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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
See more pictures:
Reporter: Riandy Kurniawan
Photographer: Nia Kurniawati, Ayu Lestari
Video editor: Vierna Mariska Kurniawan