Venche Music School (VMS) as the pioneer of jazz school in Bandung (established in 1988) started launching its monthly community event since the first month of 2016 (http://jazzuality.com/jazz-event-report/vms-jazz-community-performance-1-the-report/). Calling it VMS Jazz Community Performance, it accomodates the needs of alumni, teachers, current students and other musicians related to the school to have a playground as well as promoting the school to public. This event takes place at Seven Cafe and Music Lounge, located at the northern side of Bandung.
The second edition was held last night on February 28, 2016, featuring two bands and jam sessions. First, let’s take a look at Continuum. This is originally a trio, consisting of Willyam Yuzaq on drums, Hajar Asyura on guitar and Dyva on bass. There were two previous bassists found in Continuum before, Robby Tribuwono Saksono and Satya Bayu. Now they seem to settle down with Dyva Septria Dhisa, who actually plays just as good. The last time we got them was in our event, Bumi Sangkuriang Jazz Night #2 (read the report here: http://jazzuality.com/jazz-event-report/bumi-sangkuriang-jazz-night-2-2/). At that time they featured a female vocalist Mirna Nurmala for the first time. Now she joined the trio again. We think they match really well.
Continuum opened up with “Verona”, a song from Gilad Hekselman found in his album (also in trio format) “Homes”. Soon after Mirna stepped forward and covered “You’re Still the One” (Shania Twain), “Kisah yang indah” (Monita Tahalea), cool rendition of “Cicak di Dinding”, taken from Dewi Lestari’s “Rectoverso” album (2008) and then The Jongens’ “Miss Jones” which allowed Mirna to demonstrate her ability to hum with strong emotion.
Throughout the performance, Mirna actively explained each song she sang, so the audience could understand the background behind them. The songs were played with heartfelt vocal and free-flowing improvisation on guitar. Bass and drum did very well too in polishing the compositions artistically. They are clearly rooted in traditional jazz, but they serve it more modern with some healing music and new wave feels involved. One of the most interesting jazz bands we found lately, may they keep their existance and climb higher to reach the place they deserve.
The VMS Jazz Trio played a set of 4 songs. Found in this band were three young musicians: Vico Wibowo (keyboard), Steven (bass) and the drum instructor of the school, Alman Naufal (drums, also served as the MC for this event). What the bnd served was different rhythm in each songs.
Starting with a gem from Miles Davis, “Seven Steps to Heaven” in fast bebop, the trio then embraced another composition attributed to Miles, “Solar” in fusion style. Next, the 12 bar minor blues composed by John Coltrane, “MR PC” was pinned in swing feel and for the last song, a Charlie Parker classic from 1948, “Billie’s Bounce” served cool in jazz blues. Trading force and solo runs from drums and piano were captured in all songs, while Steven chose to complete them with his tone.
This band should work nicely as the example of VMS’ products. Looking at young talents play pure jazz ranging from traditional, modern jazz to fusion like this, we know that jazz will still be alive in Bandung at least for the next generation. VMS with its almost 30 years of experience has done tremendously in producing jazz musicians. There are many successful ones, and surely there will be many more to come.
This event is scheduled to run at the fourth Sunday of each month, made possible by the cooperation between Seven Cafe & Lounge and Venche Music School, arranged by Kanggep Kusuma and supported by Jazzuality.com.
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Article and photos are provided by Kanggep Kusuma
Written by: Riandy Kurniawan