JakJazz

2017-03-05T06:32:00.000-08:00

Musisi Jazz Paulo Ramos (kiri) dan rekan dalam pementasan Jak Jazz'91 di Ancol, Jakarta. [TEMPO/ Hidayat S.G.; 06D/322/1991; 20041027]

Jak.Jazz ‘94 - Line Up

2005-01-14T01:18:00.000-08:00

The Claudio Ragazzi Quintet - Argentina, France & USA Claudio Ragazzi, the Buenos Aires born and Cum-Laude Berklee College of Music graduate, returns to Jak.Jazz ‘94 in style. The winner of the prestigious “Meet The Composer” (Rockefeller Foundation) award as well as the winner of the 1984 Duke Ellington Masters award, composer for film and TV, as well as composer of Blue Tango (a contemporary dance piece performed by the Boston Ballet) plays a unique style of jazz-latin-fusion, and should not be missed.

Belinda Moody - Australia Belinda Moody is from Australia and studied classical violin and double bass, but her interest mainly went out to the freedom within the jazz idiom. Further, she studied in Melbourne, received the Music Performance Jazz Study Diploma. She played with Tony Hicks, Christine Sullivan, Alan Lee, Jenny Carr, Jex Saarelaht, Allen Lee’s Quintet and many others. She also performed and composed for the Melbourne Improvisers Association. In 1990, she played at Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club in London and subsequently settled in Amsterdam where she soon drew a lot of attention and joined widely varying musical groups. She recently initiated a quartet with trumpet player Felicity Provan, pianist Alex Levin, and drummer Michael Vatcher and is currently with the Jeremy Monteiro Trio. She has recently performed with jazz legend, James Moody. “She will perform together with many musicians in Jak.Jazz All-Stars”.

Don Burrows - Australia Don Burrow’s career has spanned over an impressive 52 years. He hosted his own national TV show names “The Don Burrows Collection” and he was the first “non-classical” musician to be toured locally and internationally by Musica Viva and the ABC (hitherto, strickly a classical organization) as well as he was awarded a “Creative Arts Fellowship” to ANU. In 1988, Burrows was named one of Australia’s National Living Treasures. The “living legend” comes to Jakarta and into the Jak.Jazz spotlights, since Burrows has no plans to wind down his career after more than fifty years in the business. “This year he’s gonna play with Jak.Jazz All-Stars”.

Antoine Herve Trio - France Antoine Herve represents a continuation of a long line of French pianist, whose full “two handed” approach is a reflection of intensive training in the classical repertoire. At the age of 18 (in 1982) Herve decided to concentrate on jazz instead of classical music. He has a “claim for fame” as the mas who so delicately connects the European Classices with the art of improvisation in ragtime and jazz.

Mezzoforte - Iceland, Norway Fredrik Karlsson, Eythor Gunnarsson, Gunnlaugur Briem, Johann Asmundsson, and Kare Kolve are the members of Mezzoforte, one of the “all-time greatest” in todays Jazz Fusion music scene. With their world hit “Garden Party” (‘83) the band broke big into the international charts and made their sound accepted by fast crowds throughout the world. Hailing from Reykjavik, Mezzoforte makes it’s second appearance in the history of Jak.Jazz. Who could ever forget their impressive performance at last years Jak.Jazz festival, which show of musicianship, and inspite of the rain, kept the audience involved and cheering. This year Mezzoforte returns to the stage of Jak.Jazz on great public demand and for those who’ve missed out on the band last year ... this is your chance to make up for it.

Casiopea - Japan An amateur band contest back in 1977 was the start of the formation of Casiopea. From this point on Casiopea established itself as a major international act in jazz with release of their first live greatest hits album “Mint Jams” (May ‘82). Combining their talents with those of Lee Ritenour, Harvey Mason, Don Grusin and Nathan East. Many tours, shows and album releases followed and throughout the years up till now Casiopea became a household name within the international jazz and fusion scene. Ever since the 1977 Amateur Band Contest Casiopea’s career is still going for the better and places this Japanese quartet among the Best in Jazz for many years still to come.

Fumio Itabashi & Kazutoki Umezu - Japan Under the name MIX DYNAMITE two remarkable Japanese musicians Fumio Itabashi (piano) and Kazutoki Umezu (sax) join forces. Graduates from the Kunitachi Music College, Fumio Itabashi started his career as a pianist for the Sadao Watanabe Quartet back in ‘71. Also graduated from the same Kunitachi Music College, Kazutoki Umezu embarked on an impressive musical career in the early Seventies and spanning a period of more than two decades. The combination of the talents of Itabashi and Umezu guarantees a performance worth watching and certainly brings two outstanding musicians within reach of Indonesian audiences.

Terumasa Hino - Japan At the tender age of nine Terumasa Hino picked up the instrument on which he is now to considered “a master”. Born in 1942 in Tokyo, this now New York-based trumpet player was the third in line, and thus following the steps both his father and grandfather had set on the way of “Jazz”, choosing for the same instrument and turning “pro” at the age of 13. He moved to New York in 1975. He had already conquered Japan and it became apparent to him that the American Jazz scene posed a significant challenge to his adventurous spirit. Being the first Japanese artist to sign with the famed Blue Nore label, Hino has over 50 albums to his credit.

Basily Brothers - Netherland One of the youngest bands (early twenties) in the business, Basily is considered to be the best in the so-called “Hot Club de France” category. A perfect blend between Jazz and Gypsy, and guaranteed to swing. A type of Jazz in which the likes of Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli were never matched. A type of Jazz in which “virtuoso” playing is required and only a few are fit to play. Basily requires everything this type of Jazz demands and makes the audience dance and swing. Two brothers and two cousins, a family that swings.

Candy Dulfer - Netherland “When I want sax, I call Candy” ... With these words Candy Dulfer was annouced by Prince, who featured her in his “Party Man” single video clip in 1989. In eight years time the Amsterdamer born elevated her career to heights of absolute stardom, after she recorded her first record back in ‘81 at the age of 12. In ‘84,she made her debut at the North Sea Jazz Festival and was invited back 5 times. In ‘87, she supported Madonna at the Feyenoord Stadium concert in Rotterdam. Her first “worldwide” single hit “Lily Was Here” back in ‘89 (soundtrack of the film of even name and made in co-operation with Dave Stewart - Eurhythmics) was followed by the album “SEXUALITY”, a “worldwide” hit, who topped many an international chart. It is our pleasure to introduce the Lady of Sax, “When we want SAX, we call for Candy.”

Terry Undag - Philippine Philippine born, Undag is ranked as one of the finest trumpet / flugelhorn players around in Asian jazz. Engaged in guest appearances with none less than Tito Puente, Lionel Hampton, Billy Eckstine, and Herbie Mann to name but a few, this amicable 61 years old has travelled the world, displaying his talents in Asia, Europe, and the US.

Krzysztof Scieranski - Poland Polands Krzysztof Scieranski was the revelation of Jak.Jazz ‘93. His “electronic” solo bass style, played with feeling straight from the heart, in combination with the friendliness he so naturally trencends, has received wide acclaim. All the more a reason to bring back this “friendly” musical ambassador to the stage of Jak.Jazz ‘94. With Scieranski, no party of jazz can go wrong.

