human voices. Jazzy, soulful, and very entertaining, no wonder they bagged standing applause everywhere they landed.

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Java Jazz Festival 2015  Day 1 - Dian PP

Dian Pramana Putra reprised his cool show by bringing his fans into the memory lane. Many hits were brought up on stage, for instance “Aku Ini Punya Siapa” and “Kau Seputih Melati” which was played with solo guitar acoustic. Deddy Dhukun is a musical soul-mate for Dian PP, so tonight he joined the show as supporting act for Dian. The blues madman Shohei Yamaki was on Delta, and then the come back of Indonesian nu-jazz group, Sova on A1 stage. The showdown between Lawrence Aswin (Larry) and Edward Andez (Andezzz) was refreshing to watch, especially after being on hiatus for no less than 9 year. One thing for sure, Sova is back with a vengeance.

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Java Jazz Festival 2015  Day 1 - SimakDialog (2)

Payung Teduh, a rocketed group of four talented fellows with their acoustic specialty, got their own session, had Riza Arshad as guest star, so did simakDialog who has been redefining the east meets west concept by replacing drums with kendang set in a never ending innovation and exploration for 20 years and had Mian Tiara also as guest in “My Favorite Things”.  SimakDialog doesn’t go with vocalist that often. So, when they make this kind of turn, for us it’s something different. We even think it’s a good move that should be carried on. Taking the name of one legendary actor, the Steve McQueens stands as a proud Neo-Vintage Soul Funk band from Singapore but signed to Japanese label, P-Vine. While keeping the soul and groove alive, they have the free improvised sounds, from soulful to sultry, from eclectic to eccentric. This group really captured the modern, urban bright light city vibe while sounding soulfully sweet like the way it was back then.

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Java Jazz Festival 2015 Day 1 - Oleta Adams (2)

The night was already late when Oleta Adams stood on stage. You should remember her golden hit, “Get Here” right? It was in 1990. Now she’s ready to give something new. The new album Let’s Stay Here, rooted in soulful jazz influenced music that shares many stories, covering good and bad times. That includes “Feeling Good”, originally Nina Simone’s but later popularized by Michael Buble again. Oleta has a very thick and rich voice as a gift; certainly it was lovely to listen. Jon Regen, a protégé of Kenny Barron was cool all the way to midnight. If pop rock (n roll) world has Billy Joel or Elton John as singing pianist, happy to say that the jazz world now has Jon Regen spicing it up.

Bintang Indrianto Trio ++ is the current band of bassist, composer and music producer Bintang Indrianto. This group has been running since 2014 until now. If you wonder about the ++, this symbol enables him to collaborate or feature more players as he wants to. Bonita and Joel Achmad are some of the names who filled the extension. AS for the trio, guitarist Denny Chasmala and drummer Iqball are his mates.

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Java Jazz Festival 2015 Day 1 - Kenny Lattimore (2)

Kenny Lattimore represented the world of neo soul the purest way. He just sings with his tender soft voice naturally without any intention to show off once so ever, the result is soothing, relaxing and deeply romantic. Song list? Special treat. The Beatles’ “And I Love Her”, “All My Tomorrows”, “Climb the Mountain”, to “Fly Me to The Moon” and of course, “For You”. Oh yeah, Michael Lington was featured too in his show. Together they played a song from Lington’s album “Soul Appeal” (which actually sang by Lattimore) entitled “Gonna Love You Tonite”.  The soul man/hearthrob Kenny Lattimore was way too hot to handle for ladies, as we heard many of them screamed throughout his show. Hot for the ladies, charming for all.

Harvey Mason is back again, this time highlighting his latest album, “Chameleon”. This title track came from Herbie Hancock’s classic hit from 1973 that got Mason’s rhythmic spank over the jazz-funk staple. Mr Mason has graced so many Java Jazz Festivals edition either as a soloist or with Fourplay, but we can never get tired of him. As one of the most recorded and in-demand drummers of all time, he always offers many things to learn and enchantingly entertaining at the same time. A source of inspiration for drummers and jazz musicians in general he is indeed.

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Java Jazz Festival 2015  Day 1 - Gustu Brahmanta Trio

As Laya Putri delivered the beauty of jazz from female jazz singer, Gustu Brahmanta Trio on the other hand transferred the sacred Balinese spirit through their music. The trio combines Western and Balinese instruments, using drums, percussion, contrabass and rindik, gamelan. If you think ethnic music should only played by big ensemble, Gustu Brahmanta Trio proves the otherwise. The three players dare to bring the Balinese jazz concept alive with just minimalist formation. And it works perfectly. Timeless Fusion Party consists of 6 players that are carrying the mission to share the instrumental music to the Chinese spoken world. In order to do so, they combine western groove and eastern melody, fusing it to create a unique new hybrid. On the C1 hall Dewa Budjana rested his case. Throughout 2014 Budjana has been busy having tour to USA and producing some albums involving many overseas superstars, so of course we need to see his show to be updated.

It was already midnight, but there were several shows to be done. The Overtunes, a brotherly music group with Mikha Angelo from X-Factor as frontman. They completed their performance with Al Jarreau’s “Morning”, Kenny Loggins’ “Heart to Heart”, and Justin Timberlake’s “Mirrors”. Plus, and of course, his own hit “Sayap Pelindungmu”.  LaidThis Nite Orchestra played after midnight while Shadow Puppets played with Reed Ensemble featuring Harvey Malaiholo this time, also playing the works of Cole Porter.

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Java Jazz Festival 2015  Day 1 - Sheila on 7 (2)

Now time passed midnight but the crowd were still there waiting for another guest star, Sheila on 7 were ready to meet their loyal fans. Not so long ago, there was a bad experience where this band couldn’t make their come back moment on stage. Now, they got another chance, a better one, at a big yet prestigious event, Java Jazz Festival 2015. What a proper moment to officially back on stage, greet their fans, and fill our craving of their music, this time with the support of Ron King Big Band to drive them more into the jazz lane. Recently they released the 8th album, “Musim yang Baik”, they served us with new tunes without forgetting our longing to their old but everlasting hits.

