Last month we launched the trial of Javana Jazz Bistro. This event was based on the wish of Javana Bistro, a stylish and delicious Indo-Western eatery located in a famous shopping centre Paris van Java (PVJ) to establish itself as one of the well-known jazz destinations in Bandung. We quickly moved fast and placed variety of jazz in that first edition, ranging from ethnic jazz, bebop, Brazilian to jazz’s encounter with reggae to blues (read the report here: http://jazzuality.com/jazz-event-report/javana-jazz-bistro-premiere-the-report/). The result was good, so the venue decided to carry on. We are happy to stand as their partner in crime. It wasn’t easy to find jazz at PVJ before, but now you all can have the vibrant jazz colors being painted in it once a month.
For Javana Jazz Bistro 2nd Edition we brought a fresh batch. Different colors of jazz was once again become one of our priority, plus the combination of experienced players and rising star. Luckily enough, we managed to find the artists that suit that idea. One: Pangeran Muda, a talented young man is on his way to fame and two: Imelda Rosalin Trio, a small group of jazz giants with international reputation. A pretty lineup that we can rely on in order to make PVJ glitters with jazz.
Performing first was Pangeran Muda. This is one of the new sensation that we should put our eyes on. Pangeran Muda, also known as Panda, has tasted every corners of entertainment since he was still a little boy. Competitions, stage performances (including some prestigious ones like Java Jazz Festival), recordings, jingle, even acting. He holds hundreds of achievements, winning Sherina Star Kids Competition in 2000, McDonalds Kids Awards in 2002, Heartline Gospel Singing Contest (2006), the winner of talent search show produced by Trans TV “Suara Indonesia”, the runner up of Bintang Radio Festival in Jakarta, 2005 and reached the Top 20 in Indonesian Idol 2014.
Since last year he decided to build his solo career. To make the album, Pangeran chose to take the unusual way: involving his fans and friends to stand as the co-producer. This move is called Go Panda! Crowdfunding. “It’s amazing. I had doubt that it would work, but so far 400 people have supported me.” he said happily. While the album is still in the process, he has launched a single, “Terpaku” a couple of months ago and got positive responses over radio charts. His clear, crisp but satin smooth voice should do very well in the business. The lyrics that tell the story of our daily lives, the ear catchy/friendly music where jazz can be felt inside are also the power that would bring this handsome young man all the way to the top.
Pangeran served a delicious first round. He started with his groovy own song, “Nikmatilah”. For this event he brought strong partners including Andi Rustandi of famous group T-Five on piano, Yabes Chrismanuel on bass, Michael SW on guitar and Dhimas on drums.
One of the signature song of Titiek Puspa, “Bimbi” sounded really nice from him. He carried on with The Delfonics’ “La La Means I Love You”, a song that also popularized by many names from The Jackson 5 to Prince to Swing Out Sister. An original song followed, “Lakukan Yang Kau Suka” (“Do What You Like”), telling people to keep doing what they like no matter what others say.
A Sam Smith’s hit “Lay Me Down” perfectly suited him. The band did very well from one song to another. Then Pangeran showed his ability to reach high notes and how fast he can sing with the nursery rhymes “Old MacDonald Had a Farm”. A timeless song taken from Stevie Wonder’s 1976 album, “Isn’t She Lovely” made him gained more applauses. Time for him to sing the single “Terpaku”, a beautiful pop ballad that in our opinion has the power to bring him to the top. As much as we loved his session, he gave one last party with a big hit of Jessie J ft Ariana Grande and Nicki Minaj, “Bang Bang”.
Pangeran Muda has everything needed to succeed. He is a prince charming, he has the voice, strong lineup of musicians backing him up and positive energy/good vibration. He can also write songs, he’s humble and friendly. Someone like him can, and should have the chance in our music industry, and we always believe he will make it very soon.
After a cheerful treat from Pangeran, Imelda Rosalin Trio took position on the spot. After a warm greetings, the trio opened up with something sweet, taking a piece from Keith Jarrett, “Memories of Tomorrow”.
