The last Braga Jazz Walk was used as the Pre Event of Java Jazz Festival 2015 for Bandung region with a superb success result (read the report here: http://jazzuality.com/jazz-event-report/braga-jazz-walk-special-edition-pre-event-java-jazz-festival-2015-the-report/). We are really proud to make it happen and hope for another chance to bring more international/national superstars, but now let’s get back to the core of this regular community event which intends to push the regeneration of jazz musicians through continuous edutainment program. We wish to see this event as the home of jazz musicians and beyond, being a place where they can learn, practice and grow. A home to meet old and new friends, sharing, exchanging and exploring ideas to one another. Or maybe, even establish a new band. Stuffs like these have happened ever since we launched the event last year. Now, with the support of Braga CityWalk and KPH Music, we aim to see more.

Here we come to the 11th installment of Braga Jazz Walk. In this episode we have prepared 3 bands with players ranging from the teachers, fully experienced musicians all the way to tender young lions who are still in junior high school. Who? Let’s check them out.

First, Olteje. Stands as O Learns to Jazz, this group consists of jazz experts in every corner; iconic senior drummer Henky Suparjan with Caroline Tjhi (piano), Okki Jatikusuma (guitar) and Leo Hansen (bass). When they met at Klab Jazz’s event, they found out that actually they shared the same passion in jazz. From there they practiced together, digging all kind of repertoires from simple jazz standards to the complex ones. That’s why they like to spread their wings wide on stage, reaching swing, bossa, fusion and other kind of jazz horizons. In performing, they often add more bites with vocalist and/or percussionist. If you’re looking for a pure jazztacy from traditional to modern, this group will satisfy you to the max.

Next, Gallia. This is a colourful duet between top notch jazz singer Puspallia Panggabean and cool all-round instrumentalist, Galant Yurdian. While Puspall is active in several groups and often goes back and forth from Bandung to Jakarta, Galant achieves success as the bassist of Deugalih & Folks and 70’s Orgasm Club. With Puspall however, Gallant switches his weapon with guitar and proves that he can play it just as good. They have been supporting each other for quite some times and stood tall as one of the Duotone teams at Klab Jazz’s special event last August, 2014. What’s interesting in this act is to see how an indie-rock oriented musician/guitarist like Galant would sound when he takes on Cole Porter. As for Puspall, this young lady is the perfect one to carry this task. Let’s see how they cook the meals.

Last but not least, Hexatonix. This group of 6 comprises of junior high school students from Sekolah Kristen Kalam Kudus. They are Jenny Meijelina (vocal), Kirana Ariel (bass), Karel Kwee (rhythm guitar), Errick Salibana (melody guitar), Cecilia (keyboard) and Sigit (drums). There are two close friends, guitarist Jerry Gates and drummer Andreas who taught in there. It didn’t take long for them to realize that some of his students actually have passion to walk more miles. So, they worked hard in training, equipping and preparing them as one solid unit. In doing so, Thomas Sylvester and later on Billy Likumahuwa contributed in shaping them up.

Tell you the truth, we are curious to see this boys and girls. What can a set of junior high school students do on jazz stage? They have been learning for a short while just yet, but based on what we have seen before, kids can be surprising. Their innocence, cheerful personalities and bravery often make a show fills with lots of fun. We want to push the jazz-regeneration forward, this kids of Hexatonix are the potential seeds. They might become the future of jazz in Bandung, Indonesia or who knows, the world. Let’s support them and help them to grow as fine (jazz) musicians.

As usual, the jam session will be provided right after all the showcases. Whoever you are, whatever your musical background is and no matter how old you are, you are welcome to jam. It’s totally open for everyone.

Braga Jazz Walk is always 100% free. No hidden charge or anything like that. Either you want to enjoy the show or be a part of the act, you can do it for free. Each edition is intended to be a jazz edutainment program. We hope that you can learn about something and be entertained at the same time. Do come. Bring your friends and family and let’s jazz the month of March together.

Braga Jazz Walk #11

Date: March 12, 2015
Time: 07:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Location: Braga CityWalk
Jl. Braga no 99 – 101, Bandung

FREE EVENT!

Featuring:

:: OLTEJE ::
Caroline Tjhi (piano)
Henky Suparjan (drums)
Okki Jatikusuma (guitar)
Leo Hansen (bass)

:: GALLIA ::
Galant Yurdian (guitar/vocal)
Puspallia Panggabean (vocal)

:: HEXATONIX ::
Jenny Meijelina (vocal)
Kirana Ariel (bass)
Karel Kwee (rhythm guitar)
Errick Salibana (melody guitar),
Cecilia (keyboard)
Sigit (drums)

After the blazing Pre Event Java Jazz Festival for Bandung region two weeks ago (http://jazzuality.com/jazz-event-report/braga-jazz-walk-special-edition-pre-event-java-jazz-festival-2015-the-report/), we are back to the regular community event in supporting local jazz/jazz oriented musicians to showcase and socialize their music to the public. In this edition we invited variety of bands/musicians. By saying variety we mean age (from junior high school students to senior drummer/famous drum teacher), experience and the flavor of their music.

The show kicked off just a couple of minutes after seven pm. To open it up, Hexatonix, the junior high school students from Kalam Kudus Christian School stepped up the gear and drove some fusion out from the stage. Jenny Meijelina (vocal), Kirana Ariel (bass), Karel Kwee (rhythm guitar), Errick Salibana (melody guitar), Cecilia (keyboard) and Sigit (drums) were all the students of young guitarist who’s also a regular faces in our events, Jerry Gates and his friend, Andreas (drums). They are still new to this, only got the chance to learn two months, but the spirit are there already. Thomas Sylvester and Billy Likumahuwa are helping to shape them up too.

The combination of today’s top 40 and jazz standards became their choice. Jenny and Cecilia started first with “If I Ain’t Got You”. Not only playing, Cecilia sang too. After that, the rest of the band joined in. “Autumn Leaves” was the song, followed by Maroon 5’s “Sunday Morning” in much slower tempo. The soulful Jenny then pinned Raisa’s big hit “Could It Be Love” and then served the last party with Bruno Mars’ “Treasure”.

These kids are still in their mid teen, yet look at how good they are progressing in playing jazz. Not easy, since they have responsibilities to do the best on their formal study, but they seem able to share some of their time to play music especially jazz. We are happy to see the birth of new jazz souls like this, and we are excited to see their progress. We know the board of teachers/mentors are good musicians, but now we also know that they are good in teaching the kids. A good musician should also be able to teach too, don’t you think? Passing the knowledge and skill to the next generation will create fresh new players that we need in order to keep it alive. In other words, the future of jazz is in their hands. Thank you Andreas, Jerry, Thomas and Billy, may you never stop in making and finding more potential talents. And kids, keep up the great job!

Different menu was served on the second round. It was a duo of Galant Yurdian and Puspallia Panggabean, together as Gallia. Well, both of them share the same passion and most probably calling. Puspall is active in several groups and often goes back and forth from Bandung to Jakarta, Galant achieves success as the bassist of Deugalih & Folks and 70’s Orgasm Club. With Puspall however, Galant switches his weapon with guitar and proves that he can play it just as good. They have been supporting each other for quite some times and stood tall as one of the Duotone teams at Klab Jazz’s special event last August, 2014. Just based on this fact alone we could already feel that this pairing would give interesting things. And yes, they actually did.

Throughout the session, Puspall who looked cute with Indian ‘bindi’ on her forehead demonstrated the solid vocal quality that has attracted many seniors in Jakarta. Galant did very, very well not only in playing but also in the arrangement post. Basically they served a unique, acoustic tribute to the great, great American legend, Cole Porter. Except one song from Frente, “Cuscutlan”. Not an ordinary song choice perhaps, but they took and played it beautifully. “I just love that song,” said Puspall, giggled. As for the Cole Porter songlist, they didn’t just take them but rearranged them differently.  “Anything Goes” served grand, just like the way Kate Capshaw did at the opening scene of “Indiana Jones and Temple of Doom”. Amazingly, they did it by two, not with a big band like Kate. After the sweet “Night and Day” , Gallia demonstrated how good they could rearrange and execute songs with “Let’s Fall in Love” and “In the Still of the Night”.  The first mentioned song got heavy blues treatment. In a way, we could feel Galant’s soul and spirit in this one. Then, the last song began with minus one before Galant painted the song even more with his colorful play. So different, so fresh, creatively crafted.

There are several factors that make this pairing works. First, they have been supporting each other for quite some times. They know each other closely and share the strong chemistry. Then, this duo share the same passion in music. Eventhough their music reference and channel might be different, but they surely know what to choose. Another important thing to mention, both of them are remarkable artists. Equipped with skills, heavily gifted and fully experienced, they can create something new by flying wide, stretching the border to find broader musical horizon, without leaving each of their style and taste behind. We had been wishing to invite them for a couple of months, but only now finally we got the chance. In the midst of big sized bands, a duo like this can be really refreshing and should be kept going, especially when the duo is as good as this couple. Bravo, Gallia!

The last performing band was Olteje. Stands as O Learns to Jazz, this group interestingly has a fully respected drummer in it: Henky Suparjan. On the other corners this band also has experts consists of jazz experts: Caroline Tjhi (piano), Okki Jatikusuma (guitar) and Leo Hansen (bass).

They began the journey a couple of years ago, establishing the connection fast and keep digging more and more repertoires, from simple jazz standards to the complex ones. That’s why they like to spread their wings wide on stage, reaching swing, bossa, fusion and other kind of jazz horizons. In performing, they often add more bites with vocalist and/or percussionist.

For this event however, Okki couldn’t make it at the last minute. But worry not, Dicky Ampouw, one of the saxophonist of Salamander Big Band stood tall replacing him. A song written by Joe Zawinul for Cannonball Aderley Quintet, “Mercy Mercy Mercy” gave a grand start. From there, they moved to the second checkpoint, playing Dizzy Gillespie’s “Night in Tunisia”. The classic Latin jazz standard “Mambo Inn” took us into a cozy, breezy beach mood. After “Cheek to Cheek”, Olteje gave a completely relaxing ending in bossa style by taking Jobim’s gem, “Look to the Sky”.

A pure jazz extacy were produced by this amazing jazz quartet. They made it so simple, but you could really hear that they played in master level. Challenging and fascinating, refreshing. Special thanks to Henky Supardjan who’s willing to play with electric drum in order to play in this event.

Jam session served right on. Tonight we got a special participant. Not a senior, but on the opposite, an 8 year-old girl named Nadine. She studies at VMS with Nanet Ken Asri, once an active jazz pianist. She came, approaching us asking to jam, and actually played very well. Accompanied by Jerry Gates (guitar), Billy Likumahuwa (vocal), Farrel Ong (drums) and Yosua Setiawan (bass), she played “Autumn Leaves” flawlessly. The bass guitar changed hand to Nicodemus Horrison and guitar to Adya Amru. “Misty” was the song. Imagine an 8 year-old girl in a jazz event, not just watching but performing! How wonderful is that? We are happy to find another wonder little girl who rises so early.  She knows what she likes already and sticks with it. Amazing.

The photo session took place in the middle of that song. But after that, the jam session still carried on. This year’s X Factor participant, Andre Arizky ran to the stage and sang “Route 66″. Nicodemus on piano, Amru on guitar and our very own photographer, Titus Firmanto on drums.

Another good round that has many stories to tell. We are happy with the result, and we love the variation served in this one. From junior high schoolers to today’s success artists to respected musicians. Positive energy and happy vibes were all over. We thank everyone who came to support us, the playing and jamming musicians, the audience and mall-goers, salute to you all.

Breaking News: Braga Jazz Walk will only be a monthly event from now

Allow us to announce that due to some circumstances, Braga CityWalk has decided to cut off one of the regular schedule. If before we run twice a month, from now on we only run once, on the second Thursday of the month. So, until further notice Braga Jazz Walk becomes monthly. There are many bands still to showcase, but unfortunately the call is not on us. Whoever fill the 4th Thursday night won’t be from us, and we get nothing to do with it at all. This is why jazz lovers and musicians have to keep supporting local jazz community. No matter where, many jazz community struggles to maintain its show. Your support is always counted and appreciated. We’ll see you again next month with another batch, another style and another story.

Watch the video highlight from Braga Jazz Walk 11

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

Many would agree that the variety of theme offered is very, very limited at the recent time. There are some brightly creative talents manage to create something interesting, yet most of them fail to enter the market that’s ruled by the unseen hands. The question is: does our music scene today still have a room for new comers? And, if they are not with the big labels, do they have the chance? Well, the chance might be small, but we like to believe that there is. There are evidence too can be found in the industry. Those who started from scratch, struggling hard, fighting with and sacrificing anything they have to succeed. Some interesting and big potential talents have emerged from the independent/indie road. By being creative, one can still dig some more ways in the independent road to fulfill their dream and calling.

Meet the young talent whose career has just entered the new, more promising dawn: Pangeran Muda ‘Panda’ Siagian (twitter: @PangeranMudaPM). He rose very early and have gained so many experience since he was still a little kid. We will let you know more about this, but let’s focus on his most recent move. As he’s preparing his debut solo album, last Saturday (March 14, 2015) he launched his single “Terpaku” (‘Stunned’) at Tokove Cafe, Kemang, Jakarta. This single is made light and easy listening in R&B mode with a little pop jazz and tells a story that’s close to us. The main theme is love, but Panda views it from quite a different angle. He might have dissapointed the one he loved many times, but still he receives love and happiness from her. So he expresses his love to her, telling her that his heart’s locked on her and let her know that he wouldn’t be able to live without her.