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Java Jazz Festival 2015  Day 1 - Jarrod Lawson

The soul singer who we think is like the young Donny Hathaway, having smooth, sexy but deep vocal style Jarrod Lawson also ran almost at the end of Day 1. This man took the road of old school funky soul with gospel music. It really was nice to listen after munching so many shows since the afternoon. Another last show was Meshell Ndegeocello who is a unique artist and multi talented. Other than standing as a singer, she is also a rapper, bassist and songwriter. Speaking of music, hers involves wide variety of influences including jazz, funk, soul all the way to rock and even reggae.

Phew, what a day it was. But that was still Day 1. There will be two more days of actions. Stay tuned for more!

Read the report from Java Jazz Festival Day 2 >> http://jazzuality.com/jazz-event-report/java-jazz-festival-2015-day-2/
Read the report from Java Jazz Festival Day 3 >> http://jazzuality.com/jazz-event-report/java-jazz-festival-2015-day-3/

See more pictures:

Reporter: Riandy Kurniawan, Mellysa Anastasya, Daniel Irawan Deo Karmawan
Photographer: Titus Firmanto, Mia Damayanti, Bayu Warjiyo
Team: Vierna Mariska

Java Jazz Festival 2015: Day 2

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After a full loaded Day 1, here we come to Java Jazz Festival 2015, Day 2. Just like before, plenty of attraction, mouth watering big names, today’s giants, rising stars and potential newcomers served their crafts on almost 20 stages.

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Java Jazz Festival 2015 Day 2 - Lantun Orchestra (2)

Just like yesterday, the party started early. Lantun Orchestra opened up on Outdoor stage. This ensemble wishes to (re)introduce the richness of Indonesian traditional music especially the Batavian like keroncong, tanjidor and the likes. But what’s unique, in order to bring it they use jazz elements not only nin notations but also improvisations, solo runs and call & response. Keroncong appears modern with splashes of jazz without neglecting the original spirit is made possible, thanks to Chaka Priambudi on bass, Nesia Ardi on vocal, Kenny Gabriel on trumpet, Arman Chaniago on drum and kendang, Windy Setiadi on accordion, Armia Husein on flute, Tio Alibasyah on guitar, and Donny Prasetyo on keyboard. The interesting part was their mixing appearance where they wore traditional clothes from Betawi with sunglasses and sneakers and sang Betawi songs such as “Ondel-ondel”, “Jali-jali”, and Titik Puspa’s “Gang Kelinci”. Smart!

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Java Jazz Festival 2015 Day 2 - Tesla Manaf (1)

While Hendrik Meurkens gave a nice jazz harmonica package early in the afternoon and Ron King Big Band treated the audience with swingin’ sensation, Tesla Manaf showcased the magic of music he called progressive acoustic experimental. This is his latest craft that made him go international under MoonJune Records. Hadis Hendarisman (clarinet), Khrisna Alda (bass) and Desal Sembada (drums) are his team mates. For us who know Tesla’s struggle in establishing himself inside the industry, we are more than happy to see him make it at this year’s edition. As usual, masterclass play just like a jazz veteran.

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Java Jazz Festival 2015 Day 2 - Emerald BEX

The bassist of legendary group Uzeb and Se7entrion, Alain Caron heated the festival early with his fusion fire, and the Indonesian gem Emerald BEX set the fire exactly on the opposite side of the venue. Live at Wonderland, a group of musicians who frequently play their music in several jazz events and support its community finally arrived at the biggest jazz event and Symbiosis got their chance too around the same time. Symbiosis, a jazz band, with special composition and well-served jazz standards has Chris Dragotta on sax, Michael Kruge on bass/cello, Gary Fredriksen on drums, and Boris de Vries on guitar behind it all.

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Java Jazz Festival 2015 Day 2 - Salamander Big Band

Ever since we know Salamander Big Band since 2007 they have been showing the life like wine, getting better with age. They consistently bring guest stars from Europe each and every year, learning new things from them and perform together. Getting more knowledge and experient shape them to be a big band with international quality. This year they are back again to this fest. From the facial expression they were proud and happy, we are also happy for them too.

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ava Jazz Festival 2015 Day 2 - Bobby McFerrin (1)

“Don’t Worry, Be Happy.” How many people has this quote as a blessing? Well, it comes from Bobby McFerrin, the man who can do just about anything with his voice. As a legend, he can perform either all by himself or with full band just as cool. If in 2012 he gave a totally out of the box show by involving Balinese kecak, masked dancer and gamelan, this year he performed with a full band. Having seen him doing many things, from the simplest one to the completely improvised like when he was with Chick Corea, Bobby McFerrin always know how to make people deeply into his show. Hey, he’s never forget to involve the audience too. Another good round from Mr McFerrin.

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Java Jazz Festival 2015 - VAC Allulli Romero

Then it was time to see the musicians that have brought the Pre Event to our own Braga Jazz Walk community event in Bandung (read the report here: http://jazzuality.com/jazz-event-report/braga-jazz-walk-special-edition-pre-event-java-jazz-festival-2015-the-report/). It’s VAC, consists of Israel Varela (drums), Nita Aartsen (piano) and Daniele Cappucci (contrabass), featuring Yeppy Romero (acoustic guitar) and Marcello Allulli (saxophone). What they bring on the plate is something unique, the Flamenco Jazz. Nita bridged the classical, jazz and Flamenco bites on piano, Daniele ran wild intensely on bass while Varela gave rich Andalucia-flavored rhythm. Yeppy’s flamenco guitar playing was spectacular, so was Allulli’s alto saxophone attack. Just marvelous. Different, colorful and special.

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ava Jazz Festival 2015 Day 2 - Reza Artamevia

It’s nice to see Reza Artamevia at the Java Jazz Festival. She rose to fame in 1997 with two evergreens, “Satu yang Tak Bisa Lepas”, “Aku Wanita” and “Pertama”, then from there she made more hits. Then she was dissapeared but then in 2012 she was back, stronger and ever, then moved fast by releasing single and album. What’s cool is that ever since she came back, she graced some jazz stages including North Sumatra Jazz Festival. Now she’s landed on the Java Jazz’s soil, sharing her new spirit in jazz soul. She made the crowd cheering out loud because Teza Sumendra suddenly showed up and sang “Biar Menjadi Kenangan” and Michael Lington also accompanied her. Singer, movie and drama star Rinni Wulandari‘s act was on B1 hall. She’s known as one participant from Indonesian Idol years ago. It had opened her way in Indonesia music industry at very young age and now she keeps growing and has many accomplishments.