Igor Bril - Rusia Jak.Jazz 1994 is pleased to welcome Igor Bril back to Jakarta for its fourth appearance. He was standouts at the 1988 and 1991 festivals as well. The leader has solid academic credentials and has been a faculty member at Moscow’s Academy of Music for more than a quarter century. He is also the author of a popular text on jazz theory. “We’ll see his performance in this festival in Jak.Jazz All-Stars”.

Jeremy Monteiro - Singapore Swing magazine of Swiss in ‘88 called him “one of the best exponents of Jazz Piano” after his higly acclaimed and “standing ovation” performance at the prestigious Jazz Festival of Montreux. The Washington Post, after a sold-out show, praised him for his “strong, melodic gift”, while the LA Chapter of the National Academy of Recording Arts & Science admitted him as an active voting member of the ‘91/’92/’93 and ‘94 Grammy Awards. Winner of the Silver Medal at the 1991 International Festival of New York as well as a composer of over 700 pieces of music. What more is there left to be wished. Singaporean, and Singapore’s “King of Swing” Jeremy Monteiro is the mas to watch. Check him out.

Fredrik Noren - Sweden Fredrik Noren began to play the trumpet at the early age of 13. Two years later he switched to drums and started to play in local groups in the Stockholm area. At the age of 18, Fredrik turned Pro enabling him to play with the “cream of the crop” in Swedish Jazz music and most of the American Greats in Jazz who came to visit Stockholm in those days, like for instance Dexter Gordon, Ben Webster, Jimmy Heath, Art Farmer, Brew More, and Cab Callowat to name but a few. The Jakarta International Jazz Festival has incorporated the Fredrik Noren Band as on of it’s household in bringing the band to Jakarta for the fourth time. “This year, we’ll see his performance with Jak.Jazz All-Stars”.

Magnus Broo - Sweden One of Fredrik Noren’s household names in no one less than Magnus Broo, one of Europe’s finest trumpet players. Magnus picked up the instrument at the early age of 9. After completion of his high school education in Sweden, he embarked on a scholarship to study at the University of North Texas, in which period he recorded six albums with an outfit called “The One O’Clock Lab Band.” After receiving his Bachelor Degree in Music, in 1990 Magnus moved back to Sweden and joined Fredrik Noren Band in 1991. “He will perform together with many musicians in Jak.Jazz All-Stars”.

Percussion Orchestra - Switzerland, Ghana, Iran, Senegal, India In the 14 years of their existence The Percussion Orchestra has travelled the world to perform in such places like Paris, London, Buenos Aires, Jakarta, Hong Kong, New York, Washington, DC, Boston, Montreal, Bombay, New Delhi, Montreux ... to name but a few. The driving force and founder of this outfit Reto Weber, is considered to be the world’s most versatile percussionist and is mentioned in almost every book about jazz. The Percussion Orchestra will be attending Jak.Jazz ‘94 on great public demand and ever since their performances at Jak.Jazz ‘91 and ‘93 we couldn’t agree more.

Georgie Fame - United Kingdom Georgie Fame’s career spans a period of more than thirty years. From the days he was spotted by Rory Blackwell, back in ‘59, up until today, Georgie Fame still travels the world to perform. Nowadays he shares the stage with sons, Tristan and James. From Rock to Jazz, Georgie has done it all. From The Blue Flames through the memorable partnership with Alan Price (their joint TV shows called “The Price of Fame”) - a period that even brought him world hits like “Yeah, Yeah, Getaway”, “The Ballad of Bonny and Clyde”, and “Rossetta” - , to his live in jazz today ..... Georgie Fame made his “claim for fame”. More than twenty albums (including a tribute to Chet Baker) and fourteen single hits so far. Georgie Fame, a seasoned singer / pianist Jak.Jazz ‘94 is proud to present.

Coco York - USA Hailing from Arkansas, USA, the name Coco York is synonymous with Jazz ‘n Blues. When she sings Jazz ‘ Blues, you feel Jazz ‘n Blues. She combines the sensuousness of a Terpsechore. Put that with a stunning vocal range and you have a performance that makes any tired old heart beat faster. It is fitting to say that Coco York is a consumate performer, at home in music, ..... all music. We’ll hear her beautiful voice together with the best from Jak.Jazz ‘94, Jak.Jazz All-Stars.

Eddie Monteiro - USA Eddie is a one-man band in the best sense of the word. He plays an accordion that looks quite normal but is, in reality, hooked into a MIDI computer that allows for some compelling musical effects. For the third time this year Eddie performs at Jak.Jazz ‘94 and in doing so, he will please his many fans and followers in the country he loves so much.

Phil Perry - USA Phip Perry is a rare artist. An ultra-soulful lyrical interpreter of song. His emergence as a unique and distinctive artist comes after years spent honing his craft, paying dues in the music business. After launching his solo performing career at local LA clubs, he began a working relationship with guitarist Lee Ritenour, a performing relationship that continuous to the present time. 1991 brought Perry to that year’s Jak.Jazz as vocal “pointe” in Ritenour’s band. This year will bring him back to Jakarta, and Jak.Jazz ‘94 will take him to an even higher level of recognition and acceptance as the on he already has.

Randy Bernsen - USA Randy Bernsen may well be the most versatile, technically adroit young guitarist on the contemporary fusion scene. A close associate of the late Jaco Pastorius, Bernsen toured with Blood Sweat and Tears in the late Seventies. On his three solo albums, he has worked with guest musicians like Herbie Hancock, Jaco Pastorius, Bob James, Wayne Shorter, Michael Brecker, Steve Gadd, Toots Thielemans, and Marcus Miller. At the age of 40, it would seem that Bernsen has many chapters to go before they close the book on him. He’s already made a big splash and the many fans are convinced he’ll fulfills the promise. Meanwhile sitback, relax and enjoy Randy Bernsen’s performance at Jak.Jazz ‘94.

Jak.Jazz ‘93 - Line Up

2005-01-13T23:10:00.000-08:00

Jak.Jazz ‘93 - Line Up

The Claudio Ragazzi - Bruce Bartlett Quartet - Argentina, Venezuela, France & USA Both Claudio (a guitarist born in Buenos Aires) and Bruce Bartlett ( a guitarist from the US) studied music at the famed Berklee College of Music in Boston. Bruce in fact, is now a member of the teaching faculty there. Both are well known in the Boston area. Their resume indicate that their interests and skill extend well beyond the Latin music each grew up with. Among the musician with whom one or the other has played in the past are Chick Corea, Ralph Towner, Paquito D’Rivera, Gary Burton, Don Grusin, Ralph Moore, Mike Stern, and the Brecker Brothers.

The Graeme Norris Group - Australia Graeme Norris - Saxophones / Jann Rutherford - Piano / Nikki Parrott - Bass / Alan Turnbull - Drums

Saxophonist Graeme Norris is a Sydney native who formed his current working group - a quartet - in 1992. But he is often feature in other musical contexts as well. For example, he has already played this year with Dorian Mode, The Sea of Horns, and The Mighty Reapers, among others. He is an honor graduate of the New South Wales Conservatorium and a former student (of flote) with Don Burrows.

The Vienna Blue Brass Sextet - Austria Paul Zauner - Trombone / Frank Hackl - Trumpet / Gottfried Stoger - Saxophones / Konrad Kovesdi - Bass / Thomas Lang - Drums

Paul Zauner grew up on a farm and studied veterinary medicine at the University of Vienna for a time. But his keen interest in the trombone lured him into a career in music. He’s also an avid fan of blues and gospel music.