This song is produced by Tommy Widodo (co producer of Pongky Meet the Stars Album). Amazingly, throughout the process of making the album, Panda invites everyone to support him by being Co Producer. That’s the reflection of the spirit of unity, something that he has inside his soul. He truly believes that wherever there is unity and the will to support one another, the result will be something that can inspire many hearts.

So far he has prepared 6 songs, all written by himself such as “Daraku”, “Bergegaslah, Kawan!”, “Akulah Pangeranmu”, “Bully”, “Kaulah Yang Ku Sayang” and “Hidup Sederhana”. As shown on the title, Panda take many daily life’s story as the theme, more than just simply about love. “True, there are so many love songs already, but we don’t fall in love everyday. So many other stories in life that we experience every day.” he says. Based on that, he speaks loud on life motivation, family, friendship, nature and even anti bullying. Quoting him, “We need more songs that can help to express our feeling on a daily basis.” In cooking up his meal, Panda doesn’t want to trap himself into any particular genre. He describes his music as “Complicated Pop” that accomodates all the music styles/genres that he likes, from Soimah (Soimah Pancawati, a presenter, singer, sinden, comedian) to Amy Winehouse.

On one hand, Pangeran Muda launched his single “Terpaku” as the first step towards a successful solo career. On the other, he also used the momentum to launch the Crowdfunding GO PANDA! campaign. This is a creative move made by him that openly involves the fans and wider society to support local musicians. Here’s how it goes. Panda and the team will visit many places to run a campaign in a hope to move many people to support the album. Using people’s power for a positive cause? That’s inspiring. If this idea works, many artists could follow his step, so they can keep working and progressing independently without having any intervention and/or coercion from the ruling people/elite  at the top. It will give more alternative for music listeners as well as creating and enriching healthy music scene.

If you still don’t know him, allow us to bring you closer to him. This young man has achieved no less than 200 achievements throughout his career. The prestigious Java Jazz Festival and JakJazz are just a few of the event that he’s in. He has performed in Hong Kong and Macau and crowned as the Ambassador of Jakarta Musical Production Ministry. Speaking of competition, he won the 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” and runner up of Bintang Radio Festival in Jakarta, 2005. Last year he reached the Top 20 in Indonesian Idol 2014. As if those are not enough, he also exists as an actor. He starred the musical series “Peri Cinta dan Anak Jalanan” as the leading role as a part of the 9th Anniversary of SCTV. His voice was heard in some jingles for tvs and radios such as Honda, Spacy, Madurasa and Aneka Tambang. Recordings? Been there done that. He has released a couple of albums, particularly gospel. Two gospel albums in 2009, one Batak and one Christmas album “Colours of Christmas” in 2011 listed in his portfolio. What a shining resume, amazingly achieved before he even reaches 30 years of age.

We have had him on our very own regular event, the Braga Jazz Walk. Like a giant magnet he dragged mall goers to his show, joining the medias and attending fans who already stood near the stage (read the report here: http://jazzuality.com/jazz-event-report/braga-jazz-walk-05-the-report/). From what we have seen, this man has it all. He has beautiful, soft and tender voice that will melt the girls’ heart, and wide range too. He has the look, smiley, familiar and friendly. He is also a prince charming that can create happy mood when he’s around. He has everything (including the ‘it’ factor) needed to success. A career in music is clearly his calling as his happiness can be felt throughout his performance.

“I wish to present a more real form of art that can be enjoyed at any time. And my dreams won’t stop there. I also wish to motivate young generation in Indonesia to be fruitful. Despite anything they lack of, they should know that they still have the chance to make something according to their calling and gain success. ” he said. Then continued, “As a part of long term mission, I have the vision to give support and appreciation to them, so they will know that by making serious effort, they can also make themselves and their works heard by many. ”

As what we have said in 2014, the year 2015 might become the best year for Pangeran Muda aka ‘Panda’. After Tulus, he is the next big thing. Let’s wish him the best, for the released single “Terpaku”, for the Crowdfunding “GO PANDA!” campaign, for the process of making up the album and of course for a successful career.

Written by: Riandy Kurniawan
Photos courtesy of Pangeran Muda

Music learning and writing has taken on different platforms, and now musicians have turned to their everyday gadgets to expand their jazz horizons, learning new songs and even utilizing them as a resource to write their next piece. Although Harry Decimo of Evolver.fm explains that the “truly useful musicians’ tools designed for players who know what they are doing are decidely rarer,” there are definitely a few apps out there that no jazz musician can do without.

Using your smartphone or your tablet as a tool for jazz players is rather unconventional compared to traditional resources, such as sheet music and a metronome, some might say. But being that mobile internet is the most powerful trend on the internet landscape to date, as discussed by Gaming Realms, operator of bingo portal Free Bingo Hunter, an app can do more than what you might think. From recording music to learning jazz terms, these apps are recommended by jazz musicians, for jazz musicians.

iReal Pro
If there was just one app that every player needed to have, it would be this one. Available on both Google Play and the App Store, iReal Pro is the best tool for musicians, beginners or professionals, to master their art. As an added bonus, the app features a realistic sounding band that accompanies you as you practice. It’s a book and a band all in one.

Set List Maker
Just as the name suggests, this app is a must-need for those that need an organizer for their gigs. Rather constantly erasing your ideas, tossing papers into the garbage, and reorganizing set lists by hand, you can manage songs efficiently while attaching notes, PDF charts , and much more. Set List Maker is compatible on both iPhone and iPad, but for the purpose of notetaking and chart viewing, downloading the app on your iPad is your best bet.

iMusic Dictionary
All the Italian terms in this genre can be hard to keep up with. iMusic Dictionary currently has over 1,400 definitions that cover the extensive verbal vocabulary associated with jazz. Other than the theoretical terms that appear in your sheet music, obscure instruments, slang, musical styles, and oddly enough historical references are also included in the database. Unlike other dictionary apps, such as Musictionary, the definitions are simpler and more concise.

The Braga Jazz Walk was a two weekly program, used to be running on the second and fourth Thursday of each months. Unfortunately right after the successful Pre Event of Java Jazz Festival, the venue Braga CityWalk decided to cut down the schedule to only once a month, on the second Thursday. We do realize that it’s not enough, but we can’t do anything but to agree with the decision. We hope with all the limitation, our effort for the regeneration of jazz musicians in edutainment concept can still be carried on the best we can.

So, who will play at the Braga Jazz Walk #12 in April, 2015? First, there will be a band, consists of young guns, that places two violins in front. The band’s called Violin Project. It’s still new, established earlier this year when two young violinists, Kiki Abdul Haqi and Raga Dipa wished to hold an internal concert that finally took place at the Auditorium Indra Music last month by the name of Violin Night. Their fellows are strongly supporting the duo such as Pandu Watu Alam (piano), Marsha Oktora (guitar), Satria Tri Buana (bass) and the talented drummer who has played at our event quite many times, Andi Pramudito. Funk/Fusion is said to be their style of music, served along with jamming mode. Since Raga is the personnel of Bandung rock band named Restless, you will easily find some rock pattern in their music. Violin is not the usual instrument to find in jazz and rock, therefore a band like this is important in terms of enriching our music with colorful varieties.

If you watch Tesla Manaf ft Mahagotra Ganesha, you will find this next man to mention standing behind the keyboard. If you bump into West Java Syndicate’s gigs, you will find him too. He is YD Nafis, an all-round keyboardist highly respected by many young guns in Bandung. About 6 months ago when the Braga Jazz Walk just started, he told us about his plan of establishing his own group. It wasn’t easy to find the perfect ones to fill up each line, but instead of waiting, he started directly with whatever available. The drummer was already there, the young Alman Naufal who’s currently absorbing drumming knowledge and skill from Elfa Zulham. With a very minimalistic format they have graced some stages, including some appearance on our own soil. Later on we heard that he has found a bassist. Then we invited him and his trio to fill up this edition’s slot. He took it and told us that he just got a new bassist, Robby Tribuwono Saksono. YD Nafis Trio, that’s the name of his jazz band. Most likely they will go deeper in digging the free jazz with energetic improvisation, or who knows if Nafis has other ideas. But one thing’s sure, it’s going to be interesting and enjoyable.

Then, the third band we invite is a band consists of students from STiMB (Sekolah Tinggi Musik Bandung) a.k.a School of Musicians. The band’s called Find Taste, with Billy Likumahuwa (vocal), M Rizky Pratama (guitar), Muhammad Firmansyah (drums) and Jonathan (piano). The vocalist Billy who constantly appears and jams almost in every edition of Braga Jazz Walk has a unique deep baritone voice and loves to sing no matter what genre he’s being given. Recently he’s been placing his interest in jazz singing that’s perfectly accomodated by having reliable compatriotes in Find Taste. As they have been showing their support by attending our event at regular basis, We’re happy that finally we can give one full slot for them.

Normally we only invite three bands per edition. But for this one, we are proud to introduce a very special little girl named Nadine. She’s still 8 years old, but she could already play on stage like a pro and even joined much older players in jam session without any problem. We met her for the first time in the previous 11th edition. She came with her mom, and confidently approached us for joining the jam session. Wow. She played two songs: “Misty” and “Autumn Leaves” flawlessly, as if she has done it for many, many years. We have featured some boy prodigy in our event like Kafin and Jeremy, but now we found a girl, even younger but can already go surfing on jazz stage. Currently she studies at Venche Music School (VMS) with Nanet Ken Asri. Always feel exicted to find a new talent, and certainly it’s a blessing to meet a girl prodigy who rises so early like her. Jam session will be provided right after that, open for everyone.

We hereby invite you, jazz lovers and musicians in Bandung to join us in this event. It’s totally free from any charge. You can enjoy the presentation, you can jump into the jam session. We hope everyone can have a good time, jazz style. Don’t forget the date, 9 April 2015. All said, see you on Thursday!

Braga Jazz Walk #12

Date: April 9, 2015
Time: 07:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Location: Braga CityWalk
Jl. Braga no 99 – 101, Bandung

FREE EVENT!

Featuring:

:: VIOLIN PROJECT ::
Kiki Abdul Haqi (violin)
Raga Dipa (violin)Pandu Watu Alam (piano)
Marsha Oktora (guitar)
Satria Tri Buana (bass)

:: YD NAFIS TRIO ::
YD Nafis (piano)
Alman Naufal (drums)
Robby Tribuwono Saksono (bass)

:: FIND TASTE ::

and introducing:
:: NADINE ::
8 year-old jazz pianist

Medan, the capital of North Sumatra has been widely known as the rock city for ages. But what’s interesting is that jazz actually lives and grows healthily too in there, especially since 2011. Since that year, Medan or North Sumatra officially has its own annual jazz festival. It was founded by proud Medan son, Erucakra Mahameru, Berklee Collee of Music alumni. He gave North Sumatra Jazz Festival (NSJF) as the name and set a solid and steady ground for jazz development in this particular area. Year after year this festival has been showing rapid growth. From using only local artists to international event, NSJF has brought colorful variation of jazz to the society. What’s interesting is that the local traditional musics are involved too in each edition, also the jazz and ethno musicians living in the city.

Now allow us to have your attention, especially if you live in Medan and nearby locations. This event is ready to launch its 5th edition. Waspada EMusic (WEM) in cooperation with IndieJazz Indonesia proudly present North Sumatra Jazz Festival 2015 (NSJF 2015) which will come soon on April 11, 2015, taking place at the Grand Ballroom of Karibia Boutique Hotel, Medan. It will start early at 4:00 pm in the afternoon to accomodate more local bands/artists and to give more presentation to the jazz lovers in Medan and North Sumatra in general.

Probably you’re curious to see this year’s lineup. Starting with the local talents, there are several bands consist of young lions to perform. Among them are Elnino (North Sumatra University/USU), Kalila Project (Universitas Negeri Medan/UNIMED) and Rio Riezky & the Band. These three bands will perform all the way until the Maghrib praying call.

It’s going to get hotter right after that, because that’s the time for big(bigger) cats to rest their case. First of all, the Medan/North Sumatra jazz-rock and this festival’s icon Erucakra Mahameru & C Man is going to open up the main event.

Also starring a senior bassist, Roedyanto. He is the founder of legendary fusion band Emerald-BEX. Roedyanto is no stranger to this event since he was among the lineup for the first edition in 2011 with Emerald-BEX. This year he’s going to collaborate with a new-comer who got huge potential to be the next big thing in our music scene.

Next, the KadriJimmo. This is a progressive rock-fusion from Jakarta. This band is led by the singing-lawyer who’s also known as one of the important names behind the progressive movement in Indonesia, Kadri Mohamad. Kadri and Jimmo are the frontlines of this group, plus the legendary artist who has produced loads of hits especially during the 80’s and 90’s, Keenan Nasution.

Now, for youngsters, there’s a singer you don’t want to miss. It’s Teza Sumendra, the alumni of Indonesian Idol Season 3. He didn’t make it, but that didn’t stop him to find his way to the top, because today he’s one of the favorites especially among teenagers and youngsters. After series of participation in jazz events including Java Jazz Festival and Jazz Goes to Campus, he’s going to extend his jazzy path to this very event.