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Java Jazz Festival 2015 Day 2 - Blue Note Tokyo All Star Jazz Orchestra

When Blue Note Tokyo opened in 1988, soon after this place gathered Japanese jazz musicians under the name of All-Star Jazz Orchestra, directed by Eric Miyashiro. They have played with legends like Arturo Sandoval and sailed much further to reach other sides of the sphere like Montreux. Now they came to Indonesia. Lucky for us, we could feel how it is in Blue Note Tokyo without having to go there. Arigatou! When the sky turned to dark, jazz drum veteran Karim Suweileh and the Jazzy Quintet paid a swingin tribute to The Beatles.

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Java Jazz Festival 2015 Day 2 - Lisa Ono (1)

Time for us to enjoy bossa from one of its most up front ambassador, Lisa Ono. We are happy to see her finally back again after her last visit to Java Jazz Festival in 2007. If 7 years ago she gave an unforgettable performance, this time she did it again. Still warm, heartfelt, pure and humble, Lisa made a lovely and intimate session to hundreds of her fans. 7 years passed, but nothing changed because Lisa still has a lot of fans in Indonesia. Again, it was very sweet. You can imagine how beautiful it is to hear classics bossa from the legend that has it inside her heart, mind and soul. She completed the show with encore plus “Bengawan Solo” and “Over the Rainbow”. Awesome, awesome number of crowds.

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Java Jazz Festival 2015 Day 2 - Meshell Ndegeocello

Four on a Swing, Akiko, Jarrod Lawson, Meshell Ndegeocello, Courtney Pine, Jumaane Smith ft Ron King Quartet, Jon Regen, Mary Stallings, Oleta Adams, Kenny Lattimore, Wayne Krantz/Anthony Jackson/Cliff Almond and Gregoire Maret Quartet got another turn after their show yesterday.

Something cool happened on Java Jazz Coffee stage. It was The Diplomats, when the junior and senior diplomats as well as high rank officials of the Foreign Ministry of the Republic of Indonesia entertained people with variety of music, from jazz, rock to Indonesian songs. At the B2 Sweden proud son, saxophonist Magnus Lindgren gave another stunning show just like his participation in the 2012 edition but for today Jimi Tenor also came along with him. Van Java as a progressive band from Jakarta successfully entertained the crowd with their rockin stage act blending with metal and jazz tunes.

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Java Jazz Festival 2015 Day 2 - Tulus (2)

Tulus once again blasted the festival. His show was overcrowded, dragging so many people like a magnet. With just two albums, the selftitled and Gajah, Tulus now stands as one of the top superstars of Indonesia. Everyone know his songs and sang along. Tulus was fully connected with his fans as well. One of the most phenomenal Indonesian artists of the decade, or maybe of all time, it’s interesting to see where he will go from here. But up to this point, he’s doing remarkable and his stage was full house.

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Java Jazz Festival 2015 - Tohpati

The past couple of years seems to be a perfect year for Tohpati. He’s being productive in making one album after another in short time. “Too many notes inside my head waiting to be expressed. I couldn’t wait any longer to record the album” he said to us when he launched his album, “Tribal Dance” which featured Jimmy Haslip and Chad Wackerman. Less than a year before that he just released an album where he used acoustic guitar, “Song For You”. His calm looking expression while playing can never hide the fact that he’s excellent in executing his music. Many unreleased compositions were played tonight. Sharp but never too difficult to chew, good to watch both for those who learn and seek for entertainment, it’s hard to imagine a jazz festival without his presence.

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Java Jazz Festival 2015 Day 2 - Luca Ciarla Chris Jarrett (1)

Speaking of jazz violinist, most of us would remember Stephane Grappelli. Here comes a player that earns respect not only by being skillful but for his creativity. Covering wide areas from jazz, classical to world music, he stands as a reputable player that has played alongside diverse musicians. At this 2015 edition Luca Ciarla played with US-born but German-based pianist Chris Jarrett. They have been touring together and showed their dazzling improvisations to Saturday fest-goers. On the other side, one of the Soulvibe frontman, Abenk Alter decided to go solo since 2013. With this move, he has the chance to dig his true-self which lies in between soul and jazz with a soft, sweet vintage approach, just like his debut single, “Lain Waktu” from his album which had released last November titled, “Selamat Datang”. In our interview after his show, Abenk shared about his experiences going solo. Nikita Dompas is one of many people who convinced him to be confident and be soloist because Abenk’s proven ability in writing and making music. Abenk already set his signature in many musicians through his songs and now he just tries to be himself and dig more his musical side. The challenge being soloist is his own self but it is exciting yet challenging to try anything alone. Tonight crowd was beyond his expectation and he extremely grateful for that. Hope the best for your future music, Abenk.

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Java Jazz Festival 2015 Day 2 - Etienne Charles

There are many trumpeter, but only a few who digs like Etienne Charles. He exhibits the music from his native culture of Trinidad but at thesame time embraces the sound of American jazz. It was like a party on the beach. Excitingly fresh!

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Java Jazz Festival 2015 Day 2 - Chris Botti (2)

Another famous trumpeter was found on the other hall. There are many words that would fit to describe Chris Botti, but if you ask us, we would say, romantic. That accumulates on his latest CD released 3 years ago, “Impressions”. Special for JJF2015, Botti includes violinist Caroline Campbell, opera singer George Komsky, and the unique RnB singer Sy Smith. With more than 250 gigs in a year, the band was tight with another level of chemistry and aggressive playing, but we gotta say that the drummer, Billy Kilson, stole the show as usual. Botti and Kilson has played together for so long and Kilson is probably one of the very few rhythm sections to be allowed to steal shows from the main artist. Kilson showed another level solo jazz drumming by replace a drumstick with a shaker, barehands, and even some acrobatic move. It is not the only highlight. The main one is when Botti and Sy Smith engage the audience directly, and Botti appeared to play in front (or for) a disabled lady. It was such a memorable performance, a lovely night, with a romantic mood with strong jazz fusion vibe. Chris Botti definitely offered a whole package of jazztainment and everyone seems to leave the hall with smile . Caro The lovely sultry jazz vocalist,

 

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Java Jazz Festival 2015 Day 2 - Danilla

Danilla delivered the easy listening songs with jazz taste, noir tone and in some ways, indie. This winning combination proved to work in order to grab wide segment mt of listeners. Performing with fellow musicians mostly from Bandung, Lafa Green (guitar), Christ Stanley (keyboard), Edward Manurung (drums) and Jalu Gallang Dalimunthe (bass), he combined her original songs and some standards. Beside played the keyboard, Christ Stanley also sang in several numbers and Danilla played melodica. Listen to her album, “Telisik”, as seen at her live performance tonight, how mature she is in lyrical and musical in spite of her young age. Also from Bandung came Dhira Bongs. With her mezzo soprano voice as heard in her album, “My Precious”, this petite young girl took the blend of folk, swing and groove as her music and calls her music as “Exploration Pop Jazz”.