Helmut Jasbar - Austria Guitarist Helmut Jasbar is not only a jazzman, he’s also an admirer and performer of classical music from the Baroque period. He is a composer as well and has lectured at music schools in cities diverse as Vilnius, Lithuania and Fairbanks, Alaska. Helmut is graduate of the conservatory of music in Vienna and is now teacher at another conservatory in Salzburg. His dexterity on the nylon-stringed guitar is quite remarkable. His keen musical taste allows him to swing in a jazz context, too.

The Reg Schwager Quartet - Canada Reg Schwager - Guitar / Kiki Misumi - Cello, Piano, Vocal / Jeannette Lamberd - Vocal / Michael Lamberd - Drums

Reg Schwager is a jazz guitarist who lives in Totonto, where he’s regular on the jazz club circuit. Appearing with him at this year’s Jak.Jazz are his wife Kiki Misumi (a cellist, pianist, and vocalist), singer Jeannette Lamberd (she’s songwriter as well), and drummer Michael Lamberd (Jeannette husband, who has performed throughout North America & Europe and runs master classes in percussion and music theory).

Antoine Herve - France Antoine Herve represents a continuation of a long line of French pianist (for instance, Martial Solal and Michel Petrucciani) whose full two handed approach is a reflection of intensive training in the classical repertoire. Antoine began in music at the age of 12 and eventually studied at the Paris Conservatory. But by the age of 18 (in 1982), he had decided that he wanted to concentrate on jazz instead of classical music. He’s composer as well. His performances usually include a mixture of his own compositions and those by other jazz musicians like Thelonious Monk.

The Bernd Konrad Quartet - Germany Bernd Konrad studied clarinet and composition at the Stuttgart University of Music between 1966 and 1978. He’s now a professor there and teaches composition, jazz improvisation, and contemporary music. Meanwhile, he carries on a busy schedule that includes performances with All-Star European ensembles, composition for films and composition for groups as large as symphonies. Among his major pieces: “Three Attempts to Hide the Truth from a Drem”, “Seven Ways to Cross a River”, and “To Hear the World in a Grain of Sand”. Playing with Bernd at Jak.Jazz ‘93 are Paul Schwarz, Michael Kersting, and Christoph Dangelmaier.

Ullman Trio - Germany & England Gebhard Ullman - Soprano & Tenor Saxophones, Flutes, Bass Clarinet / Andreas Willers - guitars, guitar synthesizer / Steve Arguelles - Drums

Gebhard Ullman and Andreas Willers have been performing as a unit ever since they met as students at the Hamburg Musikhochschule in 1982. They’re now Berliners. Drummer Steve Arguelles is originally from Birmingham, England. He’s been a musical associate of the other two for the last couple of years. All have lots of experience on the experimental music scene. Thanks to the sponsorship of the Goether Institute, they have been able to take their music abroad to Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and the US. This, though, is their first Jak.Jazz experience.

Eugene Pao - Hong Kong Eugene Pao began playing guitar professionally in the US. Since his return to Hong Kong, he has been featured regularly in a variety of local venues and has had the opportunity to play with a number of well-regarded international jazz personalities - among them, Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea, and Jimmy Witherspoon. Eugene’s recordings with the group called Outlet are widely available in Indonesia. During Jak.Jazz ‘91, Eugene was featured with the Hong Kong band Encounter.

Mezzoforte - Iceland & Norway Gunnlauger Briem - Drums / Eythor Gunnarsson - Keyboards / Johann Asmundsson - Bass / Fridrik Karlsson - Guitar / Kare Kolve - Saxophones / Jeroen De Rijk - Percussions

The appearance of Mezzoforte marks the first time we’ve been able to feature music from Iceland at a Jak.Jazz festival. This group’s international reputation grew dramatically after their 1983 hit called “Garden Party”. Mezzoforte began as a quartet in Reykyavik in 1977. But the band has now grown and includes one Norwegian member - saxophonist Kare Kolve. Mezzoforte tours widely and records often. What’s more, Mezzoforte’s cassettes and Cds are widely available in Indonesia. No doubt that’s why they have thousands and thousand of local fans.

Hiroko Kokubu - Japan Japanese pianist Hiroko Kokubu has a most interesting resume. As a student at Kunitachi University of Music, she was a Chopin and Ravel specialist. Deciding to become a jazz musician, she then spent quite a bit of time in the US, studying and listening. During 1988 and 1989, she was a newscaster for CNN and she has since worked in Japanese Radio and TV as well - both as show host and musical performer. She’s appearing at Jak.Jazz ‘93 with her own quintet.

Krysztof Scieranski Trio - Poland Krysztof Scieranski - Basses / Pavel Scieranski - Guitars / Jan Pluto - Drums

Krysztof and his trio set Jakarta on its musical ear during their 1991 appearance at Jak.Jazz. The instrumentation seems straighforward enough (guitar, bass, and drums). But the range of sounds and textures this group produces (especially those emanating from Krysztof’s bass amplifiers) are quite extraordinary. There’s quite a bit of subtle music involved too, where Jimi Hendrix alive today, he’d probably be an anthusiastic fan of this band’s music!

Jazz Fiesta - Philippine Joining us from the Philippines is Jazz Fiesta, a seven member cooperative band that includes saxophonist Tots Tolentino, keyboard player Joey Quirino, guitarist Edgardo Avenir, violinist Jay Cayuca, percussionist and vocalist Mon David, bassist Colby de la Calzada and singer Angelica. One of Jazz Fiesta’s stated aims is to put together an all-filipino repertoire.

Igor Bril & The New Generation - Russia Igor Bril - Piano / Dmitri Bril - Alto & Soprano saxophones / Alexander Bril - Tenor saxophone/ Igor Ivanushkin - Bass / Edward Zizak- Drums

Jak.Jazz ‘93 is pleased to welcome Igor Bril’s group back to Jakarta for it’s third appearance. They were standouts at the 1988 and 1991 Jak.Jazz festivals as well. The leader has solid academic credentials and has been a faculty member at Moscow Academy of Music for more than a quarter century. He is also the author of a popular text on jazz theory. Returning with him as key members of his current quintet are his twins sons: Dmitri and Alexander.

Sergical Funk - The Netherland A working ensemble since mid-1991, this group takes its name from Serge Metz, its saxophonist, and plays a style of music they like to call “Jazzbop”, which combines elements of funk, latin, hip-hop, and jazz. All its members have previous experience with other well-known musical groups. They often tour as part of a show that includes the popular Dutch band De Dijk.

Four of a Kind - The Netherland, Australia, USA, Germany The young who comprise Four of A Kind first performed together publicly at a jazz festival in Amsterdam. Their musical interaction proved so satisfying that they decided to play together on a regular basis. The style they prefer is acoustic and their repertoire includes both many of the pieces that might be called “jazz standards.” The line-up is flute, piano, bass, and drums.

Jeremy Monteiro - Singapore Among the best-known and most talented of keyboard artists in the ASEAN region, Jeremy Monteiro has most frequently been heard with his own group, Jeramzee. But he’s also made himself available to work with other top international players. Jeremy has already appeared in concert in Malaysia, Britain, Finland, Switzerland, and the US. His music has been extensively featured on British and Australian TV. At Jak.Jazz ;93, Jeremy will co-lead a specially assembled group with saxophonist Ernie Watts.