From the international resources, a jazz drummer from South Korea is making his way for the very first time to NSJF. He is Phil Yoon. For this gig, he’s going to bring his quartet and shows that Korea is not all about boyband-girlband and K-Pop, but the nation does jazz too.

Malaysian jazz icon, saxophonist Razak Rahman is ready to merry this fest for the second consecutive year. Just like his visit to the other places, Razak comes with a mission to educate, share and deliver a message to the younger generation of the richness in quality of the Classical Malay Music from his homeland. Hopefully many of you would still remember that Razak is historically related to Duke Ellington. When Mr Ellington came to KL around 40 years ago, he met the 12 year-old Razak Rahman and planned to bring him to New York, unfortunately Ellington passed away before that happened. But Razak still emerged as a respected jazz musician from Malaysia. One thing you should know is that despite his reputation, he has never been given the opportunity to penetrate the Indonesian market until the invitation he received from Erucakra & Arsyadona Mahameru to North Sumatra Jazz Festival 2014 last year. So it’s great to see that he’s back.

If last year he came alone, this year he will bring his own band. Joining him are Muhammad Afiq Aiman b. Johari (piano), his wife Mazlina Abdul Manan (vocals), Adrian Palikat (drums) and Mohd Nizam b. Azis (rebana). He will also feature his long time friend, bassist Ron Carter and the honorable Prof. Hanfie Imam. As if that’s not enough to spoil the audience, Razak invites a special guest star appearance by Rozita Rohaizad who is the niece of the legendary Puan Sri Saloma (wife of the late maestro Tan Sri P. Ramlee) and daughter of legendary actress Mariani. Razak Rahman’s session will be special. Not only since this all-star cast will bring some classic Malaysian songs but also as the symbol of friendship between two neighboring nations that actually share similiarities in many aspects, including historical and cultural heritage that dates bck centuries, language and so on.

By looking at the lineup, we can get a hint that there will be assorted flavors of music to grab at the North Sumatra Jazz Festival 2015. Of course varieties of jazz will be on top, but you will find pop, rock, soul, RnB, blues and everything in between too in it. Waspada eMusic and Indiejazz Indonesia always wish to bring ‘good’ and ‘necessary’ music entertainment to the Northern part of Sumatra. Keeping the strong identity, character and form are important too for them. The committee has announced that they are absolutely ready to jazz you guys up with this 5th installment. Are you ready? North Sumatra Jazz Festival 2015, Jazzversity Culture!

5th North Sumatra Jazz Festival 2015

Date: Saturday, April 11, 2015
Time: 04:00 pm – onwards
Location: Grand Ballroom Karibia Boutique Hotel, Centre Point Complex, Medan

Ticket: IDR 100.000 (early bird)/ IDR 130.000 (on spot)

For complete ticketing info, please refer to this link: http://www.northsumatrajazzfestival.com/#!tickets/c1xl2

For more info, log on to http://northsumatrajazzfestival.com

As a community-based jazz edutainment program, Braga Jazz Walk was once running as a two weekly event, but right after the Java Jazz Pre Event which featured artists from three nations, the venue Braga CityWalk informed us the cut down due to some reasons. We still don’t know if this is going to be permanent or until when, but what we do know is that we should still focus in providing the local young guns a reliable platform to grow. Either they need promotion, wish you try out their concept, need to gain experience or simply love to perform in front of real audience in public places, this event is totally free for them to use.

While for the well established musicians, this event should be able to stand as a meeting point between them and the younger ones. They can share their knowledge and experience, they can give feedback, or they can let the youngsters learn through live performances. We provide jam session too in every edition to accomodate just about anybody who want to taste the jazzy stage. For musicians or singers who still has no band, this session can be useful. For the band members, this could freshen them from routines. And for the audience, they can always taste it anytime they want to. So far we have receieved many positive feedbacks and still have to work better on several issues. But generally, so far this event is still running on the right track with plenty of success stories to tell.

After a long one full month, Braga Jazz Walk #12 was back again in action on April 9, 2015. For this edition we prepared 3 bands plus one special session. The special session featured a still 8 year-old girl that seems to know her destiny from such early age. Her name is Nadine. Nadine is currently studies at Venche Music School (VMS) under the guidance of a female jazz pianist we know very well, Nanet Ken Asri. She brought her mom and came to the previous 11th edition, where she directly approached us in order to ask for joining the jam. She amazed us directly from the first note. She could already play on stage like a pro and even joined much older players in jam session without any problem. This event is for talents like her. We invited her to have a slot in this edition, she grabbed it excitedly.

Before Nadine had her first ever gig in life, Find Taste was the band to start the night. The band’s called Find Taste with Billy Likumahuwa (vocal), M Rizky Pratama (guitar), Joe Bastian (bass), Anthony (guitar) and Andre (drums). The vocalist Billy who constantly appears and jams almost in every edition of Braga Jazz Walk has a unique deep baritone voice and loves to sing no matter what genre he’s being given. Since last year he’s been placing his interest in jazz singing that’s perfectly accomodated by having reliable compatriotes in Find Taste.

Speaking of song choice, they selected 4 songs with really different backgrounds. First, Antonio Carlos Jobim’s gem “Wave” in pop bossa, then they caught everyone off guard with Ismail Marzuki’s “Panon Hideung”. From there they visited The Beatles by singing “Come Together” in jazz-rock spirit then sealed their session with “Biru”.

As they have been showing their support by attending our event at regular basis, We’re happy that finally we can give one full slot for them. Unique baritone voice and young but capable musicians are found inside this band. As they are still pursuing the formal education in music, we are glad to be able to support them. Since Find Taste’s filled with passionate boys, we know they still have many things to offer. If this event still runs, we will invite them again and see their progress.

Then came the time for us to see the adorable little girl, Nadine. She was there alone, playing all by herself. She was very brave to do so. Look at her repertoires: “Take Five”, “Over the Rainbow” and “Night in Tunisia”. Sweet and simple, with all the innocence and purity of a child, Nadine mesmerized everyone as she gained loud applauses from one song to another. How could a girl her age handle the pressure of performing in front of the audience? Not something that’s easy for them, but the adorable Nadine overcame all of her nervousness and came out as a winner.

We always feel happy to meet new talent, especially a rare talent like Nadine. Imagine, while girls her age are still playing with dolls and starting to learn how to develop skills in activities they love, Nadine already found what she destined to be specifically. We are thinking, if she can already play like that today, how amazing will she become in the future. She has all the chance in the world, especially since her parents are supporting her fully. We are proud to be able to feature/introduce her, and hope she will take Braga Jazz Walk as home and come more often.

Next was a trio, YD Nafis Trio. First, meet YD Nafis, an all-round keyboardist highly respected by many young guns in Bandung. About 6 months ago when the Braga Jazz Walk was just started, he told us about his plan of establishing his own group. It wasn’t easy to find the perfect ones to fill up each line, but instead of waiting, he started directly with whatever available. The drummer was already there, the young Alman Naufal who’s currently absorbing drumming knowledge and skill from Elfa Zulham and proudly is working as a drum instructor at the Venche Music School. With a very minimalistic format they have graced some stages, including some appearance on our own soil. Later on we heard that he has found a bassist. Then we invited him and his trio to fill up this edition’s slot. He took it and told us that he just got a new bassist, Robby Tribuwono Saksono.

For the first time YD Nafis Trio rest their case in our regular event, and according to Nafis, it was their first ever gig too as a trio. “All the Things You Are” was first, but then they served a surprise by pinning Nirvana’s classic “Smells Like Teen Spirit” into a soft but free jazz outfit. Throughout the songs Alman tranced behind the drums, showing how much he’s dwelling into it. Nafis let his soul go over the terrains, freely, happily. As for the newest member Robby, he is remarkable in guarding these two and keep everything intact. For the last song, they gave a cool cover of Robert Glasper’s song titled “FTB”.

YD Nafis is not only a remarkable jazz pianist. He’s also a leader that expressively spreads positive vibe and happiness that can be felt by both fellow players and the audience. He leads and serves at the same time, thus make the trio stands solid. Alman as usual was into his trancing mode as a reflection of how much he’s into his play. And Robby is indeed an excellent bassist who really knows what to do. We predicted earlier that this session would be interesting and enjoyable, and yes it actually was. We enjoy YD Nafis’ keyboard playing in Tesla Manaf ft Mahagotra Ganesha and West Java Syndicate, now we see the other side of him in more central position. According to Nafis, Robby completed the core. His group may expand with more than trio, but the three will always be the core. Playing as a  trio is tricky and never easy, but Nafis should feel lucky to have Alman and Robby around, vise versa.

The final showcase was a band, consists of young guns, that places two violins in front. The band’s called Violin Project. It’s still new, established earlier this year when two young violinists, Kiki Abdul Haqi and Raga Dipa wished to hold an internal concert that finally took place at the Auditorium Indra Music last month by the name of Violin Night. The violin duo are strongly supported by their friends such as Pandu Watu Alam (piano), Marsha Oktora (guitar), Satria Tri Buana (bass) and the talented drummer who has played at our event quite many times, Andi Pramudito.

Andi told us earlier that Funk/Fusion is the main style of their music. Since Raga is the personnel of Bandung rock band named Restless, some rock pattern is alive and kicking too in their music. They opened up with Chick Corea “Spain”. Jazz rock sounded majestic from them, plus some samba beat and other twists enriched this opening song. As they attracted more and more people, the threw more songs including Secret Garden’s “Poeme”, and Clean Bandit’s “Rather Be”. They do have original song too, written by Didi entitled “Journey”. For the last song, they played UZEB/Didier Lockwood’s “The Kid”.

6 players connected and shone bright. The rich, strong and steady drumbeat, fine guitar line and melodious rhythm from the bass, fired up keyboardist and of course, two brilliant violinists in front created one solid package of music. Violin is not the usual instrument to find in jazz and rock, therefore a band like this is important in terms of enriching our music with colorful varieties. It feels good to be able to feature this in our event. Hopefully more people could see that there are so many possibilities in jazz and certainly, you can use any kinds of instrument to bring out the jazzy soul in you.

Jam session started afterwards with Nadine and YD Nafis. They shared one piano and played “Take the ‘A’ Train” and then “Autumn Leaves”. Interestingly, Nadine’s grandfather who came to support her took the mike and sang. A golden, round baritone voice of the grandpa gained loud applauses and cheers from every one in the venue. Frank Navayo (guitar) joined in.

Nafis’ dear wife, Misty then took over the mike and sang “How Insensitive”. More players rushed in: Omega (piano), Rio (bass), Rizky (guitar), Anthony (guitar) and Alman (drums). Misty led them and sang Raisa’s “Could This Be Love”. Billy took the other mike and sang too. The photo session happened during this song, but there was one last batch: the whole YD Nafis Trio plus Billy (now on guitar) with Fauzan Razak (vocal). They made a spontaneous but stand out cover of “Feeling Good”. That became the end of this 12th edition.

Three groups in various formats and styles plus one special solo performance by an 8 year-old girl were the story of this 12th edition. It’s great to see many young players are already capable to bring good music in the name of jazz. We are satisfied with the variety of instruments being used, the wide age ranging and colorful sounds. Oh yeah, the jam was cool too. There are many bands still waiting to be featured. We will bring another fresh batch next month. If the event still runs, you can be sure to get something different. That’s all for now, see you again next month.

Watch the highlight of Braga Jazz Walk #12

See more pictures:

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

“We want to make it different than other festivals in Indonesia.”  That’s what Erucakra Mahameru told us in April 2011, just a couple of months before he launched his brainchild, the first-ever jazz festival in Medan city called North Sumatra Jazz Festival (NSJF). By saying different, actually Erucakra meant to uphold the idealism in presenting high quality of jazz-tertainment, without forgetting the rich traditional music from different tribes living in that particular area.  It was in 2011. Since then, we have been witnessing rapid growth. It now stands as an international festival. Many spontaneous collaborations indicates the fact that jazz is indeed a universal language. That’s not an easy thing to do in Medan, but it does work. Jazz penetrates Medan in the way never happened before. They have jazz communities, good regeneration and better and better acceptances from the societies. If Medan was once known as rock city, one must admit that it is jazz city too now. And North Sumatra Jazz Festival plays a very vital part of it.

Just a couple of days ago, the North Sumatra Jazz Festival as the fruit of solid collaboration between Waspada emusic (WEM) and Indiejazz Indonesia as the organizer has reached its 5th anniversary. At the press conference held in Marin Lounge Karibia Hotel on Friday, April 10th, Erucakra said that he’s ready to bring more jazz subgenres into the mix of cultures which has been seen as the city’s distinct scenes for years. This new theme’s called Jazzversity Culture. This year’s edition once again showcased spontaneous collaboration among performers from various countries.
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Along with the official home band Erucakra C Man Band, from South Korea we got Phil Yoon Group consists of Phil Yoon (drums), Lee Jongwon (Saxophone), Lee Myeonggeon (Piano) and Heo Jinho (bass). From Malaysia, Razak Rahman and friends featuring Professor Hanafie Imam, Rosita Rohaizad (vocal) and Adrienne Pallikat (drums). From our side were the girl-wonder from Bali, 15 year-old VK a.k.a Vickay joined Emerald BEX’s Roedyanto, and the Indonesian progressive rock-fusion band, The KadriJimmo (Kadri Mohammad  & Jimmo) took us back to feel the atmosphere of 90’s Indonesian music scene together with Keenan Nasution. Keenan’s lifespan carreer as a drummer, pianist, guitarist, writer and also famous singer, from the member of God Bless to Guruh Gipsy (with Fariz RM & Chrisye) and Gank Pegangsaan, has made him a living legend in our music industry. To add more excitement to the younger audience, Indonesian Idol’s alumni Teza Sumendra stood tall in the lineup.