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Java Jazz Festival 2015 - Iriao

The Georgian ethno-jazz band Iriao gave a different sound. The name came from the common phrase ‘Iriao-uruao’ commonly found in Krimanchuli. David Malazonia led his team to bring light but distinctive Georgian sound, no intention to modernize this authentic Georgian polyphonic music, but what they aim is to saturate and adorn it with jazz elements. As the result, they don’t play difficult ethnic jazz to digest even by the common listeners.

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Java Jazz Festival 2015 Day 2 - Ramsey Lewis (1)

If you’re a long time jazz lovers who already live with it for at least a couple of decades, you should praise the works of the legendary Mr Ramsey Lewis. Well, he’s being busy with the industry for -listen to this- almost 60 years! He has seen it all. The birth of new styles, sub-genres, hybrids, and he’s been digging most of them too. Jazz, gospel, blues, soul, or pop, all will be special when it comes from him. And of course, who could ever forget his monumental collaboration with Madame Nancy Wilson, resulting three classic albums? We are lucky, so very lucky to be able to watch and cover his show. He’s almost 80 today, but he still looks fresh like many decades ago. And speaking of his finger-dancing, we say he doesn’t loose anything at all. Genius in composing, finesse execution. Indeed it’s a blessing to watch his show. Unforgettable, totally. As awesome addition, Maurice Brown joined the stage and rockin the night.

 

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Java Jazz Festival 2015 Day 2 - John Primer The Living History Band

As Afgan made so many attending fans happy, John Primer & the Living History Band gave roaring, authentic Delta blues on his stage. It was simply like sitting near the Mississippi river, forgetting everything and just enjoying the moment. Meanwhile, Idang Rasjidi appeared as a quintet at Semeru. Moving on to another show, we met Benjamin Herman Quartet from Netherlands on C2 stage. Led by saxophonist Benjamin Herman, this group gave a cool classic boppin’ bites.

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Java Jazz Festival 2015 Day 2 - Richard Bona

Bass, anyone? If you say yes, then Richard Bona should catch your attention. He is one of the important names in the scene. What he gave on stage is something so playful, the word fun attached strongly, but equipped with such high skill both in playing and composing. Just funkin’ nice. Anthony Stanco, a trumpeter who grew up in Detroit area played under Anthony Stanco Jazz Ensemble, he brings his project which was reflected in his first album, The Crucial Elements. With Marcus Elliot (tenor sax), Paul Bratcher (piano), Sam Copperman (bass) and Jordan Otto (drums), he shows that he can pin just about any genres to fit jazz style. What’s important is to gie music with meaning, it has to contain feelings and emotions that can move the audience. They did it. And for the record, Anthony Stanco Jazz Ensemble is going to give free clinic to Palembang Jazz Community. For that we should thank him.

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Java Jazz Festival 2015 Day 2 - Mocca (2)

2015 is special for Mocca. This year remark their comeback and the newest album they just released, titled “Home”. Since Arina, the vocalist, has to come back and forth between America and Indonesia, Mocca’s concerts become something people increasingly looking for. In this early year also they provided several special shows for swinging friends. After their first ever 2015 concert last January in their hometown, Bandung, they continually spoiled the loyal fans that live outside Bandung so they also can enjoy our lovely Mocca’s performance.

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Java Jazz Festival 2015 Day 2 - Jon Regen

Jon Regen, a protege of Kenny Barron was cool all the way to midnight. If pop rock (n roll) world has Billy Joel or Elton John as singing pianist, happy to say that the jazz world now has Jon Regen spicing it up.

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Java Jazz Festival 2015 Day 2 - Jazzy Juice ft Jilly Likumahuwa

This year there are many trumpeters found in the lineup. Check out Anthony Stanco who grew in the Detroit area. As the talented drummer from younger generation Dion subiakto led his team on Java Jazz Stage, a female jazz trio Jazzy Juice was granted a spot to perform on Delta Stage. One thing you should know about this group is that they combine good jazz and fun chat on stage, just like what you usually have while enjoying a glass of juice with friends. Dyah Sekar on piano gives sweet, tasty melodies, Adhisty Zulkarnaen on drums provides colorful solid beat and monster groove is at max with Arnie Christanty’s electric bass. Special for tonight they brought along Jilly Likumahuwa as vocalist and percussion player and sang “Samba de minha terra” medley with “Manuk Dadali” which dragged so many people to their area. Since they were from Bandung, we have seen and follow their growth, evolving all the way up to this height. We are proud of them. You go ladies!

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Java Jazz Festival 2015 Day 2 - Incognito - ChakaKhan (2)

In the album Translantic R.P.M (2010), Incognito made a big breakthrough by featuring Chaka Khan and Mario Biondi for covering Boz Scaggs’ “Lowdown”. Since the collaboration was perfect, we always dreamed to see it here, and Java Jazz Festival is the most possible option; had it ever happen. At this 11th edition that dream came true. Chaka Khan indeed made her come back to the festival after her last performance in 2007, and this time she got strong support by Incognito. “I Feel For You” opened the show and “Ain’t Nobody” was followed. After that Incognito served us with their hits and then Chaka Khan came back and continued with “Until You Come Back to Me”, “Through the Fire” and the official song of woman empowerment, “I’m Every Woman” closed the show. The collaboration between legends like this is always a big catch. Just one of them would already amazing, now double that by two, there you got this act. And the collaboration itself was an ace. Speaking of making a come back, the jazz/funk/ rock/world music artist David Garfield again gave enormous contribution in continuing his constant presence at the Java Jazz Festival.