Fredrik Noren Band - Sweden Fredrik Noren returns to Jak.Jazz again (he was featured in both the previous festival) with another talented line-up. Various group had it up by this well-known drummer have appeared in jazz festival throughout Europe (Pori, Bratislava, and Vilnius) as well as in jazz clubs in the US. The Noren band of jazz is hard-driving and straight ahead, much in the style of the influential groups once led by Art Blakey and Horace Silver.

Duo Fatale - Switzerland This two-member team from Basel boasts a rather eccentric instrumental line-up. Joseph Poffet plays various reed instruments, his wife Ingeborg plays accordion and they both sing. Each is also a composer, too, and say they’re interested in the possibilities of experimental electronic music. They have also lent their talents to various multi-media presentations in their home country and throughout Europe and Asia.

The Percussions Orchestra - Switzerland, Iran, India, Ghana Here’s a group that generated lots of positive comment after their Jak.Jazz appearance two years ago. At that time, the Percussion Orchestra had only three members - but their huge assortment of instruments nearly filled the stage! Founder Reto Weber is a Swiss native; Nana Twum Nketia was born in Ghana and Djamchid Chemirani comes originally from Iran. They’ve been working band for about fifteen years now and their musical interplay reflect that long experience together. For Jak.Jazz ‘93, their trio becomes a quartet with the addition of Jakarta-based percussionist Balasumbra Moniam, a faculty member at the Indian Cultural Center here.

Tewan Sapsanyakorn - Thailand Tewan “Tong” Sapsanyakorn plays not only saxophone but also violin and several traditional Thai instruments. He also composes and arranges just about all of the music that his five member Tewan Novel Jazz Band plays. Some of their performances are reworkings of old Thai songs. His group has been featured in many overseas settings: Singapore, Hong Kong, Osaka, Tokyo, Zurich, Hamburg, Perth, Sydney, Chicago, LA, - and now Jakarta. The quintet also includes the three talented Phampum Brothers: Witthaya on drums, Vibul on bass, and Chirasak on guitar.

Dave Valentine - USA Valentine is probably the best-known flute players in jazz today, largely on the strength of a series of popular cassettes and CD on the GRP label. One (“Two Amigos”) even included his original flute idol, Herbie Mann. Valentine’s first appearance in Indonesia was in mid-Nineties when his group performed in both Jakarta and Bandung. His current group includes three musicians from that earlier appearance: keyboardist Bill O’Connell, bassist Lincoln Goines and drummer Robbie Ameen. This time the percussionist is Jose Hidalgo. Dave’s parents came originally from Puerto Rico, so latin rhythms have always been an important part of his music. He attended New York’s famous high school for the Performing Arts and later studied flute for a time with Hubert Laws. He has a strong interest in the world’s traditional musics and is a collector of wooden flutes from various cultures.

Eddie Monteiro - USA Eddie is a one-man band in the best sense of the word. He plays an accordion that looks quite normal but is, in reality, hooked into a MIDI computer that allows for some compelling musical effects. Eddie sings, too - often in Portuguese, since he’s particularly fond of the Brazilian repertoire. His most recent recordings were done in tandem with vocalist Nancy Moreno. He’s a familiar name of the European jazz festival circuit and in the New York metropolitan area. He was a real standout during Jak.Jazz ‘91 festival, so we’re glad he’s back with us again.

Larry Coryell - USA Larry Coryell’s music range is a broad one. Born in Texas, he began on guitar with Wes Montgomery as his primary influence and he played earlier in his career with greats like Chico Hamilton and Gary Burton. But he first won widespread attention with the pioneering jazz-fusion group Free Spirits, in the late Sixties. He’s recorded as an acoustic guitarist, too, in the company of John McLaughlin and Paco de Lucia. Larry’s musica; range is extremely wide. He has composed music for ballet and his most recent recordings is of Brazilian Music from Bahia.

Rebecca Lily - USA This talented singer who calls Baltimore home was a pleasing last-minute addition to the first Jak.Jazz festival in 1988. She joined us again in 1991 and has been spreading more and more of her time in Southeast Asia, working with various musical groups. Rebecca’s familiarity with the standard jazz repertoire makes her a good person to have around in a jam session. She obviously loves the twelve bars blues, too!

Ernie Watts - USA He grew up in Detroit and Wilmington, but Ernie made his greatest impact on the jazz world after settled in Los Angeles in the late Sixties. He has already been a member of Buddy Rich Big Band. But once he moved to Southern California, he became a regular member of the orchestra on “The Tonight Show” and was heard by millions of viewers nightly. In his free time he plalyed with groups led by Toshiko Akiyoshi, Oliver Nelson, and Gerald Wilson. He has appeared on albums by such pop stars as the Rolling Stones, Diana Ross, and Julio Iglesias, among others. Ernis was a co-member with Lee Ritenour and has recorded with a lot of jazz stars (Charlie Haden, Pat Metheny, and many more). He plays flute as well as saxophones. For Jak.Jazz ‘93, Ernie will be featured in a group with Singapore’s Jeremy Monteiro.

All The World’s At Jak.Jazz ‘93

2005-01-13T23:05:00.000-08:00

by Paul W. Blair

If you can, imagine this sonic smorgasbord: a Swedish neo-bebop quintet; an avant-garde accordion and saxophone duo from the Swiss Alps; an Icelandic jazz-fusion ensemble; a power trio led by Poland’s most adventure some electric bassist; a percussion orchestra blending the exotic rhythms of Iran, India and Ghana; an Austrian playing a delicate transcription of a ragtime piece on classical guitar; and the world’s hottest flautist.

All of these dished plus a dozen others were there for the sampling on just one night of Jak.Jazz ‘93, the third Jakarta International Jazz Festival - staged last August in the Indonesian capital.

For Jazz gourmets, the feasting and fun stretched over five successive evenings, each one every but as flavoursome. All one had to do to enjoy the fare was to stroll from one bandstand to another in the Plaza Timur at central Jakarta’s Senayan Sports Complex. Through a meticulously worked out rotation, often there were groups playing on three different stages simultaneously.

Jazz, of course, involves improvisation, but pulling together a musical event the size and scope of the Jakarta International Jazz Festival requires an extraordinary amount of intricate planning. Last year, the organizers custom built five huge stages, installed elaborate lighting and sound systems, recruited hundred of local volunteers (who just happen to love music), signed up corporate sponsors, designed a promotional campaign, and arranged for the presence of a dozen top home grown jazz groups plus instrumentalist and ensembles from nearly 30 other countries.

Juggling prior commitments, making travel arrangements and securing working visas for a hundred musicians from such places as far flung as Reykjavik, Krakow, Basle, and Boston, is not a simple matter.

The happy fact is that Jak.Jazz ‘93, attended by about 30,000 local fans, went off very smoothly. It was the best possible presentation of the best possible music.