The 2015’s edition started early with the performance from Medan’s local bands Elnino from University of North Sumatra,  Candle & Moonlight and UNIMED’s Kalila, with some Melayu/Malay and South Tapanuli (Mandailing)’s traditional dance to describe more of this year’s cross cultural theme. The night’s got stronger jazz ambience with Rio Riezky & the Band who sang their own compositions and Gugun Blues Shelter’s “Turn It On”.

Vickay then jazzed up the stage with her amazing performance. Being only 15 year old, this jazz girl-wonder came up with her own songs from her first album, “You Don’t Know Me.” Not only great in singing, she also demonstrated her ability in playing multi instruments including keyboard and guitar. With Emerald BEX’s Roedyanto, Vickay sang ‘What’s Going On?”. the bluesy “Beggin” and “Bahagia Lagi”.

Time to check out the jazz icon from our neighboring country: Razak Rahman and Friends. Razak and his team offered jazz tunes with the ellegance of Malay traditional sounds, even included a Malay monologue. The wonderful chemistry of Razak’s saxophone and Prof. Hanafie Imam’s  bass flew smooth over the Malay rendition of Duke Ellington’s “Don’t Get Around Much” presented in a translated Malay format: “Kini Aku Sendirian”. This song was sung by Mazlina Abdul Manan. The treat didn’t stop there, because then they brought in two of P. Ramlee & Puan Sri Saloma’s classic hits “Asmara” and “Mahligai Kahyangan”,  sang by Rozita Rohaizad. Rozita is the niece of Puan Sri Saloma (wife of the late maestro Tan Sri P. Ramlee) and daughter of the legendary actress Mariani. Not only in carrying the legacy, Rozita suits perfectly with the song too, as if she was born to sing it.

 Erucakra then joined them. Together they ran wild with John Coltrane’s “Impressions”.

With Rheinhard Tobing (one of the founder of Medan’s famous Session Band before forming his own Rheinhard & His Combo) as their new additional personnel on keyboards, Erucakra C Man Band seemed to have new power. This time with the formation consists of Brian Harefa (saxophone), Rusfian Karim (drums) and Okky Pendawa (bass), their compositions felt more variative and melodic than ever. The y played Miles Davis’ classic “So What” in acid jazz variations, Chick Corea’s “Blue Miles” in strong blues touch and Dave Brubeck’s  “Take Five” in Al Jarreau’s version with lyrics, which became the highlight of their performance. This quite complicated composition was nicely sang by Erucakra. He also showed his scat-singing ablity which surprised the audience. They ended their part with The Beatles’ classic “Come Together” in a quite unique variations.

Phil Yoon then came up on stage and gave everyone a different flavor. He let us enjoy the  taste of South Korean jazz which is a rarity to many jazz audience here. Their highly attractive playing clearly reflected on the repertoires which were mostly taken from their albums like from the 2007 album “E.J. (Homage to Elvin Jones)”, “Nardis”, “Jindo Arirang”, “The Ride” and from the 2012 album “The Reminiscence of Mom”, “Joshua”, “Bull’s Eye” and “Boston Blues”, where they collaborated with Erucakra Mahameru’s masterful guitar sound and techniques.

As the night got even hotter, The KadriJimmo (formerly The KadriJimmo The Prinzes of Rhythm) got their shot. KadriJimmo is a duo vocalist group consists of Kadri Mohammad and Jimmo (known from Melly’s duet hit ‘Pujaanku’ from the hit movie ‘Eiffel I’m In Love’). Along with the band, these guys knocked the audience out with their progressive rock-fusion repertoires. Some was taken from their album ‘Indonesia Hebat’ like the uniquely titled “Secangkir Teh Sebelum Kau Pergi (A Cup of Tea Before You Leave)” and the upcoming single “Energi Cinta (Love Energy)” composed by Kla Project’s Adi Adrian & Bemby Noor. After the majestic medley of “Badai Pasti Berlalu” which also featured Popo the keyboardist on vocals, the most awaited Keenan Nasution joined them on stage.

Accompanied by The KadriJimmo’s Noldy (guitarist), Soebroto (bass), Popo (keyboard) and Hayunaji (drums), Keenan swept the audience with his classic hit from Gank Pegangsaan, “Dirimu”. Then he took Guruh Gipsy’s “Indonesia Maharddhika” which also came from  2014 all-star thematic collaboration album featured many Indonesian famous musicians including The KadriJimmo and  Keenan. Then finally, the one that started it all in Keenan’s carreer, “Nuansa Bening” came from him in a surprise duet with Vickay, who gave cool improvisations by flying over wide range of notes. It was really, really beautiful.

NSJF 2015 wrapped the event with Teza Sumendra in his ever attractive performance, mostly for the young audience. He sang RnB’s latest hits like Jay Z’s “Show Me What You Got”, Beyonce’s “Drunk In Love”, Jessie J’s “Bang Bang”, Mark Ronson feat Bruno Mars’ “Uptown Funk”, his own single “Real Love”, “Tonight”, “I Want You, Love”, “Girlfriend” and the festive Earth Wind & Fire’s classic “Let’s Groove”. Teza’s performance successfully brought the audience came closer to the stage and dance.

This festival is fully supported by the city’s government and proudly stands as an international-scaled annual that should be able to attract tourists to visit Medan, as said by Medan’s vice governor HT Erry Nuradi in  his official speech. The collaboration between Erucakra Mahameru’s Waspada Emusic and Dion Momongan’s IndieJazz Indonesia isn’t just successfully introduced jazz and its various subgenres to the wider audience, it also gives more opportunities to the local jazz bands and musicians. In a hope to see more and more success story in years to come, let’s never stop giving our support to North Sumatra Jazz Festival.

See more pictures:

Reporter: Daniel Irawan
Photographer: Ferry Rumahorbo
Editor: Riandy Kurniawan

Established in 2008, The Executive Student Board (BEM) of the Law Faculty of Padjadjaran University has made several international musicians came to Indonesia and blended with various Indonesian musicians. As we know for this year they already completed the line up, so prepare yourself for The 7th International Kampoeng Jazz year 2015, people! Years go by and committee still keeps the tradition alive. So as usual this event will be held at kampus Universitas Padjadjaran Dipati Ukur on May 2nd, 2015. Perhaps it is safe to say while Jakarta has its own agenda every year for jazz gig in campus, Bandung also has Kampoeng jazz as annual event we all wait for. Theme keeps it all together, and for this year, they go twisting Michael Jackson’s song title, “Don’t Stop Till You Jazz enough”. Yes, feels familiar right? Kampoeng jazz has its own teaser you can check in YouTube and they use one of Michael Jackson’s upbeat hits “Don’t Stop till You Get Enough” as soundtrack. Feel the vibes and the spirit through that video and this is more about Kampoeng Jazz 2015.

The committee surely gives their best into this event and as we can see through many social media, they already started to spread the news about Kampoeng Jazz many months ago. Many promos, many ticket boxes, and many quizes are the ways to remind people that next month are the time for this big event of jazz. Aside band audition, call for tenants and bazaar, Kampoeng Jazz also create a challenge in their instagram. Four winners from this challenge will get the opportunity to have tickets, meet greet free pass, and t-shirts for free. Maybe you fellas want to check out their instagram, challenge your sense of arts, and meet us at the gig.

After Renee Olstead, Tahiti 80, Sondre Lerche, and several other international musicians performed last years, Kampoeng Jazz will give us the chance to see Bondax and Jizue live real soon. Bondax is an electronic music duo from United Kingdom consists of Adam Kaye and George Townsend. 2012 was a momentum where they built their own record label and in 2013 they had started the music journey across Europe. Not to mention, they both still young and ready to conquer the world with their genre transcending.

Jump back to Asia, we get Jizue, a Japanese band of post-rock and jazz influenced genre. Actually the name of this band can be considered unique because it is a derivation of French soccer legend nickname, Zinedine Zidane (Zizou). Yup, not only they love jazz, they also put their heart in soccer. Many albums has created from these talented musicians and smooth jazz, electronic guitar, piano, salsa add many color to their play.

Krakatau Reunion at last year’s Kampoeng Jazz 2014

Bandung is a place full of creative people and the atmosphere of this city is full of arts. No wonder it has formed many big names in Indonesian music. Gigi, Mocca, Kahitna are some of them. The idea of GIGI in jazz gig maybe leaves you a question. While we have seen the jazzy side of GIGI at the Java Jazz Festival several years ago, it will still be surprising to see this famous rockin’ pop group plunge themselves into jazz and established the GIGI Jazz Project.

Nearly 30 years Kahitna do their music and it all started in Bandung. Here they are back again to see their loyal fans in Kampoeng Jazz and we will be reminded to the first’s year of their music career where jazz clearly influence their tunes. Mocca once again go back home and will meet us also in this gig. Like they already said in twitter, they are preparing something special for Kampoeng Jazz, an unusual formation, and it is called Mocca and Friends. Have you listen to their newest album? Get yourself ready to sing along with them.

The husky voice from Syaharani along with Queenfireworks-ESQI:EF aren’t new in jazz are. We already met them in many events before and yet we always want more, especially from their newest album, ‘Selalu Ada Cinta’. Beben jazz, one of the founders of Komunitas Jazz Kemayoran, also will be on stage along with the Friends and fresh concept to entertain Bandung. Won’t your jaw drop to see G-Pluck Beatles, Endah n Rhesa, and Adhitia Sofyan are on the list? If those aren’t enough, Kampoeng Jazz still has Blotymama, Yura, Dried Cassava and Babendjo Sung Angklung Udjo to lay their tunes later. Not to mention three tops of previous band audition, let us welcome talented youngsters: MEPT rio, Salty Sugar, and Chakraborty who also will join the big stage.

Have you save the tickets in your hands? Now here’s the info about the ticketing. After the 1st and 2nd Pre-sale tickets got sold out, now they are in the 3rd pre-sale with the price of IDR 160.000. Yes, that worth all the fun you’ll get at Kampoeng Jazz. So do not hesitate to grab the tickets now in ticket boxes and other ways the committee prepared so you can easily purchase it. For you guys who already have it, see ya and let your soul affectionate with millions of pleasant tones!

Ticket Price: IDR 160.000 (presale III)

Date: Saturday, May 2nd, 2015
Location: Campus Ground Universitas Padjadjaran, Jl. Dipatiukur no 35, Bandung

For more info:

Twitter/Instagram/ask.fm: @KAMPOENGJAZZ/ @kampoeng_jazz /@kampoengjazz
Website: kampoengjazz.net
CP: 081250805503

Jazz in Palembang has been growing rapidly for the last several years. We are proud to see that some radios in that capital city of South Sumatra are actually active in presenting jazz to the public places. Last year in August, 97.5 Play FM Palembang came up with a great idea that connects the freshness of green nature with the relaxing, calming and pleasuring sound we find and love from jazz. The name of the event is JAZZ TAMAN (Park Jazz). The first one was held in 2014, just a day before Indonesia celebrated its Independence Day and got success. Having jazz on the green, filling your lung with oxygen while letting your mind and soul happy with jazz. What’s not to love about it?

Following the success of the first attempt, 97.5 FM Play FM Palembang once again presents this year’s edition of JAZZ TAMAN. Cool venue and decoration will be provided in order to accomodate the music lovers especially jazz enthusiasts with good quality jazz entertainment while enjoying the natural goodness of city park. And it’s all totally FREE of charge.

This year Jazz Taman will be held at the lovely Kambang Iwak Family Park, Palembang, on Saturday, April 25, 2015 from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm. This edition features jazz crossover musicians such as Jazzyndicate, The Pure Acoustic and special performance by Leonardo & His Impeccable Six.

We have watched and covered Leonardo & His Impeccable Six a couple of times since 2013 and urge you not to miss it. The rockabily-swing connection in Indie music scene courtesy of Leonardo & His Impeccable Six is like none other. Not many group take this kind of train, but Leonardo Ringo and his team opened up a new ride with their rebelious swing with additional assorted flavors. How is it like? More or less, they play swing with Rock ‘n Roll attitude, Blues and even Ska exist in harmony. The whole team proved that swing is not outdated. Today we can still go swingin’ hard without losing our youth. Rebelious, twisting, mind-bending, and when it happens in jazz plus served in the park, imagine what kind of atmosphere will be created.

This year 97.5 Play FM Palembang collaborated with various institutions such as Bank Sumsel Babel, Dinas Pertamanan Penerangan Jalan dan Pemakaman Kota Palembang, Carla & Leaf, PT Rambang, Boom Futsal, Reload Kitchen, Koran Sindo Palembang, Sumatera Express, BP Radio Palembang, Radio El-John Palembang, Jazzuality.com, Warta Jazz plus join hands with some communities including Palembang Jazz Community, Fotografer.net, Bike to Work, Earth Hour Palembang and Palembang Sketch.

In addition to enjoying the city park and jazz acts, players can also participate through exciting games. If you are active in Twitter, you can be updated through @Jazztamankota and @975playfm.