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Java Jazz Festival 2015 Day 2 - Kahitna (1)

At this point the time was already late but the Day 2 was still far from over. Getting people attention last year through a hits called ‘Hey Gadis’, FliM which consists of Eron Leban as vocalist, Ahmad ‘Vian’ Oktaviansyah as bassist, Elfir Safir as guitarist, and Jantan Gerhana as drummer first time ever came up into Java Jazz stage. Meanwhile, the legendary band originally from Bandung Kahitna reigned on the big C1 hall. Speaking of Kahitna, most of the music fans might take them as a pop band, and that’s not totally wrong. But we should remember that they actually began with thick jazz fusion on their menu. Especially with Yovie Widianto who has jazz printed all over his heart and soul, many of Kahitna songs are actually simplified from jazz, as he told us some times ago. Almost 30 years in service, Kahitna still has so many fans. They are still energetic and passionate. And the show was as delicious as always.

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Java Jazz Festival 2015 Day 2 - Ginetta Vendetta and Tony Monaco (2)

There are many male trumpeter, but what about female? This year we got Ginetta M, a multi talented lady who plays trumpet, sings and composes, also leads his funky jazzy blues band, Ginetta’s Vendetta. Her signature pocket-trumpet is one of a kind, her sultry vocals and her hot funky act are some of the cool things to expect from her show. From jazz to Blues, to RnB, to Salsa, Ginetta took us to party along with the worldwide famous hammond organ player, Tony Monaco.

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Java Jazz Festival 2015 Day 2 - Gerald Situmorang Trio

Gerald Situmorang was known as one of guitar duo Sketsa. Last year he made a move by releasing his new band simply called Gerald Situmorang Trio. Having two of his closest friends: Ankadiov Subran (bass) and Jessilardus Mates (drums), he demonstrated the real him, musically speaking, which clearly rooted in modern jazz along with cool improvisations. This band has released one album “Time is the Answer” and is looking forward to embark on new adventures. A very interesting trio and promising. Skyline and Absurdnation played on each of their spot. The former is jazz band based in Tapiei, Taiwan, filled by five fellows: Jazzy on keyboard, Richard on bass, Allen on drum, Sean on guitar, and Jimmy on sax. Together they filled the air with various genres, funk, fusion, R&B, you name it. The latter is a newly indie band is around the corner. Four men come from Semarang: Nanda Goeltom on vocal, Yusuf Saputra on piano & synth, Fauz Hibatul Haqqi on bass, and Fanny Wardoyo on drum & percussion and ready hail audiences with their ethnic jazz melodies.

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Java Jazz Festival Day 2 - Mehliana-Brad Mehldau-Mark Giuliana (3)

The third winner of American Idol 2012, Joshua Ledet, a soulman, gave a sweet soul RnB performance that melted the ladies’ hearts. That included his hit “Here to Die”, sang with his modern day Motown voice. Then came the moment to check out one of the most sensational pairing, this time between Brad Mehldau and Mark Guiliana, together as Mehliana. Both are genius on their weapon, their works together feels stunning and alive. While the album Taming the Dragon received many good reviews from critics, their video clips has inspired many musicians to take a brave step like them. Unique keys-drum connection. Not the first in the music scene but certainly innovative. For a start, they are not playing the traditional jazz, what they do is something out of the box. What can be created from fender Rhodes/synthesizers and drums and effects? Mehliana has proven that plenty of good things can be made. Sky is the limit. Many things to learn from their show.

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Java Jazz Festival 2015 Day 2 - Fusion Stuff

Fusion roared wild and fun from the Java Jazz Coffee stage, courtesy of Fusion Stuff. Each corner is guarded by competent players. The leader is keys wiz Krishna Siregar, the monster groove bassist Franky Sadikin, senior guitarist Kadek Rihardika, cute but lethal girl drummer Jeane Phialsa and the seductive saxophonist you see every night in Net TV’s The Comment, Damez Nababan. They bring back the sound of old-skool fusion to appear modern, in a way reminds us of Japanese legends Casiopea and T-Square without the EWI (electronic wind instrument). For a fusion band, their songs are considerably easy to follow and some are actually very melodious and story-telling. It’s challenging, fun to listen and to watch. They sealed the show with our favorite, the sweet “Little Briescha”.

That’s the end of our report on Day 2. Stay tuned for our report on the third and final day of Java Jazz Festival 2015.

Breaking News
In Memoriam: Yeppy Romero

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Java Jazz Festival 2015 - VAC ft Yeppy Romero Marcello Allulli (2)

A sad news came right at the end of this 2nd day. We are deeply saddened  by the passing of Yeppy Romero, the Flamenco Jazz hero, just a couple of hours after his last performance with VAC.  The photo above was taken from that show. May God rest his soul.

Read the report from Java Jazz Festival Day 1 >> http://jazzuality.com/jazz-event-report/java-jazz-festival-2015-day-1/
Read the report from Java Jazz Festival Day 3 >> http://jazzuality.com/jazz-event-report/java-jazz-festival-2015-day-3/

See more pictures:

Reporter: Riandy Kurniawan, Mellysa Anastasya, Daniel Irawan Deo Karmawan
Photographer: Titus Firmanto, Mia Damayanti, Bayu Warjiyo
Team: Vierna Mariska

Java Jazz Festival 2015: Day 3

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Java-Jazz-Festival-2015-Day-3

After two days of jazzsensation, here we come to Day 3, the final day of Java Jazz Festival year 2015. Great opportunity to spend our first weekend on March in this tenth edition of the festival. You can choose to come one day or three days in a row, and when you miss one of your favourite artists, there is still another day to choose. Some artists have two or three times to perform. These musicians had showed up on Friday or Saturday, and yes they came again today. There are Ron King Big Band, Blue Note Tokyo All-Star Jazz Orchestra, Naturally 7, Bobby McFerrin, Lisa Ono, Ramsey Lewis, Alain Caron, Harvey Mason’s Chameleon (Fred D. Jr. Chris T., Kamasi W., John B.), Iriao, Joshua Ledet & Ron King Quintet, Anthony Stanco and The Crucial Elements, Richard Bona, Michael Lington, John Primer & the Living History Band, Chris Botti, Mehliana (Brad Mehldau & Mark Guiliana), Etienne Charles, Snarky Puppy, Jumaane Smith & Ron King Quintet. On the other hand, there are many bands/projects/performers who just got their shot here on this day.

