Bawean Bakery started its business just a year after Indonesia’s Independence Day. Counting it today, this bakery factory with a Dutch background have been running for exactly 70 years, thus standing as one of the oldest bakeries in Bandung. It was called “Sweetheart”, but since the government discouraged foreign names in Indonesia in 1995, this legendary Bakery changed its name to “Bawean Bakery” in line with the street where it was located during that time. Today they are still alive and growing. You can take selection of cakes, breads, donuts, snacks and sweet desserts home, but you can also enjoy it there. Bawean now has expanded from just a Bakery to Gelato, Resto and Cafe.
Now, here’s the interesting part. Imagine if you can eat their delicious traditional recipes while enjoying jazz from the best musicians? What if you can dine their signature and legendary baked goods and enjoy the performances of jazz legends at the same time? That sounds great doesn’t it?
Well, listen. It’s not just an imagination anymore, but soon you can have it for real! Bawean proudly presents Sweetheart Jazz Romantic #1, featuring 3 performances from amazing jazz talents from both Bandung and Jakarta. Since they put the number #1 in the title, that means this event will run regularly. From what we heard this is going to be a quarterly event. If what we heard is true, you can expect to have three more series in 2016. How cool is that. This premiere edition of Sweetheart Jazz Romantic will come on March 1, 2016 at Bawean Resto, Jl. Gandapura no.43 Bandung. The event will start at 6:00 pm.
If you look at the poster, you will find mouth-watering list of internationally reputable artists who can guarantee the presence of delicious swingin’ jazz sound to match the delicious foods served in the resto. Let’s take a quick look at them.
Harvey Malaihollo and Shadow Puppets
Just a couple of months ago Shadow Puppets made a very interesting and important move by presenting some of the gems from our own music treasure during the 50’s to 60’s. Thanks to them, we can now listen to the songs written by our finest composers from the old days and admire how beautiful they really are. In doing this, Robert Mulyarahardja and Irsa Destiwi are collaborating with the legendary singer known as “Macan Festival” or “Festival Tiger” due to his reign over many festivals around the world throughout the 80’s: the one and only Harvey Malaihollo. The album’s called “Indonesian Songbook”, consists of 10 best-ever Indonesian songs from the past written by the likes of Ismail Marzuki, Bing Slamet, Rahmat Manthovani, Sam Saimun, Iskandar and Mochtar Embut.
They have promoted the album in Bandung by performing at the TP Jazz Bandung Festival 2015 and now here they are back again. It’s your chance to enjoy the fresh re-arrangements over the songs made by Robert and Irsa which still capture the real beauty of the originals. Joining them are Kevin Yosua (bass) and Ignatius Adrianta (drum). Looking for a beautiful journey through memory lane? Harvey Malaihollo and Shadow Puppets Quartet are more than ready to give it to you.
Pattiselanno Trio ft Nial Djuliarso
This is simply one of the best Jazz Trios in Indonesia today. The group consists of jazz legends with illustrious career for over decades: Oele Pattiselanno (guitar), Jeffrey Tahalele (bass) and Arief Setiadi (saxophone). These gentlemen are very well experienced, both individually and as a team. They have been supporting each other for many, many years, so you can always expect a lovely swingin’ session flows naturally from them.
This trio will feature a pianist graduated from Berklee College of Music in Boston, USA and The Juilliard School, New York (where he was mentored by jazz master Kenny Barron) who build his career both in USA and Indonesia: Nial Djuliarso. This trio has graced Bandung by performing at TP Jazz last April 2015, while Nial and Oele gave one intimate session at the TP Jazz Bandung Festival last year. The combination of three seniors with younger team mate, all possessed with strong jazz spirit should be a catch. If you dream of having a dreamy, romantic swing, this one is yours.
Agis Bape
Here’s a magical duo, a harmonious pairing between swingin’ acoustic guitar of Opik Bape and artistic, well-crafted, heartfelt soulful voice of Agis Kania. Together they called Agis Bape. They were great when we first saw them, amazingly they are still getting better and better. A lot of emotions attached in each song, making anything they sing a winner. Lately Agis Bape is strengthening their concept by digging more specific songs from specific era, staying true to their ‘old soul’ nature. Other than working on the concept, they have released a single entitled “Embun Pagi” (“Morning Dew”) and an EP that you can buy in one package with their official T-shirt.
The way they sing is like telling stories. Even when you don’t understand the lyrics, you will sense what’s the story is all about. Five-star quality, charismatic appearance, perfect chemistry and smart song selection, all created one finest session that would bring the romantic theme to perfection.
Regular jazz gig, every Tuesday
After this special event, Bawean Resto will start its regular weekly jazz gig every Tuesday night, featuring the top, well experienced jazz musicians and icons in Bandung. The schedule is as follows:
8 March: Imelda Rosalin Trio
15 March: Pineapple Corner: Venche Manuhutu (guitar), Imam Pras (piano), Rudy Zulkarnaen (bass), Arifandi ‘Ari Aru’ Renaldi (drums), Brury Effendy (trumpet) and Puspallia Panggabean (vocal)
22 March: VMS Jazz Quartet
29 March: Pineapple Corner
There you have it. Three sessions with legends and masters who have been spending their lives in jazz. It’s only a few days away. Find the RSVP below or up there in the e-flyer and secure your seat. This event will run not in the romantic month anymore where people celebrate Valentine, but of course, you can still feel the romantic night, when love is in the air, right at the first day of March.
Sweetheart Jazz Romantic #1
Date: Tuesday, 1 March 2016
Time: 06:00 pm – onwards
Location: Bawean Resto
Jl. Gandapura no 43, Bandung
More info and RSVP: +62 22-4212229