The diversity of styles was even more dramatic that at previous festivals. Thai saxophonist Tewan Sapsanyakorn (who also plays an amplified fiddle and a bamboo xylophone) enchanted listeners with his reworking of traditional melodies from his homeland. The women who comprise Four-of-a-Kind (a flute, piano, bass and drum quartet) were a big hit even though they get few chances to play together (one lives in Amsterdam, another in Cologne, a third in Melbourne and the fourth in New York). They have yet to record their first album. Duo Fatale, whose perversely pleasing work on accordion and saxophone (combined with wordless vocalizing) provided some of the most adventurous music heard at the festival, is a husband and wife team. Guitarist Larry Coryell, on stage, introduced “one of the best musicians I’ve heard in New York” and on came his son, Julian, who, at 20, demonstrated that he is a highly skilled picker. Ernie Watts, well known to American CD buyers and TV audiences, added his lusty tenor saxophone sound to an ensemble led by Singapore keyboard player Jeremy Monteiro.

Indonesian musicians again acquitted themselves with honor. Indra Lesmana performed with his Java Jazz compatriots; Elfa’s Big Band and Elfa’s Singers put on their usual exciting show; the thunderous six-members electronic group Krakatau found intriguing ways to incorporate the sounds of such indigenous instruments as kecapi, rebab, and kendang; Luluk Purwanto proved again that, in the right hands, the violin is really capable of swinging; pianist Bubi Chen (the pride of Surabaya) and trombone player Benny Likumahuwa sparked in solo spots with various groups; Harry Roesli’s Percussion Ensemble mixed contemporary street rhythms with heavy doses of both visual humor and social commentary; and a specially assembled 15-member group called the Sangir-Talaud Bamboo Orchestra used home-made wind instruments created on islands off the north coast of Sulawesi to blow up a rhythmic storm that incorporated bits of ‘50s rhythm and blues, keroncong, ellington, and reggae.

Jak.Jazz ‘91: A Week-long Jazz Party

2005-01-13T23:02:00.000-08:00

by Paul W. Blair

For seven days in November, though, Jakarta was capital of the jazz world. The second Jakarta International Jazz Festival (Jak.Jazz ‘91) was held in the Ancol recreation complex in north Jakarta along the palm - fringed shore of the Java Sea between November 18 and November 24 - and it’s likely that nowhere else on the planet was a jazz festival of such scope and magnitude taking place during the same period.

Jak.Jazz ‘91 brought together musicians from at least twenty foreign nations and also gave exposure to the most talented of Indonesia’s jazz players. This year’s event was a follow-up of the first Jak.Jazz Festival held in 1988. That one lasted only three days and included far fewer performers from overseas. But Jak.Jazz ‘91 lasted a full seven days and was even better attended.

The week of music began with a gala welcoming party held at a huge Ancol nightclub. Then the action shifted to the nearby “Panggung Akbar,” a large walled plot of land that included five specially constructed stages plus a number of stands where fans could purchase food, drink, and jazz souvenirs.

This year’s Jak.Jazz was a collaborative effort jointly headed up by Jakprom (the Jakarta Tourism Promotion Board) and Ireng Maulana Associates.

The participants of Jak.Jazz ‘91 are Eddie Monteiro, Lee Ritenour, Ernie Watts, Phil Perry and Rebecca Lily from USA. Chika Asamoto and Casiopea from Japan, Erich Kleinschuster from Austria, Karin Krog from Norway, Krzysztof Scieranski from Poland, Percussion Orchestra from Switzerland, New Jungle Orchestra from Denmark, Fredrik Noren Quintet from Sweden, Igor Brill and New Generation from Russia, Ilka Neimelainen from Finland, James Morrison from Australia, Sixun from France, Future Shock from the Netherlands, Martin Speake from Britain, Terry Undag from the Philippines, Jose Thomas from Malaysia, Louis Tan from Singapore, Dirty Dozen Brass Band from USA, Encounter from Hong Kong, Paulo Ramos from Brazil, and some of Indonesia’s very best ensembles: Elfa’s Big Band and Elfa’s Singers, Idang Rasidi, Bubi Chen and His Friends, Emerald, Kitha, Bhaskara, Java Jazz, and groups lead by both Ireng Maulana and his guitarist brother, Kiboud Maulana.

There were many jazz styles performed during the six evenings of live jazz. So, for many enthusiasts of every taste, Jak.Jazz was indeed a musical feast.

For many of the overseas participants at Jak.Jazz ‘91, the chance to visit Indonesia was a dream come true.

Jak.Jazz ‘88 - Line Up Artists

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Jak.Jazz ‘88 - Line Up

Don Burrows Conservatorium Big Band - Australia

Don Burrow’s career has spanned 11 years, having turned professional at the age of 14. He has worked in every facet of music including night clubs, dance halls, jazz clubs, radio, television films - covering every part of Australia and many parts of the world as a concert and recording artist. He has recorded over 15 albums and worked with big names such as Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole and Tony Bennet.

The 1988 Big Band is made of 50% - 1st year and 50% - 2nd year students of the New South Wales State Conservatorium of Music. The age of performers in this year’s Big Band range from 17-30 years with an average being under 20 years old. Subjects taken in the 2-year program include: improvisation, arranging, jazz harmony, jazz and small group performance.

Harald Neuwirth Consort - Austria

Harald Neuwirth - Piano / Erich Kleinschuster - Saxophones / Ewald Oberleitner - Bass / Erich Bachtragi - Drums

Formed in 1970, the Harald Neuwirth Consort performs straight ahead jazz. Each member is an experienced professional in the music industry having performed and recorded with leading jazz musicians such as Art Farmer, Mel Lewis, Jimmy Heath, and Dexter Gordon.

Apart from his activities as a composer and arranger for Radio, TV, Film, and Theater, Harald Neuwirth is also a Professor of Jazz Piano at the Higher School of Music and Performing Arts in Graz.

Lorraine Desmarais - Canada

The native Montréal, Lorraine Desmarais describes her music as “It is not free music - a better name would be acoustic fusion”. Her music derived mainly from her admiration of pianists: Keith Jarrett, Bill Evans, and composers such as Ravel & Debussy. She is a self-taught Jazz Pianist with a classical background. Lorraine Desmarais has already recorded 3 albums: Trio Lorraine Desmarais, Andiamo, and Pianissimo.

Apart from her commercial work, she also teaches performance in the Jazz program at the University of Montreal. Lorraine Desmarais has appeared in various International Jazz Festivals and has received numerous awards for her performance and recording abilities.

Oiling Boiling Blues Band - Finland

Matti Oiling - Leader, Drums / Raimo Korhonen - Trumpet / Matti Lappalainen - Trombone / Pekka Toivanen - Soprano & Tenor Saxophones / Markku Tabell - Bass / Jari Rissanen - Electric Guitar / Erro Raittinen - Vocals

Oiling Boiling Blues Band is one of the most popular bands in Finland established 20 years ago by Matti Oiling. During the past 20 years the band has produced Top Finish musicians who are now their own band leaders. Today, Oiling Boiling consists of the above members and play jazz flavored with Rhythm & Blues. Matti Oiling, the leader of the band has toured in the US with alto saxophonist Richie Cole and has founded two well-known drum schools in Finland. Erro Raittinen, the latest member of the Band, is a legendary vocalist in Finland. His career spans back to the Sixties and has made several top hits.

Steckar - Tubapack - France

Marc Steckar - Cello, Tuba / Christian Jous - Tuba / Frank Steckar - Piano, Drums / Ramon Lopez - Drums & Percussions / Philippe Legris - Tuba / Michel Nicolle - Tuba

In the Sixties, Marc Steckar played with various big bands and backed up big names such as, Nat King Cole, Marlene Dietrich, and Charles Aznavour. He formed Steckar - Tubapack in 1981 and is the only Tuba player in the world to record 7 albums. The line of music recorded is jazz fusion quartet and grand orchestra Tuba with rhythm section. Tubapack have performed in various jazz festivals and for National TV.