At the end of the event, there will be ‘Operasi Semut’ (Operation Ants) where the crews, alongside with the audiences, will actively clean up the park area to show support to the city.

If you live in Palembang, love jazz and enjoy being in the fresh, green nature, do join this good jazzy cause. Not many people realize, but actually we can have fun while doing our part in greening the city. It will definitely give benefit to the better climate and certainly make world a better place. You can do that while getting the best of entertainment, jazz way. Come and fresh your mind, body and soul.

97.5 Play FM Palembang Presents: Jazz Taman

Date: Saturday, April 25, 2015
Time: 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Location: Kambang Iwak Family Park, Palembang

FREE EVENT!

For more info:

MARKETING & SALES 97.5 PLAY FM Palembang
Jefri: +62 81368682626
Jl. Bay Salim No.1 Komp. Percetakan Rambang, Palembang

Jazz saxophonist Roger Hanschel: “Take your time, drink tea and listen to music!”

Jazz saxophonist Roger Hanschel studied at the Musikhochschule Köln in Germany and School for Fine Arts in Banff, Canada. He founded the group Nana in 1983. His works have appeared in 23 CDs and he has toured extensively at jazz festivals around the world.

Since 1987, he has been a member of the group Cologne Saxophone Mafia, which won a number of awards. Hanschel also founded the trio Triosphere, quarter Heavy Rotation, and a duo with the singer Gabriele Hasler, and has teamed with Dutch cellist Ernst Reijseger as well.

His most recent collaboration is with Indian musicians Deobrat Mishra on sitar and Prashant Mishra on tabla. Their group, Trio Benares, performed in Bangalore recently at the Windmill Craftworks jazz pub. I caught up with Roger Hanschel after his performance for this exclusive interview on jazz and fusion.

How did Trio Benares get formed?
RH: I have felt deep love for Indian classical music since a long time, because I am a fan of shehnai legend Ustad Bismillah Khan since the early 80s. But after all those years I was dis-satisfied because of my limited knowledge of this music. So, I decided to spend some time there in India where Bismillah Khan lived and take some lessons.

In summer 2013, I was visiting the Mishra musicians – Deobrat on sitar and Prashant on tabla. It was clear that this would not be a regular teacher/student relationship but more a ‘colleague-ship.’ So after playing a little together in Varanasi we had a concert in Cologne in September 2014. That was when we decided to form Trio Benares.

What made you interested in music in your early years?
RH: My mother was singing in a choir and my sister, who is four years older than me, is a violin player and was of course inspiring me in early years. I started playing recorder at the age of eight, and at the age of eleven I was listening to a concert where there was a saxophone player. I fell immediately in love with that instrument and never stopped playing it since then!

What are the challenges you face as a musician and composer?
RH: The challenge is to express my emotions through music and the way to get to this goal. I always want to find the emotional center in myself and make this portable through music.

Who would you say are the leading musical influences in your career?
RH: John Coltrane, Bismillah Khan, J.S. Bach, Jan Garbarek, Hariprasad Chaurasia.

How are you able to blend such different musical genres so effectively, i.e. create ‘fusion without confusion’?
RH: It is all about avoiding copies of any styles and to find the true voice of yourself. It’s about finding the real unique sound of this trio. We do not put fixed styles together. We try to be open minded and put influences of the colleagues into their own ways of playing. We are all leaving known paths and approach unknown areas without losing their own expression.

How would you describe your musical journey?
RH: In the beginning of my career, I was playing and composing much more experimental, searching for new possibilities which were not there before. The older I become, the more experienced I become with the ability of getting to the point of concern, which is searching for the real Roger. Who am I, and what is my center of being which has to come out through my music? For this aim I am now much more able to design my music, to know exactly what I want to express.

What is your vision of what music can do in this day and age.
RH: Music can move people emotionally. This is a big power I think. It can be stronger then every political statement.

What new album or video are you working on now?
RH: I am now working on the recordings we made with Trio Benares. The CD-recording has to be edited and mixed and will be released hopefully soon. There are also some videos we made of our concerts we played in India last month I have to work on. Besides Trio Benares, I am working on a pre-production CD for a septet. I was writing music based on poems of Christina Rossetti.

What have been your previous highlights in playing across India?
RH: In 1994, we played a four-week tour through India and Pakistan with the saxophone quintet, the Kölner Saxophone Mafia. That tour was very important to me. After being a fan of Bismillah Khan for many years, it was a little like coming home.

Do you compose on the road also, while travelling?
RH: Basically I am never composing on tour. At the most I make some notes to not forget ideas. Composing is for luxury of time and I want to have a good time while composing. No stress, good tea, silence!

Do you also teach workshops?
RH: Yes, I am teaching one day a week at the Musikhochschule in Köln. I am educating future professional musicians there. They can sign up for bachelor or master’s degrees with me.

How has the music industry changed over the years, and how has that affected your work?
RH: Producing CDs is not as important anymore as it was 10 or 15 years ago. Downloading or copying illegal is taking place more and more. The music industry is looking for money, not for art above all. This can compromise art. So, especially for young artists, it is important to decide how far they go away from their art towards a career for making money.

What message would you like to convey through your music?
RH: Take your time, drink tea and listen to music!

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

Indonesia is not the origin of jazz, it’s true. But amazingly, there are so many musicians go towards this direction, embracing jazz and breathe them to life through their creations. So many players, so many styles, so many flavors, shapes and sounds, until you lose count. While the long time players still exist, the new ones keep coming. While jazz is not the main thing in today’s music industry, the receptions are really great. The fact is, we always need a huge platform that can accommodate as many local talents as possible, an event where we can see just how rich our jazz world really is.

Here’s the thing. We believe you still remember that two years ago, in the month of August, a new jazz festival was born with many stories to tell. The name they chose was Indonesian Jass Festival. accomodating more than one hundreds musicians from local resources ranging from today’s toppers, legends to the potential and promising young ones. This year the festival is finally back again. We have heard the rumors since last year, but now it’s officially confirmed. With a slight change from Jass to Jazz, the 2nd Indonesian Jazz Festival 2015 will take place on 29-30 August 2015 at Istora Senayan, Jakarta.

As the realization of the initiator’s vision, Indonesian Jazz Festival (IJF) comes as the desire of every music lover in Indonesia. This jazz event has the mission to connect jazz lover, musician, and even the legends, placing the national talents as the host in their own country and providing chance for the young lions who are not getting enough spotlight yet to shine. The warm atmosphere in Indonesian Jass Festival should be able to provide an opportunity for all music lovers and musicians to get good time together. If you check their official website http://indojazzfest.com, you will directly see their mission and intention of the people behind it. They are back with Indonesian Independence Spirit, they wish to Unite Jazz appreciators, musicians and legends in one occasion, dedicate the event to the musicians as a way to appreciate the local musical creativity.

The Groove at the1st Indonesian Jazz Festival (2013)

The logo which is built within the red and white colors represents Sang Saka Merah Putih, the Indonesian flag. The event itself runs not far from Indonesian Independence Day. This second installment has the tagline: Kita Indonesia (We Are Indonesia).

According to ALBA Productions as the initiator and organizer of the event, no less than 120 musicians will be participating at the Indonesian Jazz Festival 2015. They will be spread over 5 stages. Each stage is expected to deliver jazz in wide varieties.

The pre event including auditions to find potential talents have been running, starting from March up until May 2015. Some live performances are set to go in various locations. You can check the spot later through Indonesian Jazz Festival’s social medias.

We will keep you updated with more news. For now, should you need more info regarding the Indonesian Jazz Festival 2015, log on to:
Website     : http://indojazzfest.com
Twitter      : @indojazzfest
Path          : @indojazzfest
Instagram : @indojazzfest

If Indonesia were a plane, the nation is currently having turbulence by passing the stormy economic weather. Indonesia’s economy has been slowing down and getting even worse this year. Prices go up, the purchasing power has only gotten worse. Empty restaurants, malls, public places are just normal these days. Well, if you feel the same and need some good entertainment which is totally free of charge, we are happily invite you to come to Braga Jazz Walk, a regular community event presented by Jazzuality.com, Braga CityWalk and KPH Music. The next stop is Braga Jazz Walk #13, set to go on May 14, 2015, as usual starting on 7:00 pm up until 10:00 pm. And yes, just like before, there will be live performances and totally open jam sessions.

What will you get this time? There are three groups and one solo ready to pleasure you. First, let’s talk about the solo performer. His name is Galant Yurdian, but he likes to be known just as Galant. This man is no stranger in Bandung, especially in the indie communities, from jazz, folk and blues. He’s originally a bassist, but he plays guitar amazingly well. Speaking of bands, this man has quite colorful sound. He goes deep into blues with 70s Orgasm Club, he embraces folks with Deugalih & Folks (just released an album “Anak Sungai”: https://itunes.apple.com/id/album/anak-sungai/id965589936), and in duo Gallia he shows his jazzy side. More on albums, he has released his debut “About A” in 2010 and the most recent one, “Live at Eksperimentasi Akustika 3″. This man can play any genre, from jazz, blues, RnB, alternative, rock and so on just as good. If you want to know more about him and his works, simply go here http://inmyroom.us/galant2/ and http://inmyroom.us/galant/. If in last edition we had him playing as Gallia, this is the time to have him performing all by himself. He’s one of a kind, see yourself.

Then a new rising star who we predict will be all over the scene in no time, Pangeran Muda (also known as Panda). This handsome, smiley young man amazingly has achieved no less than 200 achievements throughout his career. He’s been in prestigious international-scale events in Indonesia, he has performed in Hong Kong and Macau, even crowned as the Ambassador of Jakarta Musical Production Ministry. Speaking of competition, he won the 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” and runner up of Bintang Radio Festival in Jakarta, 2005. Last year he reached the Top 20 in Indonesian Idol. He starred the musical series “Peri Cinta dan Anak Jalanan” as the leading role as a part of the 9th Anniversary of SCTV. His voice was heard in some jingles for tvs and radios such as Honda, Spacy, Madurasa and Aneka Tambang. Speaking of album, Panda has released a couple of albums and soon, his debut solo album is right around the corner.

Approximately two months ago he just launched his single carrier titled “Terpaku” at Tokove Cafe, Kemang, Jakarta. Not only that, he also launch the Crowdfunding GO PANDA! campaign. If you don’t know what it is, it is a creative move made by him that openly involves the fans and wider society to support local musicians (http://jazzuality.com/jazz-news/pangeran-muda-panda-single-launching-and-crowdfunding-go-panda-campaign/). Here’s how it goes. Panda and the team will visit many places to run a campaign in a hope to move many people to support the album. It’s certainly interesting to see him using people’s power, and if this idea works, many artists could follow his step, and that will give benefit to our music industry. We are proud to have him again for the second time, after the 5th edition in November 2014 (read the report here: http://jazzuality.com/jazz-event-report/braga-jazz-walk-05-the-report/).

Next, Frank & Co. The name could remind you of a famous jewellery company, but this band has no connection with it. Instead, it comes from the name of the leader, Frank Navayo on guitar. If you see him play, he will remind you of George Benson and the likes. He is calm while in action, seriously and confidently into his play. Accompanying him in the band are Josua Stephen (keyboard), Yeremia Liong (drums), Christopher Andika (flute & saxophone) and Ken (bass).

They play contemporary jazz which is friendly even to the most common ears, and interestingly the band involves flute that certainly adds more flavor into the music. Last time we had him in our event in August last year, they gave a tight and neat performance. We are curious to see them now. How far has the band grow? Let’s check it out together.

Last but not least, we are happy to announce that this edition will have high school students too. The name is Puella ft Marvel. Puella is a vocal group consists of four girls: Ervita Fauziah, Luis Anastasia S, Astiani Dewi A, and Cynthia Prilly P. They are still pursuing their formal education in high school, but as a team they are solid and have bagged some shiny achievements in local and national level. Serving as the musician for them is Marvel Timothy. A vocal group that has been running since more than 4 years ago that has won some competitions would be interesting to see. At least we know the singing quality of Luis who performed at the Christmas Edition as a part of MYKids (http://jazzuality.com/jazz-event-report/terraz-jazz-10-special-independence-day-edition-the-report/). Plus, on behalf of regeneration, this group does suit our mission.

Jam session will be available after the performances. No matter what you play and your musical background is, you can always jump into the pool and join the other sharks. You can meet new friends and who knows, you might form your own band with new friends. It already happened, just so you know.

There we have let you know the menu for Braga Jazz Walk #13. Once again, this is a FREE event. That means, you can bring your friends as many as possible, and you can join the jam session any time you want to. If you have a band and wish to be featured, don’t hesitate to tell us. This event is created as a platform for any jazz-related musicians to express their soul, unleash the creativity and also, a place where you can gain media promo. If you are not a musician but a jazz lovers, you can be entertained for 3 hours straight. Alright then, hope to see you on Thursday.

Braga Jazz Walk #13

Date: May 14, 2015
Time: 07:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Location: Braga CityWalk
Jl. Braga no 99 – 101, Bandung

FREE EVENT!