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Java Jazz Festival 2015 Day 3 - Anthony Stanco Ensemble (1)

Just like yesterday, Day 3 started with swing. If Salamander Big Band was the band on day 2, this time it was Galaxy BigBand Jazz Orchestra. The Galaxy Big Band is a regular in this fest, filled with Japanese (and other countries’) expatriates who are still happily spare their valuable time to maintain their passion in music, particularly jazz.

It’s been great to see Warren Hill back again to Indonesia after 20 years. This man redefined the contemporary smooth jazz to be both sexy, relaxing and energetic at the same time way back then in the 90’s. He still has it all today.  Warren Hill plays every note with passion, up to the point that his music somewhat has spirit and alive. Action packed show, energetic and romantic. Bravo Warren!

 

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Java-Jazz-Festival-2015-Day-3---Warren-Hill-(1)

The Salamander junior, Youth Jazz Orchestra ensured us that the future of swingin’ big band in Indonesia is on the good hands. Still around the future stars, Margo Rising Star made a blast at the outdoor stage. Once again, these young guns made Margo Jazz community proud. Harvey Malaiholo was back but this time in supporting the Malaysian orchestra, probably the oldest one, the RTM Big Band Jazz Orchestra, and he sang “Dara”, “Enggo Lari”, and also did several featuring. The senior jazz, blues, rock guitarist Donny Suhendra show came early this year. Fusion flowed naturally from his stage.

 

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Java-Jazz-Festival-2015-Day-3---Ananda-Sukarlan-Repsody-Nusantara

Ananda Sukarlan has made Indonesia proud in the international music scene. He is prominent in the field of composing, he has involved in so many international commissions and performances. He has played and recorded with more than 50 renowned composers. Mostly embracing classical, Ananda Sukarlan surprisingly brought his solo piano recital, Rapsodia Nusantara and fitted the selected numbers in jazz outfit.  A wonderful package from the genius.

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Java Jazz Festival 2015 Day 3 - Chris Minh Doky Hanna Paulsberg (1)

This year Java Jazz Festival invites a band put together consisting of one musician from each nordic country. They decided to call the band as Nordic All Stars. On this last day bassist Chris Minh Doky (Denmark) had a fun encounter with saxophonist Hanna Paulsberg (Norway). Two of Indonesian musicians Johanes Radianto (guitar) and Elfa Zulha (drums) were supporting them. The visit of Nordic All Stars show that jazz is pulsing healthily in the Nordic countries. There are many prominent names who gain respect worldwide, and some of today’s big names were here this time.  We always love to taste jazz from different region and feel happy to be able to taste the Nordic jazz.

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Java Jazz Festival 2015 Day 3 - The Ladies of Jazz (2)

A very special show took plae at the D1 hall. The show’s called The Ladies of Jazz, featuring three legendary female jazz singers who are still able to sing as good as decades ago, if not even better. Margie Segers, Rien Djamain and Ermy Kullit sang three of most favorite songs from their own shelf which got a new arrangement from Adra Karim. Playing alongside Adra Karim were Dion Janapria (guitar), Kevin Yosua (bass) and Elfa Zulham (drums). All, plus Trinity Youth Symphony Orchestra (TRUST), an orchestra consists of young lions aged 10 to 25 max. If that’s not enough, the legendary ladies of jazz wore dress specially designed for each of them: Alain Gunawan for Margie Segers, Rama Dauhan on Ermy Kullit and Serre Marini for Rien Djamain. . It’s amazing that after all these years, these ladies still have their golden voice. For us, this is the best show ever after all this time in our humble opinion. After singing their own hits, they ended up with familiar party with “Dia”, the crowd even sang along with them. Full of nostalgia, full of respect.

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Java-Jazz-Festival-2015-Day-3---Maurice-Brown

Maurice ‘Mobetta’ Brown made his way back gracing the Java Jazz Festival again. Brown’s game is different. Yes, he bops hard, but he also embraces the urban ghetto soul, fluent in hip hop and even capable to rock. Always cool while playing, always charismatic, always sensational. It’s Mobetta, the one and only Mobetta.

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Java-Jazz-Festival-2015-Day-3---Andi-Wiriantono

Should a teacher perform in live concert once in a while? We say it’s a must. Other than they need to feel the joy of playing live in front of good crowds, the live performance can be a perfect source to learn too (learning by watching). Andi Wiriantono spent many years as a music teacher, but 4 years ago he realized the needs of appearing on the surface, as an active musician. He has graced many prestigious stages right after. Even when he gets busier after establishing his own school, The Andi Wiriantono Music School, he never lost his passion to feel the adrenaline rush on stage. This year Andi brought the team of great young guns including Ricad Hutapea (saxophone), Dimas Pradipta (drums) and Doni Sundjoyo (bass). Improvisations, solo runs, tradings, all were captured from their jamming-like show.  Maruli Tampubolon once had collaboration with Syahrini, now the son of one famous lawyer in Indonesia epically showed at MILD Hall. You might see Dikta as one of Yovie and Nuno’s vocalist, but this time he specially formed a project since he tries a new path in solo career and awesomely entertained us. In other stage, Suar gave their best shot on each of their spot.

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Java Jazz Festival 2015 Day 3 - Philippe Sellam Frank Herrgott Quartet

The name Philippe Sellam is not new for us. We have covered his awesome show at the KL International Jazz Festival last year under a trio format.  At the Java Jazz Festival, Sellam spat high doses of venoms as usual in an inspiring collaboration with pianist Frank Herrgott Quartet.  Modest but sharp, they exhcanged punches and worked hand in hand to build a strong musical structure.

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Java Jazz Festival 2015 Day 3 - Ruth Sahanaya

Ruth Sahanaya, almost hit the number of 30 years of musical experiences has shaped herself into one of considered divas in Indonesia. Her maintained appearance go along well with undoubted beautiful voice she has. Naturally Uthe offered many hits in her performance like “Memori” and “Keliru” and attractively  wrapped it up with ‘Talk about Love’ concept. Many couple were seen holding each other hands and sang along as love filled the air.