Kazumi Watanabe - Japan

Kazumi Watanabe was born in Tokyo on Oct. 14, 1953 and learned to play the guitar when he was 13. By the time he was 17, he released his first album, “Infinite” and was working with top Japanese musicians Sadao Watanabe. Since the mid-Seventies, Kazumi has reigned as Japans’ top jazz player. He has worked with world-class jazzmen including: Gary Burton, Marcus Miller, Lee Ritenour, David Sanborn, Michael Brecker, & Larry Coryell. Larry Coryell insists that “Kazumi Watanabe is one of the very best guitarists in the world”. Kazumi Watanabe has mastered the styles of many players including Django Reinhardt, George Benson, and Jimmy Hendrix which give him a rare command of swing, pop, funk, and high energy rock. Style & technique and his long time use of guitar synthesizers place him at the forefront of high-tech jazz guitarists.

Over the past few years, Kazumi has listened to ethnic music, including East Indian and Indonesian music which influenced Japanese culture. He has studied “The Shamisen”, a traditional Japanese string instrument with Michihiro Sato, a Shamisen master. Kazumi sees the music he and Sato play as a meeting point midway between jazz and traditional music. Known for his experimental style of music, Kazumi’s compositions are very alive, very accurate, and for the most part reflect the evolution of fusion into the Eighties and Nineties.

Walk Away - Poland

Zbigniw Jakubek - Keyboards / Bernard Maseli - Vibes / Jacek Niedziela - Bass / Adam Wendt - Tenor & Soprano Saxophones / Krzystof Zawadski - Drums

Walk Away perform a special amalgam of straight ahead jazz, rock, and Latin molded into attractive tunes with finely wrought, elaborate arrangements. They are first class young musicians who have performed in various International Jazz Festivals and won a number of prestigious awards.

Jeramzee - Singapore

Jeremy Monteiro - Leader, Keyboards / Tony Zee - Drums / Eddie Jansen - Bass / Stephen Rufus - Saxophones / Stephen Francis - Vocal

Jeramzee has been the pillar in the Singapore Jazz scene since they formed in 1982. Jeramzee is well known for being adept at both mainstream and fusion jazz styles. They have performed extensively in clubs and festivals in Singapore Arts Festival in 1984, some members of the band featured with Herbie Mann. In 1986/87 Jeramzee released an album “Back to Basics” with outstanding American musicians including Eldee Young & Redd Holt, who were members of the original Ramsey Lewis Trio. Jeremy Monteiro, Eldee Young, and Redd Holt made a spectacular performance at the 1988 Montreaux and Pori Jazz Festivals in Switzerland and Finland. An album of their live performance is soon to be released.

Fredrik Noren Band - Sweden

Fredrik Noren - Drums / Joakim Milder - Tenor Saxophone / Johan Horlen - Alto & Soprano Saxophones / Carl Fredrik - Piano

Formed in 1978, the Fredrik Noren Band is one of Sweden’s Classiest modern jazz combos. Apart from appearing on National Radio & TV, they perform extensively in jazz clubs throughout the country. Together they have released three albums: “Jazz in Sweden 1980”, “The Snake”, and “Juan Carlos”. Each member takes part in music composition and arrangement.

Fredrik Noren Band has performed in various Jazz Festivals including: New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, 2nd Singapore International Jazz Festival, Pori International Jazz Festival (Finland), and Bratislava International Jazz Festival (Czech).

Their performance at Jak.Jazz ‘88 is made possible through the kind support of The Swedish Institute and The Swedish Concert Institute.

Guus Janssen Septet - The Netherlands

Guus Janssen - Piano / Wim Janssen - Drums / Paul Termos - Alto Saxophone / Raoul van der Weide - Bass / Ernst Reyseger - Cello / A. Baars - Violin / Wolter Wierbos - Trombone

The qualities characterizing the music of the Guus Janssen Septet have been profoundly affected by the dissolving barriers separating composition and improvisation. Not only the basic material but also the actual method of improvisation is rooted as much in contemporary composed music as in jazz patterns. Their improvisation method is borrowed directly from jazz with its dynamic approach and rhythmic contrasts. The ensemble comprises of several players depending on the demands of the repertoire, with emphasis on strings or winds.

Itchy Fingers - United Kingdom

Mike Mower - Tenor Saxophone, Flute / John Graham - Tenor & Soprano Saxophones, Clarinet / Nigel Glen Hitchcock - Alto Saxophone Mark II / Howard Turner - Baritone Saxophone & Bass Clarinet

Itchy Fingers is an exciting saxophone quartet comprising four of England’s’ leading young saxophonists. Its roots lie in jazz and improvised music but its influences are wide and extend from 20th Century Classical to Irish Folk Music. All the music is original and each member composes for the Quartet. Formed in Oct. 1987, the group has since performed in various International Jazz Festivals. The release of their debut album “Quark” in Jun. 1987 is full of Witty Rhythmic & Melodic touches and has received favorable reviews.

Lee Ritenour - USA

Lee Ritenour picked up the guitar at age six and began formal lessons four years later. At age 13, he studied with Duke Miller, who is now head of the University of California, Dept. of Guitar. In 1974, he landed a gig with Sergio Mendes, who enlisted him for a tour of Brazil. Upon his return to LA, Lee embarked on the studio phase of his career, lending his special talents to recording artists including Kenny Loggins, Steely Dan, Diana Ross, & Barbra Streisand.

His first major move as a solo artist was in forming the group Friendship with Ernie Watts, Don Grusin, Abraham Laboriel, Alex Acuna, & Steve Foreman. In 1976, he released his debut solo album “First Course”. In total, Lee has recorded 16 solo albums and played on more than 3,000 albums. His latest, “Portrait” is a mixed bag of pop, funk, bossanova, ballads, jazz & rock. In addition he has written sings for such artists as Olivia Newton-John, Sheena Easton, and Herb Alpert.

His multi-faceted musical career includes soundtrack scoring on films such as, “Saturday Night Fever”, “A Star is Born”, “Taxi Driver”, “Heaven Can Wait”, and “An Officer and a Gentleman”.

Phil Perry - USA

Phil Perry who will be performing with Lee Ritenour during the 1st Jakarta International Jazz Festival, has also appeared in both Lee Ritenour’s “Portrait” and “Earth Run” albums as well as in Quincy Jones’ forthcoming album. The much of his success as a great vocalist and performer, he has also recently signed a contract with Capitol Records for his debut solo album which is scheduled to be released next year.

Monty Alexander Trio - USA

Monty Alexander - Piano / Johnnie Lee Clayton - Bass / Marvin Otis Smith II - Drums

Monty Alexander’s roots lie in Kingston, Jamaica where he was born. As a pianist, he is strongly influenced by Nat King Cole and Oscar Peterson. His first album “Here comes the Sun” which was released in 1974 followed by a number successful recordings. When performing with large outfits, Monty often features exotic instruments in his repertoires. In the 1st Jakarta International Jazz Festival, he will perform straight ahead jazz with two fine musicians: Johnnie Lee Clayton on bass and Marvin Otis Smith II on drums.