Featuring:

:: PANGERAN MUDA ::
Pangeran Muda Siagian (vocals)
Klency Lyman Lembono (keyboard)
Reinhard Woran (bass)
Bernardus Ajutor Moa (guitar)
Martin Julio Sutanto (drums)
Mario Ruben (saxophone)
Gina Dewi (backing vocals)

:: GALANT ::
Galant Yurdian (guitar/vocal)

:: PUELLE ft MARVEL ::
Ervita Fauziah (vocal)
Luis Anastasia S (vocal)
Astiani Dewi A (vocal)
Cynthia Prilly P (vocal)
Marvel Timothy

:: FRANK & CO ::
FRANK NAVAYO (guitar)
Josua Stephen (keyboard)
Yeremia Liong (drums)
Christopher Andika (flute & saxophone)
Ken (bass)

Close your eyes and think of Bali. What’s pictured in your mind? Beach, forest, green paddy fields? The island of 10.000 temples? Majestic view of sunset and sunrise? The mystical fragrant of frangipani? Traditional dress and the Balinese gamelan music? Well, those are a few of the magical thing that you could get by visiting Bali. No wonder, Bali has been standing as one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world for ages. Now, what about picturing Bali as one of the top jazz destinations, not only in Indonesia but in the world? Why not. Since two years ago, the relationship between Bali and jazz has been getting closer than ever. There is an annual jazz event that serves cross-cultural entertainment that can be used as a knowledge and experience exchange. We’re talking about a big move made by the founder of Underground Jazz Movement Yuri Mahatma and the owner of ANTIDA Music Productions, Anom Darsana. Their brainchild added the specific jazz color into the Ubud’s heavenly landscape. It’s Ubud Village Jazz Festival (UVJF).

So here’s the big news. The annual 3rd Ubud Village Jazz Festival will be held, once again, on 7th and 8th of August 2015 at the same location, ARMA Ubud and will feature a world-class line-up that is guaranteed to be even more impressive than the previous festivals (read our report from last year’s edition:  UVJF Day 1 and Day 2).

Acclaimed jazz musicians from Indonesia such as Indra Lesmana, Nial Djuliarso, Dewa Budjana, Dodot & Co, Gustu Brahmanta Project, Kirana Big Band, Dion Janapria, Nita Aartsen Trio, Dwiki Dharmawan, Balawan etc, and international musicians, Oran Etkin (USA), a great bass clarinetist who has won a Grammy Award for his compilation CD “All About Bullies”. Etkin’s latest album on Motema Music, Gathering Light, features his trio with Nasheet Waits and Ben Allison plus guests Lionel Loueke and Curtis Fowlkes. This won’t be the first time for Etkin to visit Indonesia, since he has been here, also in Bandung to perform at the Saung Angklung Udjo in 2012. But now he’s going to paint the Bali sky with jazz. This amazing Trio just can’t wait to come to the island of God and experience the unique sensation of playing jazz in Ubud.

New Yorker Laura Brunner will bring you her deep voice, combined with Nial Djuliarso Quartet. Both, they have done some projects in USA and Asia. Nevertheless, Julian Banks Trio and Alex Lahey (Australia), the interesting Miles! Projects (Holland) which features Michael Varenkamp and Ben van den Dungen. The brain, guitarist Yuri Mahatma, his dear wife, pianist Astrid Sulaiman and many, many more artists, will play under the stars in the grounds of the magnificent Arma Museum, Ubud.

Last year’s Ubud Village Jazz Festival (doc. Jazzuality.com, photo by Praditya Nova)

Encouraged by different kinds of local communities, Ubud Village Jazz Festival stands for one of the most respected Jazz Festival in the region. Most of the organizers who volunteered in the event, are coming from different backgrounds, such as art, media, video, design, music, even food! Yet, it keeps the spirit of UVJF, that is mall festival but big message.

Anom Darsana, one of the co founders of UVJF said, “Our talented young Indonesian artists are the key to the development and future existence of Jazz in Indonesia.” The Festival aims to provide important cross-cultural and networking opportunities between International and local jazz musicians and will showcase established and emerging musicians over two days, using three stages. It will collaborate with local industries, such as handmade drums from Jakarta and double bass from Solo and bamboo installation for the stage décor.

And for the second time, Ubud Village Jazz Festival 2015 is proud to partner with The Jazz Summer School in Korea-Netherlands as an exciting initiative to promote Jazz education in Indonesia. The Bali Jazz Summer School will be held over 5 days before the festival and will be divided into 6 classes featuring guitar, drums, piano, double bass, brass and reed instruments and vocal.  Said Yuri Mahatma, Festival Co-Founder , ”This is a great opportunity for young Indonesians to gain valuable knowledge and improve their skills through classes in theory and daily jam sessions”.

Ubud Village Jazz Festival says this in their official website. “We wants to keep it elegant, small, but we will maintain the quality.” They will work with whatever they can to make a clear statement that this is not only about concert and party but we concern about the regeneration and the high quality music education for the youth. A festival with character, that’s what they intend to be in each and every year. This event will come in a few months, arrange your trip to Bali and be a part of this fest. It’s time to feel the magical, mystical vibes of Bali not only by everything this land possesses, but also from its jazz spirit.

For more info, please visit: www.balijazzsummerschool.com

Early bird Ubud Village Jazz Festival tickets are now available online and will be available until July. Don’t miss out on this extraordinary deal!

– Early Bird ticket price (Including taxes) February- July 2015 period
Please log on into our website to get the most updated tickets’ price.

– Normal ticket price (Including taxes) Aug 2015 period
One day ticket: IDR 385.000
Two days ticket: IDR 550.000
For further information or inquiries, please check our website: www.ubudvillagejazzfestival.com

The world of music has lost a legend with the passing away of blues singer, songwriter and guitarist B.B. King (September 16, 1925 – May 14, 2015). He was nicknamed ‘The King of the Blues’ and one of the ‘Three Kings of the Blues Guitar’ (along with Albert King and Freddie King).

Though I was lucky to hear Albert King in concert (and other blues greats like Buddy Guy, James Cotton, Jimmy Smith, Koko Taylor, Stevie Ray Vaughan), I missed the legendary B.B. King. When I was training to be a radio jockey at WMUA FM 91.1 in Amherst, Massachusetts, the blues featured prominently in my early mixes, especially the soul-searching vocals of B.B. King and the hypnotic riffs on his guitar, Lucille.

Though he witnessed humiliations and discrimination during the racial segregation days in the US, B.B. King continued to tour and play across the US and around the world, inspiring people of all races and nationalities with his devotion and brilliance in music. Here are 60 quotes which capture some of the spirit and experience of B.B. King, whose music has influenced blues, jazz and rock musicians for over five decades and will continue to do so decades to come.

• A lot of times I say to myself ‘I wish I could be worthy of all the compliments that people give me sometime.’
• A rose is a rose. It’s pretty. But that doesn’t mean you want to snap it off and put it on your lapel.
• America might be a little eager too go to war. We don’t consider the cost of what this is going to do to us in the long run.
• Blues don’t necessarily have to be sung by a person that came from Mississippi as I did, because there are people having problems all over the world.
• Blues seemed to be right at the bottom of the totem pole, and because of this I always felt that I wanted to bring the kind of respectability to the music.
• Blues was started by the slaves and I think everybody thinks that it all should be sad … even some of the slaves had fun with it.
• Don’t matter if you’re gay or straight, Black or White, you still have the same problem.
• Everybody wants to go to Heaven, but no one wants to die to get there!
• Everything I record, I just try to sound like me and come up with songs that suit what I do, and then just go for it.
• Guys who would ask me to play a blues song would always tip and maybe give me a beer as well!
• I believe all people are good. Some just do bad things.
• I call myself a blues singer, but you ain’t never heard me call myself a blues guitar man.
• I don’t think it’s meant for man to know everything at once.
• I don’t care for the music when they’re talking bad about women because I think women are God’s greatest gift to the planet – I just like music.
• I don’t like anybody to be angry with me. I’d rather have friends.
• I don’t think anybody steals anything; all of us borrow.
• I don’t think it’s meant for man to know everything at once.
• I don’t try to just be a blues singer – I try to be an entertainer. That has kept me going.
• I like to feel in most cases like I’m a big guy with long rubber arms that I can reach around my audience and swing and sway with them — move them with me.
• I like to feel that my time and talent is always there for the people that need it.
• I love women most of all.
• I never use that word, retire.
• I started to like blues, I guess, when I was about six or seven years old. There was something about it, because nobody else played that kind of music.
• I still think I’ve got a head on my shoulders, and it pleases me.
• I think I’ve done the best I could have done. But I keep wanting to play better, go further.
• I think maybe I’ve earned the right to sit down now.
• I think of guitar players in terms of doctors: you have the doctor for your heart, the cardiologist, then one that works on your feet, your leg. But I believe George Benson is the one that plays all over. To me, he would be the M.D. of them all.
• I tried to connect my singing voice to my guitar an’ my guitar to my singing voice. Like the two was talking to one another.
• I was born and raised in a segregated society, but when I left there, I had nobody I disliked other than the people that’d mistreated me, and that only lasted for as long as they were mistreating me.
• I’d rather be B.B. King. I try to do what I do better, not get away from it.
• If T-Bone Walker had been a woman, I would have asked him to marry me. I’d never heard anything like that before: single-string blues played on an electric guitar.
• If there was no ladies, I wouldn’t wanna be on the planet. Ladies, friends, and music – without those three, I wouldn’t wanna be here.
• If you can’t get your songs to people one way, you have to find another.
• I’ll keep playing until I feel like I can’t.
• I’m no good with chords. I’m horrible with chords.
• I’m still searching even today for a sound, like the guy that’s searching for a home. I haven’t been able to find that completely.
• It can never be perfect, it can never be exactly what it should be, so you got to keep going further, getting better.
• I’ve been married twice. Most women would rather not be married to a traveling blues singer.
• I’ve put up with more humiliation than I care to remember.
• I’ve said that playing the blues is like having to be black twice.
• Jazz is the big brother of the blues.
• Nobody loves me but my mother, and she could be jivin’, too.
• Some people say that blues singers are always cryin’ in their beer. But you know what? I don’t drink.
• That to me is heaven, being out in nature.
• That’s one of the things about being an entertainer. What we do — it’s just sharing the thoughts that many people have.
• The beautiful thing about learning is nobody can take it away from you.
• The blues was bleeding the same blood as me.
• The blues was like that problem child that you may have had in the family. You was a little bit ashamed to let anybody see him, but you loved him. You just didn’t know how other people would take it.
• The crowds treat me like my last name. When I go onstage people usually stand up, I never ask them to, but they do. They stand up and they don’t know how much I appreciate it.
• There are so many sounds I still want to make, so many things I haven’t yet done.
• There’s a sadness to all kinds of music if you want to hear it. There’s also happiness to it if you want to hear it.
• Touring a segregated America – forever being stopped and harassed by White cops hurt you most ‘cos you don’t realise the damage. You hold it in. You feel empty, like someone reached in and pulled out your guts. You feel hurt and dirty, less than a person.
• Water from the White fountain didn’t taste any better than from the Black fountain.
• We all have idols. Play like anyone you care about, but try to be yourself while you’re doing it.
• When I do eventually drop, I pray to God that it’ll happen in one of three ways. Firstly, on stage or leaving the stage, then secondly in my sleep. And the third way? You’ll have to figure that out for yourself!
• When I go onstage each night, I try my best to outguess my audience.
• When people treat you mean, you dislike them for that, but not because of their person, who they are.
• When you don’t have much money, you worry that they’ll just put you in the ground someplace and your loved ones won’t know where you are.
• You got to pay attention to the language, hear what it’s really saying.
• You never miss what you’ve never had. I never had any other life. I didn’t know any other life.

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

After one full month, Braga Jazz Walk was back again. Reaching the number 13, this edition featured variety of styles brought by wide range of talents, from high school to university students, from the new rising star to the name who has achieved respect inside the independent circuit. Two bands, one vocal group and one solo, that was the list in terms of format. Speaking of crowds, we are happy too that we got many visitors, from the jazz lovers, active musicians (some of them enjoyed the jam session), and we even got jamming participants from the audience.

This edition started with a vocal group consists of high school students: Ervita Fauziah, Luis Anastasia S, Astiani Dewi A, and Cynthia Prilly P. and the only boy helping them on music, Marvel Timothy. This group appears as Puelle ft Marvel served pop jazzy vibes with soothing vocal harmony. They are still high school, but this group actually has begun 4 years ago and already bagged many prestigious achievements.

Since the first song, “A Whole New World” from Aladdin OST, these young girls have shown their maturity of singing. They have good control and lovely harmony over any song they choose. And the selection of songs are interesting too, ranging from Kahitna, “Cerita Cinta” and “Cinta Sendiri”  to U2’s “With or Without You”. They did it really good, so good that we felt these were too easy for them. Marvel on piano did very well too in providing sweet melodies to the girls. Nice opening.

There are not so many vocal group today in our music scene, especially in the jazz corner, so Puelle is actually important to stand as the ambassador of jazz vocal group, especially since they are good. The audience seem to love them too, as they attracted many passers-by to watch the whole performance. It won’t be easy since they still have to pursue their formal education, but if they keep going, we believe they have the chance to fly high. You go girls!

From high school to college students. The second round was taken by Frank & Co. The name would remind you of a big jewelery company, but they are not associated in any way. Having said that, their music is as precious as a jewel. Guitarist Frank Navayo led his team consists of Josua Stephen (keyboard), Yeremia Liong (drums), Christopher Andika (flute) and Ken (bass) to drive us into the contemporary, smooth jazz horizon. For half an hour straight we enjoyed good stuff from them under high skill of playing.