Imelda Rosalin is one of the icons of jazz in Bandung. It’s a wonder that we could invite her to perform at the Javana Jazz Bistro since he’s a very busy lady who places her feet on two worlds. She is a successful musicians, she’s also a successful architect. In the music world currently she serves as a regular at TP Jazz Papandayan and Panghegar Hotel, recordings with band from Insititut Teknologi Bandung (ITB) The Last Eighties and for Chris Miller, an LA musician, also active performing on stage and tv show, plus a teacher. While as an architect she’s currently pursue her doctoral degree and deals with transportation matters. Other than these, let’s not forget that she’s a loving mom and wife. It’s not exaggerating if we call her superwoman.
Joining her at Javana Jazz Bistro is a real life couple, Rudy Zulkarnaen and Adisty Zulkarnaen. Rudy is a senior bassist with international reputation. Currently he’s going international with the cross-ethno progressive jazz ensemble simakDialog and Tesla Manaf. While Rudy Zulkarnaen has been a reliable compatriote of Imelda for more than a decade, Adisty is a complete drummer who also shares chemistry with them.
Based on how busy these three amazing musicians are, we feel really lucky to be able to invite them. These are some of the Bandung’s jazz musicians that have made Indonesia proud, not only in the nation but also in the international scene. It was a warm, sweet, homey and intimate show, where jazz flew spontaneous and naturally from them.
We got what we dreamed of having this team in an event. They went sexy with a gem from Cole Porter, “Too Darn Hot” Cool tradings between them dipped everyone fully in jazz. “So Many Stars” surrounding us with warm and romantic moods.
Okay. Just in case you didn’t know, Imelda is the writer of a famous soundtrack of a famous tv series in early 2000’s, “Namaku Strawberry”. “Hidup ini Indah” was the song that directly took us all to the time when it’s aired back then.
Imelda went back much further to reach the 50’s, singing a song written by maestro Ismail Marzuki titled “Layang Layang”. After this lovely swing, they sang “Água de Beber” in English version.
Some of the ITB community were there supporting their friend, Imelda Rosalin. Since they already played for more than an hour, we thought that was the end. But suddenly Imelda called his friend, a Civil Engineering professor from Insitut Teknologi Bandung Ricky Tawekal to sing with them. The song was “For Once In My Life”, nicely executed by them. Then Imelda called Pangeran Muda to join the band. They chose another Ismail Marzuki’s gem, “Juwita Malam”. Pangeran apparently still had some spared energy to give an all-out singing.
The jam session went even hotter. Pianist Dyah Sekar replaced Imelda and played “Night in Tunisia” with a little Arabian twist. Vocal master Erick Gabe jumped in and sang “Englishman in New York”, as the drum was also changed to Geby Christian. Again, a party was served. Solo drumming from Geby was smokin’ hot.
Rudy stepped down, Farhan Faikar of GFRtrio took over the bass position. GFRtrio was just experiencing a big loss due to the passing of their leader, Guntur Satria at the age of 21. But instead of resting the band, they decided to move on. Replacing Guntur is a skillful young bluesman Ijay Irawan. And Erick Gabe is now joining them on vocals.
Since their drummer couldn’t come, Ijay placed himself behind the drumset. Muhammad Ramadhony was on keyboard. “Route 66” became their choice, followed by “I Feel Good”. Andre Arizky who was just arrived at late hour directly jumped into the pool. Andre Arizky sailed alone, singing and playing piano, giving us more songs including “What About Love?”, David Foster’s “For Just a Moment”, Toy Story OST “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” and Elton John’s mega hit, “Rocket Man”. This event ended less than half an hour before midnight. Wow.
Another good round was made, thanks to the all-out performances by both Pangeran Muda and his team and Imelda Rosalin Trio. And the jam session, it was surprisingly way, way too hot to handle. So many came and let themselves involved in it, and the result was fun-tastic! The next Javana Jazz Bistro is going to come on August 22. In case if you miss this second edition, be sure to join in next month. A hint: blues will roar alongside jazz in the upcoming third installment.
Jazz now has its new home at Paris van Java. Not only you can enjoy it while having dinner with your friends and family at the Javana Bistro but you can participate too in painting vibrant jazz colors in this famous mall. In order to bring more and more jazz accessible in Bandung, we do need your support. You can do it by simply come, because no matter how good the players are, nothing will happen without crowds. Thank you to all partners, participating musicians especially to everyone who came. Hope to see you again next month.
See more pictures:
Reporter: Riandy Kurniawan
Photographer: Nia Kurniawati, Noor Cholis