Rebecca Lily - USA

Rebecca Lily or “Lady” Rebecca as she is affectionately known as, is an exceptional jazz vocalist and song stylist. She is a self-taught vocalist and has been singing since childhood in church choirs that proved both an educational and inspirational experience. Having performed extensively throughout the Baltimore-Washington metro area, “Lady” Rebecca has appeared in concerts such as the Kool Jazz Festival, Eubie Blake Jazz Festival as well as in concerts with her own group, “Moment’s Notice”.

Igor Bril Jazz Ensemble - USSR

Igor Bril - Leader, Piano, Composer / Anatoly Sobolev - Contrabass / Alexander Oseichuk - Alto Saxophone / Alexander Simonousky - Percussion / Alexander Sukhikh - Trombone, Composer, Arranger / Tatevik Oganesyan - Vocal / Alexander Kusnetsov - Guitar, Composer, Arranger / Georgy Garanyan - Alto Saxophone, Conductor, Composer

The band led by Igor Bril is one of the most popular mainstream jazz groups in the USSR. The group has appeared extensively on National Radio & TV. Their latest record “Before the Sunsets” was released in the US. As a group and individually, they have performed in international jazz festivals and played with famous jazz musicians such as Bob James, Grover Washington, Jr., and Toots Tielemans. Apart from being musicians, Igor Bril and several members of the ensemble teach at the Gressin Musical and Pedagogical College.

Jak.Jazz ‘88

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Swinging On The Shore of The Java Sea
by Paul W. Blair

The prime force behind the Jakarta International Jazz Festival ‘88 was Indonesia guitarist and band leader Ireng Maulana. Ireng took a good idea that had been kicking around for years and made it a reality. For about a decade, Indonesian jazz fans have been talking in local clubs and jazz society meetings about a major festival that would not only bring into the country renowned international jazz players, but also demonstrate the considerable talents of Indonesia’s own first-rank improvisers.

Over a year, Ireng Maulana and a group of close friends decided that the idea of such an international festival in Jakarta was too tantalizing to remain just a dream. They formed a steering committee to plan the extravaganza that would, in time, come to known as “Jak.Jazz ‘88.”

Jak.Jazz planners wanted to make their festival a showcase for a broad cross-section of jazz styles-from traditional to avant-garde. And they intended to use a heavy dose of pop-jazz to draw a strong of younger listeners.

It was that event, Holland’s huge annual North Sea Jazz Festival, that served as both inspiration and model as the Jak.Jazz organizer began their work. For example, at any given moment during North Sea, listeners can choose to hear any one of a number of groups performing simultaneously on multiple bandstands dotted throughout the festival grounds. Jak.Jazz planners wanted the excitement and diversity that such a set-up allows, and they were determined to serve up just as rich a mix of jazz styles, too.

Venues
But between the dream of Jak.Jazz and its realization, there stood a bewildering array of organizational details to be handled. First, the festival committee had to choose the musicians, both local and foreign, to be featured during the event. Jazz associations, critics, and concert bookers in many countries were consulted, and several foreign embassies and cultural offices added their suggestions. The dates for Jak.Jazz were finally set : November 20-22, 1988.

The concerts, it was decided, would be staged at Ancol, the beautifully laid-out and well-managed public recreation area in the northern part of Jakarta along the seashore. There would be somewhat more formal seating at Panggung Maxima, a three-thousand seat outdoor concert hall inside Ancol’s Dunia Fantasi amusement park.

The other major venue would be the Drive-In Theater at Ancol - and here the organizers embraced one of the idea that has made the North Sea Jazz Festival so stimulating an event over the years. Six complete stages would be constructed on the Drive-In grounds, so that as soon as one jazz group finished its performance on one particular stage, another could begin to play nearby. At some points during the three-day festival, two groups would play simultaneously on two-different Drive-In stages.

Jazz Styles From 4 Continents At five o’clock on Friday afternoon the group “Indonesia 6” kicked off the first set at the Drive-In. Then as the next three extraordinary evenings unfolded, Jak.Jazz concertgoers enjoyed a tantalizing range of jazz styles from four continents (The Igor Brill Ensemble from Russia, The Oiling Boiling Blues Band from Finland, Canadian pianist Lorraine Desmarais, Don Burrows Big Band from Australia, Harald Neuwirth Quartet from Austria, Fredrik Noren Quintet from Sweden, Walkaway from Poland, American pianist Monty Alexander, Itchy Fingers from Britain, Steckar - Tubapack from France, Guus Janssen Septet from the Netherlands, Rebecca Lily vocalist from USA, etc.)

The headline attractions at Jak.Jazz were two celebrated electric guitarist with huge international followings Japan’s Kazumi Watanabe and America’s Lee Ritenour. They closed the concerts at Ancol well past midnight on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings, sending fans (an estimated twenty thousands in all) streaming out the park with smiles on their faces.

Jak.Jazz Overview 1988 - 1994

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by Paul W. Blair

The first Jak.Jazz Festival was held in Ancol in 1988. Providing the musical excitement was an outstanding line-up of Indonesian and international jazz players. Among the overseas musicians featured that year were American guitarist Lee Ritenour and Japanese guitarist Kazumi Watanabe with their groups; Russian pianist Igor Brill and his quintet; Swedish drummer Frederik Noren and his quintet; pianist Harold Neuwirth’s quartet from Austria; the Oiling-Boiling Blues Band from Finland; an acapella saxophone quartet from England called Itchy Fingers; the Polish electro-funk band known as Walkaway; a sextet from France called Tubapak that actually included four tuba players; Gus Janssen’s septet from the Netherlands; American jazz pianist Monty Alexander with an all-star trio; Canadian jazz piano soloist Lorraine Desmarais; Singaporean keyboard player Jeremy Monteiro; and a student big band from Australia led by the well-known alto saxophonist Don Burrows. The three-day festival drew a total crowd of 20,000 persons.

The second Jak.Jazz Festival was held in 1991. Again, the venue was in Ancol and total attendance over seven days was estimated at around 25,000. Among the overseas artists appearing for the first time that year were the acclaimed Norwegian jazz singer Karin Krog; Pierre Dorge and his New Jungle Orchestra from Denmark; alto saxophonist Martin Speake and his quartet from England; the four-member Percussion Orchestra (whose members came from Switzerland, India, Ghana, and Iran); the Japanese jazz-rock group Casiopea; the Dirty Dozen Brass Band from the US; brassman James Morrison from Australia; trombonist Erich Kleinschuster from Austria; singer/accordionist Eddie Monteiro from the US; trumpeter Terry Undag from the Philippines; the Paulo Ramos Band from Brazil; the Dutch funk-jazz ensemble called Future Shock; a Polish trio led by the astounding electric bassist Krzysztof Scieranski; a Finnish trio under the leadership of pianist Ilka Neimelainen; and a Japanese soprano saxophonist named Chika Asamoto, who turned out to be one of the festival’s biggest hits.