The sound of flute made their music richer, and Frank in front did really well in leading the show. The rest of them gave stand out contribution too from start to finish. This was like more enhanced Frank & Co. They have risen the bar much higher by playing more complex compositions comparing to the last time they played for us at Terraz Jazz. Al Jarreau’s “Mornin'” got a modern jazz treatment. Then Frank presented his own composition inspired by the early swing years which has some Dixie inside titled “Humble Girl”. From there, even more difficult one came out, still original song titled “Try to Find Someone”. And they went funky on the last song, Jaco Pastorius’ “Chicken”.

We don’t find many pure jazz band in Bandung anymore, so we cherish the moment when we meet one from the new generation. Frank is undoubtedly a fine young guitarist that loves to explore. He told us that he’s into Kurt Rosenwinkel at the moment, and we can see how he’s upgraded himself much higher than before. Having skillful companions make this band sharp in presenting the concept. They play tight and neat too. In the midst of pop jazzy bands, a pure jazz band like Frank & Co should carry the mission to preserve jazz in its true form, along with the tradition and so on. Frank & Co speaks jazz fluently, we like it.

Next is the next big thing. A smiley, cheerful and humble young man who soon will dominate the industry. A man who has bagged more than 200 achievements and graced so many prestigious stages in and out the nation before he even reached 30. He is none other than Pangeran Muda. Recently Panda, his nickname, is working hard in establishing his position stronger than ever by preparing his debut solo album. Last month just a week after the Java Jazz Festival 2015 he released his single carrier titled “Terpaku” as well as launching the Crowdfunding GO PANDA! campaign. If you don’t know what it is, it is a creative move made by him that openly involves the fans and wider society to support local musicians (http://jazzuality.com/jazz-news/pangeran-muda-panda-single-launching-and-crowdfunding-go-panda-campaign/). If this works, this can be a groundbreaking alternative for newcomers who want to make their own album. Believe it or not, Panda wishes for that. “I wish to present a more real forms of art that can be enjoyed at any time. And my dreams won’t stop there. I also wish to motivate young generation in Indonesia to be fruitful. Despite anything they lack of, they should know that they still have the chance to make something according to their calling and gain success.” he said.

We have had him performing in Braga Jazz Walk #5, and since he has made new moves, it’s about time to have him back again. If last time he brought all-star cast to back up his performance at Braga Jazz Walk, this time Panda gave more intimate session, featuring Andi Rustandi, the pianist of a famous band T-Five and his producer, Yabes. Yabes is the bassist of Bams (ex Samsons), but for tonight he played guitar in one song.

Pangeran and Andi greeted everyone with a famous song “Love Me Harder”. He directly demonstrated how high he could climb the scale without problem. He took time to give his single CDs to three lucky people right after he sang “Dibawah Sinar Bulan Purnama”. Then the single carrier “Terpaku” that has all the ingredients to be a big hit, and Yabes joined in to serve one last party with Jessie J, Ariana Grande and Nicki Minaj’s song, “Bang Bang” in funky blues style.

Since he’s inspired by wide range of artists; from Soimah (Soimah Pancawati, a presenter, singer, sinden, comedian) to Amy Winehouse, he likes to call his music as ‘complicated pop’. But his songs are not difficult to digest at all. He writes lyrics that speak about what we experience in daily basis and use it to send positive messages. The melodies are made ear-catchy but rich. He’s appeared in television musical series, he’s won some competitions, he’s been everywhere. But now is the time to establish himself as a major force in the music world. By looking at what he has, we have no doubt that he has all the chance to succeed. He has good vibes, the medias seem to love him and of course his works, and the wind is currently perfect for him to sail. It’s certainly fascinating to see a star in the making like this. And we are happy that he has left his marks in Braga Jazz Walk. Pangeran Muda a.k.a Panda can be a good source of inspiration for those who are still working to establish their spot in music.

A manouver happened when the third session began. Galant Yurdian, better known as just Galant took over the stage and performed all by himself. Allow us to tell you more about this cool dude. First of all, this man is no stranger in Bandung, especially in the indie communities, from jazz, folk and blues. He’s originally a bassist, but he plays guitar amazingly well. Plus, he sings just as good.

Speaking of bands, this man has quite colorful sound. He goes deep into blues with 70s Orgasm Club, he embraces folks with Deugalih & Folks that just released an album “Anak Sungai”: https://itunes.apple.com/id/album/anak-sungai/id965589936), and in duo Gallia he shows his jazzy side. Other than that album, he has released his debut “About A” in 2010 and also “Live at Eksperimentasi Akustika 3″. Tell you folks, Galant can play any genre, from jazz, blues, RnB, alternative, rock and so on just as good. You can access his albums and find out more about him by log on to http://inmyroom.us/galant2/ and http://inmyroom.us/galant/.

If in last edition we had him playing as Gallia (http://jazzuality.com/jazz-event-report/braga-jazz-walk-12-the-report/), this time he appeared all by himself, singing some of his songs from his two albums. Some has jazzy vibes, the other got blues, folk even grunge/alternative fashion. A strong start with “(Don’t Let Me Say) Goodbye”, he carried on with his version of “Di Bawah Sinar Bulan Purnama” and his own composition picturing a beautiful site from his homeland, “Tanjung Sopan”. The last song is his new, unrelease song titled “Sing It”.

If you notice, we have featured so many solo performers in our own created events. We believe it will enrich the music scene, especially since not many event would love to have solo players. We are, however, happy to have at least one in every edition if possible, especially when realizing how many talents Bandung has that can carry on the concept of appearing just alone. Proud to have Galant and his artistry, and hope to see him back again in other editions.

At the jam session we got so many young singers. Andi T-Five was kind enough to provide music from piano. First his own student named Diva sang two song, “” and “”, then a young man who apparently enjoyed the show while having dinner with his friends. He sang John Legend’s “All of Me” with good soulful style. Then the attending musicians had their own party, mostly from Owcindful plus Ayu Sara and Ocha in front. They sang Raisa’s “Could This Be Love”. And with this song, the 13th edition was wrapped.

The Braga Jazz Walk #13 was fun. Each session offered different side of jazz, different format and wide age range. Tonight the audience got solo acoustic, vocal group, one instrumental jazz band and one pop jazz artist with full band. The jam session was lively too, thanks to participating musicians.

Watch the highlight of Braga Jazz Walk 13 on our YouTube channel

Next month we will be back with a fresh new batch. There will be male solo artist that will definitely hook you up and a female jazz singer who loves to sing standards. We will let you know more later, in the mean time, keep supporting your local jazz community, because it won’t be able to exist without you guys. See you next month!

See more pictures:

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

Rachel Guerzo Productions launches “Alfonso 25”: A various artist album featuring re-arranged original compositions of legendary Alfonso Soliano.

There’s a very interesting project being made in Malaysia. This project project is not only about music, but about how a national heritage must be conserved and how important it is to pay homage to those who have broken down barriers for us. It’s a project involving various artist, featuring re-arranged original compositions of legendary Alfonso Soliano which is packed in one album titled “Alfonso 25″. This album is produced by none other than his own granddaughter, jazz pianist/singer who has been honing her art and cementing her reputation for over two decades, Rachel Guerzo. The title of the album is a play on numbers related to Alfonso’s birthdate (he was born on February 25, 1925, and this year actually marks the 25th anniversary of Alfonso’s demise.

Alfonso Soliano was a pioneer in Malaysian music industry. He started his career professionally at the age of 7 by playing as a pianist for the Grand Jubilee Bangsawan troupe with family members in 1932. He was instrumental in setting up our nation’s first orchestra for Radio Malaya, infusing modern music elements with traditional Malay music. Speaking of jazz, Alfonso is also known as Malaysia’s father of jazz. He trained generations of Malaysian musicians, he broadcast sounds of Bebop, Cha Cha and Rhumbas into Malayan homes, thereby shaping musical consciousness of a modern nation. Alfonso had a very illustrious career for over half a century. Today, his influence continues in the form of jazz inflected Malaysian music which can be heard in Angkasapuri and Dewan Filharmonik Petronas. His protégés include Dato Johari Salleh, Dato Ahmad Nawab and Michael Veerapen. Alfonso’s compositions which run into the hundreds, have never been catalogued.

Since the album is produced by Alfonso’s own granddaughter, we think it would be interesting if we could dig some of the memories of him from Rachel herself. “I was still 16 and alone at home with him when he suffered his final stroke.” said Rachel. “Most times, I would play piano when he was napping. Thinking he would not hear my mistakes – but he would get out of bed to correct me each and every time I made one. He could never stand a wrong note!”. On the day he had his last stroke, Rachel was practicing and he did come downstairs twice to correct her before he got the fatal attack. 25 years later, this girl paid respect and brought the unforgettable works of Alfonso into a whole new, modern horizon. “He was a wonderful grandfather who spoilt all his grandchildren. A pat on the head from him meant the world to me and I would only get that when I played all the right notes – which wasn’t often.” Rachel added, smiling.

The book “Rosalie and other love songs” written by Saidah Rastam and published by Khazanah Nasional, was among the catalysts for this project. A journey into Malaysian music heritage, “Rosalie” highlights Alfonso’s contribution to our music industry and how the ‘Negaraku’ came to be. “Alfonso 25″ features most popular original compositions by Alfonso Soliano, made popular in the 50s – 60s by legendary artists such as Asiah Tuah, Zain Azman, Ahmad Daud, Dato’ Julie Sudiro and Kartina Dahari. These famous songs of Alfonso are rearranged freshly, aims to bring his music to contemporary audiences. Songs in the album (listed below) were given fresh arrangements and re-recorded by The Guerzos, Bihzhu, Ali Aiman and Lokman Aslam.

Tunas Kasih – Julie Sudiro
Ku Puja Alam – Kartina Dahari
Memujuk Cinta – Zain Azman
Rindulah Rindu – Zain Azman
Teruna Idamanku/Gadis Idamanku – Asiah Tuah/Zain Azman/Ahmad Daud
Airmata Berderai – Zain Azman
Malam – Asiah Tuah

Let’s take a closer look at those names. Jazz pianist/singer Rachel Guerzo studied at Western Australia Academy of Performing Arts. Born into Malaysia’s most influential music family, the Solianos, Rachel has emerged as one of the most exciting and innovative jazz musicians in her own right, honing her art and cementing her reputation by playing to discerning live audiences over the past two decades. Rachel is a fluid pianist with a rich and sultry voice to match, a charming personality with a great sense of humor. She is a naturally gifted entertainer in a class of her own. Rachel’s most unique ability to breathe new arrangements to already popular jazz standards, R&B and chart topping tunes is her winning trademark. She has worked alongside very fine musicians such as Jeremy Monteiro, Michael Veerapen, Pascoal Mirelles, Steve Thornton, Valtinho Anastascio, Lewis Pragasam and Farid Ali. With a resume that includes a sell out performance at Dewan Filharmonik Petronas (DFP) and two albums that has garnered local and international buzz, Rachel continues to strengthen her portfolio and remain relevant to the regional jazz circuit

.Rachel’s siblings are also involved. Together the band’s called The Guerzos. The band consists of Alfonso’s grandchildren: Rachel Guerzo (piano and vocals), Don Guerzo (bass) and Dado Guerzo (drums). The Guerzo siblings who are all well renowned musicians in the local music industry, have a diverse repertoire and a formidable musical lineage. Currently working on their debut album, the Guerzos are fourth generation professional musicians, all natural born entertainers and have worked extensively with various musicians and bands before coming together to form this one of a kind trio. The siblings love different genres of music, from Pop, Rock, Jazz, R&B, to Malay Classics and Brazilian Rhythms. They often blend these various styles to produce their own unique sound.

Lokman Aslam is indeed KL’s latest sensation. He’s a newcomer in Malaysian Contemporary Jazz Scene, but the clarity and crispness of his voice, soulful and tender, plus his effortless style of singing confirms him as a rare talent in recent time. His debut album “Namun Engkau Tahu” (“But You Know”) garnered over 100.000 views on YouTube. Currently signed onto Alibi Music as a singer-songwriter, he is currently working on his latest single “Melodi Cinta” (originally by Mazlan Hamzah) and upcoming plans include a collaboration with Jazz songstress, Atilia; and Tilu the experimental, funk and jazzy band consisting of 7 members from both Malaysia and Indonesia.

Then there’s Bihzhu, 2013 Voice Independent Music Award “Song of the Year” winner and “Vox-Pop Winner” in the Cabaret Song category for USA-based 12th Independent Music Awards. This Penang-born lady is gifted with rich, soulful voice and rapturous performances. She’s just recently returned from a 3-city tour of China and continues to enchant audiences from intimate acoustic concerts to festivals in all around Malaysia, Indonesia, South Korea and Australia. Her latest single “Bright Veins” follows in the tradition of her hit single “The Heart Way”. She was also chosen for a Penang Global Tourism ad featuring the famed shoe couturier Dato’ Jimmy Choo on the Asian Food Channel that aired in for 14 weeks in 10 different countries.