 

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Java Jazz Festival 2015 Day 3 - Dwiki Dharmawan Violet Spin (2)

Dwiki Dharmawan and Violet Spin got their first encounter on July 8, 2012 at the Jazz Fest Wien (Vienna Jazz Festival) in Austria. Other than collaborated with Oliver Steger, at that time Dwiki meets the Violet Spin, a string quartet consists of Lukas Lauerman (cello), Judith Reitner (viola), Paul Dangl (violin) dan Irene Kepl, a violist who’s also in charge as the leader of the quartet. 3 years later they finally met again, having another good round showing jazz is a universal language that can bring harmony even to players from the opposite sides of the sphere. Joining Dwiki and the Violet Spin was the bassist we all know and proud of, Doni Sundjoyo.

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Java Jazz Festival 2015 Day 3 - Benny Likumahuwa (2)

We heard about Benny Likumahuwa’s  health problem about two months ago. But thank God, he’s fully recovered  as we found the evidence at the B2 stage.  Well, for someone like Benny Likumahuwa, a legendary trombonist/multi instrumentalist who has been doing everything for jazz for more than 50 years, an appearance at a festival like this is a must.  This year again he presented pure jazz delight in the most delicate and natural way. Joining him are his own son, the favorite Barry Likumahuwa on bass, Dimas Pradipta on drum, Christ Stanley on keyboard, Indra Aziz on saxophone&vocal, Bass G, and Jordy Waelauruw on trumpet.  Just last year we enjoyed his fine work “Rekam Jejak Vol.1”, in the spirit of keeping up the track record not only of him but also some of important names in the business, from the adult, young adult to 10 year old prodigy.

 

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Java Jazz Festival 2015 Day 3 - Benny Mustafa (2)

Another legend, this time a drummer, a very important milestone in Indonesian jazz historical timeline Benny Mustafa showed that he’s still in perfect condition. Whether with wood stick or brush, he swings like no other. Reflecting all the experiences and skills he possessed for more than half a century, his show was like a window for us to see, hear and feel the journey of jazz in Indonesia during the past 50 years. For this time he was accompanied with Stefan Thiele on keyboard, Kevin Yosua on bass, and Tyo Alibasjah on guitar.

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Java Jazz Festival 2015 Day 3 - Mata Jiwa (1)

Back in early 2000, Kerispatih started their career as one of huge pop band with many hits that we stll remember now. Sammy Simorangkir was one of them and his unique strong voice now practically supports him as male soloist. The artistry play by Anda and Reza as Matajiwa who describes their music as 3E: ‘Experience, Experiment and Expression’ was really different. The drumcussion and guitar/vocal showdown crafted creatively and sent as a special gift to people watching them. Trying to unattach themselves from pop and rock label, they freely play their tunes in Ethnopsychadeliarock genre as they called it.

 

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Java Jazz Festival 2015 Day 3 - Yura

The success story of Yunita Rachman, better known as Yura is fascinating. Once a lyric writer andpianist of Sarasvati, she found a breakthrough by competing in The Voice. There, she stunned the judges and then asked to sing with Glenn Fredly, resulting a popular song, “Cinta dan Rahasia”. As the wind is good for sailing, the ‘Balada Sirkus’ Yura is looking forward to become one of the forces in today’s industry. The venomous guitarist Nissan Fortz was on the stage too. Nowadays, media socials and its all benefits are maximized by Isyana Sarasvati. Being famous on Youtube is not the only achievement she has, instead she gets long list of what she has done astonishingly in music. She is now under label major, Sony Music, and had released first single, “Keep Being You”

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Java Jazz Festival 2015 Day 3 - Lea Simanjuntak (2)

Lea Simanjuntak with the Timeless Jazz concept featuring Mike Mohede, Sophie Navita, Irsa Destiwi, Tina Simanjuntak, Troy Bonardo, Rabukustik Band at MILD Hall. So happy to see the magnificent performance of Lea Simanjuntak sang hits from the era of 60s (Etta James, Dionne Warmick, Barbra Streisand) to the latest hits, Taylor Swift.

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Java Jazz Festival 2015 Day 3 - WSATCC - Denny Sakrie

Indonesian music scene got shock when we heard the loss one of our dearest friend. Denny Sakrie as one countable music critics and the so-called walking musical dictionary deserves this tribute. Honorable performance tonight was respectfully brought up by Neonomora, Endah n Rhesa, and WSATCC. Christina Perri attracted people’s attention the very first time through her broken hearted anthem, “Jar of heart”. It is not an easy journey for this singer-songwriter but since then her name keeps widely spreading because she has continually produced another hits we love, like “A Thousand Years”, “Human”, and “Distance”. “Head or Heart” is the newest art for her you can enjoy.

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Java Jazz Festival 2015 Day 3 - Nathan Hartono

We still remember a song, covering Maliq n D’Essentials sung by a handsome young man. We found out later that he’s Nathan Hartono, a Singaporean with Indonesian blood. He successfully made his name in his homeland, gaining reputation among so many loyal fans in such a young age. Now he’s arrived at Java Jazz Festival 2014, supported by Andi Rianto, a top Indonesian composer and leader of Magenta Orchestra. Nathan has the kind of smooth manly voice, wide range, and works in every condition, from solo rendition to orchestra and big band encounters.

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Java Jazz Festival 2015 Day 3 - The Daunas

The Dauna’s served a harmonious connection between father, keyboardist Glenn Dauna and sons, trumpeter Indra Dauna and harmonicist Rega Dauna. They have been supporting each other for some years in numerous events. Focusing more on the family ties, they served the kind of jazz where love and respect are felt within. Creative city like Bandung has created so many young talented musicians. One of them is Mr. Sonjaya, an indie folk-accoustic duo with their guitar and special vocal succesfully formed one mini album called, ‘Tiada Kesan Tanpa Kehadiranmu’. Born within musicians family had formed Petra Sihombing into a bright young man with many musical gifts. Not only has a soft voice, he also can play several instruments.