For the third Jak.Jazz event, held in 1993, the festival site was moved to Plaza Timur in Senayan, right in the middle of the city. Around 28,000 listeners flocked to the festival grounds over the course of the five-day event. Among the overseas groups taking part for the first time that year were Duo Fatale from Switzerland; the Icelandic super-group Mezzoforte; David Valentine’s band from the US; South American guitarist Claudio Ragazzi with his quintet; the Graeme Norris Quartet from Australia; the Vienna Blue Brass Sextet from Austria; French solo guitarist Helmut Jaspar; guitarist Reg Schwager’s quartet from Canada - featuring superb vocals from Jeanette Lambert; French pianist Antoine Herve; the Bernd Konrad Quartet from Germany; Hong Kong jazz-rock guitarist Eugene Pao; Sergical Funk from the Netherlands; and Four-of-a-Kind, an outstanding all-female quartet whose members hail from Germany, Holland, Australia and the US.

The line-up for Jak.Jazz ‘94 again included quite a few overseas jazz artists making their first-ever Jakarta appearances. Among them were British singer and pianist Georgie Fame,; Japanese-born trumpet player Terumasa Hino; Candy Dulfer’s funk ensemble from the Netherlands; the Dutch gypsy-jazz quintet called Basily; American singer Coco York with American guitarist Randy Bernsen; and the Fumio Itabashi - Kazutoki Umezu Duo from Japan. Quite a number of popular soloists and groups who had appeared at previous festival came back to Jakarta again to add to the musical excitement. Approximately 32,000 listeners were entertained at Plaza Timur during the four-day festival.

Jazz In Indonesia: A Capsule History

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Jazz In Indonesia: A Capsule History
by Paul W. Blair & Rully Mangunsong

Although the musical style known as jazz was first synthesized in the United States in the years just before the First World War, it is today a music that knows no international boundaries. Good jazz is now being played on every continent. What’s more, some its most talented musicians - and the most fervent fans- are Asian.

Jazz first began to be heard in Indonesia in the late Thirties when it was played by the visiting Filipino musicians who had come to Indonesia to earn their livings as entertainers. Through their playing, many Indonesian listeners first had the opportunity to hear wind instruments (trumpets, saxophones and so on) usually then featured only in so-called “serious” music played in an exciting new way. That early jazz-influenced music had quite an impact on young people of the day and represented a real contrast to the staid European heritage that then represented “high culture.”

Among the other musical elements introduced by these visitors from the Philippines were Latin rhythms - rumbas, sambas, boleros, and more. Many old-timers still recall the names of the more prominent of the visiting Filipino stars: Soleano, Garcia, Pablo, Baial, Torio, Barnarto, and Samboyan. Some stayed for long periods in Jakarta and were even featured as soloists with the Indonesian Radio Orchestra. Others found opportunities to play in cities in various regions of the country. Samboyan, for example, became leader of the Bandung Studio Orchestra. Through the process of observation and osmosis, these new musical influences began to be reflected in the playing of young Indonesian musicians.

Where were theses intriguing new orchestras and smaller groups being heard around Indonesia in the late Thirties? Filipino musicians were entertaining and playing for dancers at Hotel Des Indes (on what is now the site of Duta Merlin Plaza), at Hotel Der Nederlander (there are government offices in that location today), at the Savoy Homann Hotel in Bandung, and at the Orange Hotel in Surabaya. At these and other popular spots, the Dutch mingled on occasion with upper-crust Indonesians.

It is said that the first song composed by an Indonesian specifically to entertain (and using a standard song pattern) was one called “Als de Orchideen Bloeien” (“When The Orchids Bloom”) by Ismail Marzuki. The lyrics were in Dutch and the date of publication was November 1939.

Western-influenced music was banned by the Japanese during their occupation. However, Asian music was allowed. And so was keroncong, which was regarded as traditional music. But with the expulsion of the Japanese and the new availability of Western recordings, a broad musical revolution began to occur. Certain individual musicians began to garner local reputations for the clever ways, they adapted overseas influences as a part of their own styles. Pianist Marihot Hutabarat, for example, played with a flair not unlike George Shearing’s. He often accompanied singer Sal Saulius Hutabarat, whose baritone voice was said to resemble Billy Eckstine’s. Bing Slamet’s singing, on the other hand, reflected the influence of Bing Crosby’s popular records.

Over sixty Dutch musicians came to Indonesia in 1948 with the intention of organizing a symphony orchestra made up primarily of local musicians. Before they returned to Holland around the time of independence, they had established the Radio Philharmonic Orchestra. Among the best known of these Dutch musicians were Baarspoel, Fritz Hintze, Henk te Strake, and Jose Cleber. Some of them lingered beyond their original period of commitment and helped to form ensembles of other sorts.

Cleber’s Jakarta Studio Orchestra featured big band arrangements that sounded a lot like what Stan Kenton’s band was doing in California around that time. Other prominent groups of the time included The Progressive Trio (with Dick Able as guitarist, Nick Mamahit on piano, and Dick van der Capellen playing bass); Iskandar’s Sextet and Octet, which played modern jazz arrangements; The Old Timers, led by Eto Latumeten on tenor saxophone and playing a Dixieland repertoire.

In 1955, Bill Saragih formed the Jazz Riders with himself on piano, vibes, and flute, Didi Chia on piano, Paul Hutabarat as vocalist, Herman Tobing on bass, and Yuse on drums. A later edition featured Hanny Joseph playing drums, Sutrisno playing tenor saxophone, Thys Lopis on bass and Bob Tutupoly as featured singer.

As the jazz style became more popular, other names gained prominence: pianists Taslan Suyatno and Mus Mualim, trumpeter Ari Tess, drummer Benny van Dietz (Benny Mustafa), and many others. The leading lights in Surabaya between 1945 and 1950 were Jack Lemmers / Jack Lesmana (bass), Bubi Chen (piano), Teddy Chen, Jopy Chen (bass), Maryono (saxophone), Berges (piano), Oei Boen Leng (guitar), Didi Pattirane (guitar), Mario Diaz (drums), and Benny Heinem (clarinet). During the Fifties and Sixties, the big names on the Bandung jazz scene were Eddy Karamoy (guitar), Joop Talahahu (tenor saxophone), Leo Massenggi, Benny Pablo, Dolf (alto saxophone), John Lepel (bass), Iskandar (guitar and piano), and Sadikin Zuchra (guitar and piano).

Among the younger musicians who began to be heard in Jakarta during the Seventies and Eighties are the Maulana Brothers, Ireng Maulana & Kiboud Maulana (guitars), Perry Pattiselano (bass), Embong Raharjo (saxophone), Luluk Purwanto (violin), Oele Pattiselano (guitar), Jackie Pattiselano (drums), Benny Likumahuwa (trombone and bass), Yopie Item (guitar), Karim Suweileh (drums), Wimpy Tanasale (bass), and Abadi Soesman (keyboards). Some of these younger players leaned toward rock and fusion, but occasionally had opportunities to play in a jazz context: Bambang Nugroho (piano), Elfa Secioria (piano), Candra Darusman (keyboards), Christ Kayhatu (piano), Joko WH (guitar), Indra Lesmana (keyboards), Idang Rasjidi (keyboards), and many others.

There are doubtless many other names deserving of mention. The lists above represents only a cross-section of musical talent in past decades. The musical scene in Indonesia today is a busy one, with many chances for talented players to earn their livings playing for television, in nightclubs and as back-up for pop singers. But many of them would like to have the chance to play real jazz more often because it’s music that stimulates and challenges them. As lovers of this music, we should support them wherever and whenever we can. Our enthusiasm will allow them to keep the music as vital and as omnipresent as it should be!