Also featuring Ali Aiman. He is without a doubt, one of the few standout producers/singer-songwriters to emerge from the KL music scene in 2014. Known for his sparse, electronic and down-tempo piano-anchored tracks, Ali Aiman’s debut EP, “Overture” has earned rave reviews from local and international medias. His “Every Little Thing” from “Overture” topped the charts while his other songs have appeared on local radio stations. Speaking of magazines and newspaper, he’s all over it too. Together with his trio, Ali Aiman has performed at major festivals and events.

The first release consists of two songs, “Ku Puja Alam” by The Guerzos and “Gadis Idamanku” by Lokman Aslam. “Ku Puja Alam” originally was made as a ballad ‘bolero’ rhythm and sung by the late Kartina Dahari. Later the instrumental version was rearranged and recorded by Orkes Radio Malaya. Classified as R&B with a touch of Pop Rock, Ku Puja Alam featured a well crafted rock guitar solo by Wan Gigi. “Gadis Idamanku” on the other hand, is considered a classic and Alfonso’s most famous composition. This song has been recorded quite number of times by Asiah Tuah, Datuk Ahmad Daud, Zain Azman,The Solianos and Rachel Guerzo. Originally the song’s called “Teruna Idamanku”, sang by Asiah Tuah in bossanova, now this song got a contrasting arrangement by injecting a R&B feel. Lokman’s soulful vocal is perfect on this song. These songs is available on iTunes (https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/alfonso-25-single/id991175988).

The album will be time released and sold online in three stages over a period of six months. A double CD limited edition will be made available by end of September 2015. The final product will contain 8 re-arranged and 17 originally recorded Alfonso compositions. All tunes will retail online via iTunes and Spotify, at USD.99 cents per song. Pre-orders for the final product can be made via email to rachelguerzo@gmail.com.

This project/album is important and interesting. Interesting since it’s produced by someone who’s really close to Alfonso which is none other than his own granddaughter, it involves great all-star lineup and the arrangements are made fresh to suit the taste of today’s music listeners. It is indeed important, since this album can remind everyone of the legends who have started it all so we all can pay respect to them and continue their legacy. “I do hope with this project, to create awareness and to continue in the legacy of my beloved grandfather.” said Rachel. We do hope so too.This project contains good stuffs that you can both enjoy and learn from, made beautifully in memory of the great legend Alfonso Soliano. Let’s support it.

All photos are courtesy of Rachel Guerzo, used by permission

For Indonesian and some other parts of Southeast Asia, Lunpia (Loenpia: the oldest Indonesian spelling or Lumpia) is undoubtedly one of the most favorite pastries. For our foreign readers, if you haven’t heard or tasted it, lunpia is the snack similiar to spring rolls. Originally brought in by Chinese immigrants, loenpia (derives from Hokkien language) can have its own variation from one place to another. One of the most famous is Loenpia Semarang, the variant from the capital city of Central Java, Semarang where significant numbers of Chinese Indonesian (Peranakan) settles. Loenpia Semarang has, in fact, become one of the most famous icons of Semarang, the top of Semarang’s culinary attractions.

Speaking of jazz, this largest city of Central Java province certainly has a healthy one. Thanks to the solid local jazz community Jazz Ngisoringin, jazz has been accessible in regular basis since 2009. Their openness towards all genre, status and level, the mindset of learning and having fun together in the simplest and friendliest way have been proven to work. Since 2012 Semarang has been having its own Jazz Festival too, presented by this very own community. Brilliantly, as a way to promote the hometown and be proud of its cultural heritage, Jazz Ngisoringin decided to use the name Loenpia Jazz for their annual fest. “For us, Loenpia is the symbol of cultural diverstiy of Semarang, and certainly works in harmony with the wide array of rich variety found in jazz.” they said. They also wish to see Loenpia Jazz as a media to strengthen the cultural diversity in Semarang that are communicated in jazz music. Unity in diversity.

Last year’s Loenpia Jazz was situated at the Chinatown of Semarang, featuring no less than 300 musicians, watched by more than 6000 visitors and served for around 10 hours straight. This year it’s going to be bigger and merrier, and it’s just around the corner. LOENPIA JAZZ 2015 is set to roll on Sunday, June 7, 2015, taking place at Puri Maerakaca (Maerokoco), Semarang. As usual, not only you will find all kind of jazz, you can also expect variety of cultural contents too in it. All FREE OF CHARGE.

Last year’s Loenpia Jazz at Pecinan/Chinatown Semarang

Puri Maerakaca is an iconic, beautiful tourist site which pictures the miniature of Central Java province located just 3 km from the airport. It’s named after an ancient wayang story, Maerakaca garden, the most beautiful garden in heaven which was moved to earth by Sukrasana with all cost under the request of Bambang Sumantri. This story inspired the tagline of  this 2015 edition: “Aku Ngejazz Mergo Kowe”, translated as “I’m Jazzing Because of You”. This tagline describes that Loenpia Jazz is presented sincerely by Jazz Ngisoringin community to all the people of Semarang.

The Loenpia Jazz 2015 is set to run from 12 noon to 10:00 pm involving four big stages spread around Puri Mearakaca. These stages will accomodate hundreds of musicians. National stars including Syaharani, Barry Likumahuwa, Endah N Rhesa, BubuGiri, Yura and Bonita & the Hus Band, then some jazz communities from all over Indonesia including Komunitas Jazz Kemayoran (KJK), YK Samarinda and Komunitas Jazz Mben Senen from Yogyakarta. Also featuring Rencang, Aljabar, Baroqah and Baruch Jethroobe representing the local community Jazz Ngisoringin. Stay tuned for more updates from the organizer.

Unlike before, this time you can taste variety of food while enjoying jazz at the same time. Not only to offer new experience but it will strengthen the identity of Semarang as the culinary haven.

Komunitas Jazz Ngisoringin as the organizer believes that Loenpia Jazz can make the city and people of Semarang proud, that through jazz and music, we all can contribute good things toward the art and culture of Semarang. The jazz lovers have an important role too in order to make it successful, simply by attending and having wonderful time in it. In the end, Loenpia Jazz is not just a music fest, but it should also be consider as a cultural event. Come and support Jazz Ngisoringin’s presentation for Semarang, “Aku Ngejazz Mergo Kowe.”

For more info log on to http://loenpiajazz.jazzngisoringin.com
Follow Loenpia Jazz on Twitter and Instagram: @LoenpiaJazz

PalJazz-Palembang Jazz Community returns with “Jazz Night”. This event is scheduled to run on Saturday, June 6, 2015 starting at 3:00 pm at Kambang Iwak Plaza (in front of the official residence of Palembang’s mayor). The event is open for public and free, so everyone can join, including the non-jazz communities in Palembang.

This edition featurs two top bands from Jakarta, Syaharani & the QueenFireworks a.k.a ESQI:EF and Nita Aartsen Trio (with senior bassist AS Mates and senior traditional percussionist Jalu G Praditina). Hopefully they will bring more values to Palembang jazz lovers.

The event is set to be friendly and interactive. It will start with Music Clinic session. The guest stars will share everything they know in terms of their jazz playing skills to everyone in Palembang Jazz Community. Looking at the skill and experience possess by these players, surely anyone can dig as much as knowledge from them.

“This event is open for public and totally free, so everyone in Palembang can enjoy jazz without any boundaries.” said Adji Soebijantoro as the programmer of Jazz Night. The educational aspect is placed on top too, so the local musicians can learn from these top jazz artists from Jakarta, as said by Zaenal Hanani, the head of Palembang Jazz Community.

Jazz Night is once again supported fully by Bank SumselBabel. From music clinic to the performances of bands representing Palembang Jazz Community and BSB Band, the event will reach its peak with two guest stars, Nita Aartsen Trio and Syaharani & the QueenFireworks. If you’re in Palembang, do come and have a good jazzy time!

Braga Jazz Walk is going to reach its 14th edition. From one edition to another, we give our best in presenting multi colored jazz, played by variety of artists. From kids to seniors, the newcomers to experienced musicians, local, national and even international players have graced our stage with their music. What also makes us proud is the fact that the jam session has been proved to work ever since. The Braga Jazz Walk as the fruit of solid cooperation between us Jazzuality.com, Braga CityWalk and KPH Music provides a fun and friendly playground for just about anyone to play on. Now runs once a month on the second Thursday, we feature 4 bands/groups/soloists in each edition.

As we are heading towards the second week of June, here we come to Braga Jazz Walk #14. We are preparing a solid, colorful batch with mostly potential young guns. Electric and acoustic, from swing to fusion, traditional to modern, jazz standards to today’s chart toppers, cover and original songs, all will be yours if you come and join the party.

Now, let us introduce the featured bands/artists for this 14th edition. First, meet a rising star and the next big thing, Fabian Winandi. This young man’s just made his debut in the recording field by releasing his selftitled album a month ago. The album which is available in our online store is produced by the man behind many successful artists, Ari ‘Aru’ Renaldi. He’s also in charge of the arrangement for the album.

If you listen to the album, you will get something fresh directly from the first track. Fabian is great in playing guitar, the instrument that has been with him since he was still a kid. He has a great vocal too. He plays colorful music style by combining many elements like jazz, blues and funk inside his crafts, but he presents them chilled in eclectic pop, easy to enjoy by everyone. The content of the album? “About cheerfulness, love and life.” he said. Plus, all songs reflect his true self. He has released a single titled “Mimpi” (Dream) that currently climbs the charts in many top radio stations. You can watch the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WRUyJWDCWOA.

As the album is released indpendently under Demajors, we are proud to have him making some waves at Braga Jazz Walk. He’s going to have full support by an all-star cast including Krisna Alda Radiansyah (bass), Iwan Popo (keyboard), Billy Ramdhani (saxophone) , Rully Parulian (drums) and Bruri Effendi (of Salamander Big Band, trumpet). Some of them should be familiar since they also play as Yura’s band member. Come see him and listen to his song, and of course, do support him. This young man is the next big thing, no doubt.

There’s also another young man who plays guitar and sings in this edition. His name is Rizky Ahmad Mudzakir, better known as Izky Mudza. He already started playing guitar since junior high school and then moved forward to sing too after he reached the university. Izky loves blues and is inspired by many big cats from Eric Clapton, John Mayer to Gugun Blues Shelter and Josh Sitompul among others. Today he’s working hard in establishing his solo career and soon will release his first single titled “Ini Cinta”.

Izky is one of the highly potential new sensation since this man also has everything needed to success. He has visited Braga Jazz Walk and gave us some teaser in the 8th edition (http://jazzuality.com/jazz-event-report/braga-jazz-walk-08-the-report/). He made us stunned, especially when he put his voice into falsetto while pouring tasty music with guitar. We expect to hear more, so we give him one full session. For this performance, he’s going to play with Praditio (acoustic guitar), Agustinus (drums) and Roni Okta (bass). He reminds us of John Mayer. If you’re into his style, you’re going to love Izky too.

From the list of female jazz singers in Bandung, there’s one name that you should take a look at. Her name is Tuti Iskandar, but better known as Misty. This stage name actually created by her students who called her ‘miss’ and ‘ty’, taken from the last syllable of her name. So, Misty it is. And coincidentally, she is into jazz and great in singing jazz and bossa standards with her smooth voice that has jazzy vibes attach in every breath.

For this appearance Misty will play with her beloved husband, the respected pianist YD Nafis who you will find in Tesla Manaf ft Mahagotra Ganesha and West Java Syndicate. It was Nafis who actually taught her to sing when she was still in junior high school. It’s going to be cool to see them expressing love to each other on stage. Both of them are great artists, and the chemistry they share as real life couple will definitely add much values into their show. “Teach, music, arts are my favorite things”, she said, it’s time to enjoy some of her jazz-related passions, intimately.

The last name to mention is Fearman & TNT. Fearman (Firman) is the man behind a successful band named Poinkustik. With this band he has performed all over Bandung and beyond, but since he’s a great all-round singer, he has to establish his solo career too before it’s too late. Fearman is not an ordinary singer because he can pin different styles as much 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. Joining him is TNT (Tinto Arief Anugrah), also an all-rounder but on guitar. We have invited him before in 8th edition of Braga Jazz Walk where they gave one charming and rich session in minimalist concept. It’s time to bring them back again and see what they got this time.

Jam session will be available as usual after all the featured bands rest their case. Either you’re a musician (from all genre) or singer, a pro or just hobby, you can always join the party. Let us know that you wish to jam, we will gladly prepare it for you. So many have tasted the fun, pleasuring jam session of Braga Jazz Walk. It’s homey, it’s friendly and familiar, you will feel at home while having the time of your life on stage. Trust us. It’s really like that.

So there, we have said it all. This event is totally FREE of charge. 13 editions are passed, the 14th is just around the corner. We have prepared cool set of talents for you, just come and have a good time with us. See you there!

Braga Jazz Walk #14

Date: June 11, 2015
Time: 07:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Location: Braga CityWalk
Jl. Braga no 99 – 101, Bandung

FREE EVENT!

Featuring:

:: MISTY ::
Misty (vocals)
YD Nafis (piano)

:: Izky Mudza ::
Izky Mudza (guitar, vocals)
Praditio (acoustic guitar)
Agustinus (drums)
Roni Okta (bass)

:: FEARMAN & TNT ::
Fearman (vocals)
TNT (guitar)

:: FABIAN ::
Fabian (guitar, vocals)
Krisna Alda Radiansyah (bass)
Iwan Popo (keyboard)
Billy Ramdhani (saxophone)
Rully Parulian (drums)
Bruri Effendi (trumpet)