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Java Jazz Festival 2015 Day 3 - Raghu Dixit (2)

It’s certainly a pleasure to finally see him on stage, after hearing his name for quite some times. It’s The Raghu Dixit Project. This today’s ambassador for Indian music is far beyond genre. He still keeps his Indian traditions and culture, but he knows how to place it in the contemporary modern, western music. As a result, an interlaced dimension of sound naturally flows from his stand. Whether it’s blues, jazz, reggae, country, you name it, you have it. With Carnatic and several Indian languages, from Hindi to Tamil. All sounds natural and simple. With this concept he has reached many parts of the globe and introduced the peaceful ancient sound of Indian music. He even managed to make his audience dance. “While everyone else are watching jazz performances out there, here we are having a private India party.” he said. Well, the scene, the atmosphere, the vibe were absolutely fascinating.  Her Coat of Arm Trio ran on outdoor spot.

Jessi J is someone above average, all about her is special, her stage act and style are always spectacular. Performed as the one and only special show at Java Jazz Festival 2015, Jessie J accomplished her very first time in Indonesia. Hip-hop and Motown strongly heard from her strong loud voice while she sang “Price Tag”, “Bang Bang”, and other songs. No need to fake her performance into jazzy tunes, she already owned the night. So fresh to see this lady gave something different yet outstanding show among other jazz musicians and surely it attracted people attention.

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Java Jazz Festival 2015 Day 3 - Rio Sidik (1)

At Lawu room we found Tritone, consists of  guitarists from the younger generation who create their own distinctive color. Tiyo Alibasjah, Aditya Bayu and Indra Prasetyo have different backgrounds, ranging from jazz, pop jazz to fusion. A treat for guitar lovers who came to the fest. As Her Coat of Arms Trio performed, the virtuous trumpeter from Bali, Rio Sidik seduced the audience with his blow over the reed. Last year he’s just busy with two big things: the reunion with his closest friends in Jiwa Band and the release of new album Sound of the Mystical Vibe. He kind of brought the rave scene from Bali to this fest. Rio even invited everyone to dance. Cool.

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Java Jazz Festival 2015 Day 3 - Mondo Gascaro

Yogyakarta, a big city with its strong culture and art produces other musicians; let’s give the spotlight to Everyday band. Contains of Reagina, Itonk, Gilang, and Anggri, together they released a jazzy yet groovy album, “Beutiful Day” in 2013. Once again the magic of social media and technology these days work. Rendy Pandugo already got many loyal visitors in his channel on Youtube and Soundcloud, and many people say he has resemblance with John Mayer. No matter what, Rendy showed his skill in “Firasatku” with famous guitarist, Piyu. Fomerly known as a member of SORE, Mondo Gascaro, now walks in his own path and has worked in so many music projects for Indonesian film and also busy taking care of his music label, IVY League Music. “Saturday Light” was the latest single from him.

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Java Jazz Festival 2015 Day 3 - Christina Perri (3)

Just like before, this 11th edition of Java Jazz Festival in 2015 holds many interesting stories. From legends, the experts, today’s top stars, potential new comers from all over the world were there for everyone to see. The fest-goers can see how jazz is today in many parts of the world, the newest creation, invention, concept and project from them, spread in more than 50 shows per day on almost 20 stages, consisting hundreds of bands, thousands of musicians. Lucky for us in Indonesia, we can enjoy this biggest annual jazz meeting right here without having to go anywhere.

Either playing, supporting fellow artists or just watching, this massive sized venue holds who’s who in the jazz and music industry. One of the attending musicians, trumpeter Wildan Abdat told us about his point of view. “You know, when the first announcement came up, I can’t tell you how much excited I am. The great Arturo Sandoval showed up on the wish list, and that’s enough for me to know that this edition was going to be crazy. Unfortunately this year,  he failed to be on the lineup. But I kind of feel how badly the organizer wishes to keep on making this event much more loveable.” he said.

 

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Java Jazz Festival 2015 Day 3 - Ramsey Lewis

As he is a  trumpeter, he would love this 11th Java Jazz Festival so much. Why? Because this year there are many respectable trumpeter and brass players among the massive lineup. If you ever heard about the myth that whoever plays a trumpet will get a positively amount of attractiveness up, these brass players don’t need to consume the myth at all. Especially ladies, there are many performers who gave an unforgettably sweetest weekend ever. From seducing smooth jazz, the sexy soul music, the romantic moods could be felt even before one stepped his feet inside the hall. For others, there are plenty good shows to learn from. And for those who seek up jazz entertainment, they would be fully satisfied to the max.

This 2015 edition interestingly showcased many new names. Many of them might have rarely be heard just yet, but they were artistes who really know and love their crafts, and unpatiently waited to present it to the audience here in Indonesia. And the cool gigs already happened right from the start on each day. Plenty of actions, the different jazz textures, approaches and styles were heard almost in every step. Yes, some non-jazz artists were there, but it’s fair and normal in a festival. It can actually be good for introducing jazz to the non-jazz listeners. A festival as big as this should be able to provide variety. Just like a hypermart, any attendance can choice their own poison according to their taste, and this festival provide everything in the name of jazz in particular, and music in general.

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Java Jazz Festival 2015 Day 3 - Joshua Ledet

As much as we love this event, unfortunately there were some troubles occured especially hitting the media crews. Too many unclear restrictions and inconsistencies in security rules that actually create lots conflicts with our works. As for the audience, many of them were confused too since  they had to walk back and forth due to bad coordination among the organizers. May things get better in the next editions.

The Java Jazz Festival 2015 has ended. What’s coming next year is still next year. But one thing for sure, if this festival still exist, many more interesting and exciting stories will again be there. Let’s hope for bigger and better one.

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Jazzuality-for-JavaJazz2015
Jazzuality’s crews on duty for Java Jazz Festival 2015

 

Read the report from Java Jazz Festival Day 1 >> http://jazzuality.com/jazz-event-report/java-jazz-festival-2015-day-1/
Read the report from Java Jazz Festival Day 2 >> http://jazzuality.com/jazz-event-report/java-jazz-festival-2015-day-2/

See more pictures:

Reporter: Riandy Kurniawan, Mellysa Anastasya, Daniel Irawan Deo Karmawan
Photographer: Titus Firmanto, Mia Damayanti, Bayu Warjiyo
Team: Vierna Mariska

 

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