Record Reviews

DEWA BUDJANA ~ ZENTUARY FAVORED NATIONS 2880 (Barcode: 6908972880160) ~ INDONESIA ~ Jazz-Rock-World Fusion Recorded: 2015 Released: 2016 This is the tenth album by Indonesian guitarist / composer Dewa BudjanaFind albums by this artist, this time a double CD effort, recorded with a stellar cast consisting of bassist / Chapman Stick player Tony LevinFind albums by this artist, drummer / keyboardist Gary HusbandFind albums by this artist and drummer / pianist Jack DeJohnetteFind albums by this artist. Several guest artists and the Czech Symphony OrchestraFind albums by this artist appear on selected tracks. Each of the two CDs presents six original compositions, all but one composed by Budjana. The music is a diverse collection of musical influences, which amalgamates Jazz, Fusion and World Music. Melody based, the individual compositions serve basically as vehicles for the lengthy improvisations and solo parts, which are the focus of this album. The melodic substance is somewhat limited emotionally throughout the album´s duration, quite melancholic and gloomy, with hints of Balinese music, which creates an atmosphere of slow movement and even heaviness, which is overall strengthened by the intensive instrumental multilayered presence; definitely not an easy listening experience. The individual contributions are of course stellar, as expected. Budjana plays some tasty guitar licks and his cohorts support him amicably, all they way through. Both Husband and DeJohnette contribute forceful rhythmic pulsations, Levin takes case of the bottom sounds and Husband as usual creates layers of wonderful keyboard sounds, which keep this complex music wonderfully together. The sax and vocal contributions by the guest are nice ornamentations. Overall this is a very good Jazz-Rock-World Fusion effort, which is definitely worth investigation. For Fusion and Guitar fans this is heaven on earth of course. Personally I´d prefer a concise one CD version of this music, as the length does not contribute favorably in this case as far as I am concerned. But of course this is not up to me and Budjana surely knows what he is doing.

Updated: 03/03/2017Posted: 02/03/2017

CD 2 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend

TOHPATI ETHNOMISSION ~ MATA HATI MOONJUNE 082 (Barcode: 692287908225) ~ INDONESIA ~ Jazz-Rock-World Fusion Recorded: 2015 Released: 2016 This is the second album by Indonesian ensemble Tohpati EthnomissionFind albums by this artist, led by guitarist / composer TohpatiFind albums by this artist (a.k.a. Tohpati Ario HutomoFind albums by this artist) and including flautist Diki SuwarjikiFind albums by this artist, bassist Indro HardjodikoroFind albums by this artist, drummer Demas NarawangsaFind albums by this artist and percussionist Endang RamdanFind albums by this artist. On the opening track the ensemble is accompanied by the Czech Symphony OrchestraFind albums by this artist. The album presents nine original compositions, all composed and arranged by Tohpati. The music is archetypal Jazz-Rock-World Fusion, full of beautiful melodies, exotic aroma of Far East folklore inspirations and energetic Jazzy improvisations. The rhythmic setting features odd meters and polyrhythmic passages emphasized by the drums / percussion collaboration. The expanded treatment of the individual tunes features plenty of solos and tempi changes, which keep the listener on his toes at all times. The album presents plenty of opportunity for all the participants to show their chops, which are all quite extraordinary. Tohpati brings on the Jazzy elements, Suwarjiki represents the World Music aspects and Hardjodikoro plays superb Funky bass layers. Together with the drums / percussion the ensemble displays a kaleidoscope of musical shapes and colors, which is truly irresistible. Although the music does not break any new ground, the album is perfect in what it represents: an amalgam of multiculti musical influences which is elegant, enjoyable and exquisitely executed. For the many guitar fans, this album delivers some of the nicest guitar solos one can wish for, which are a true joy to listen to. Well done Gentlemen! Fans of Indonesian Fusion, which has been gaining a lot of international attention due to the efforts of MoonJuneFind albums on this label Records under the helm of the label´s owner Leonardo PavkovicFind albums by this artist, will also find here everything they wish for. Pavkovic surely deserves a medal for his ambassadorial efforts to bring Indonesian music to listeners all over the world. Hats off Leonardo!

Updated: 28/02/2017Posted: 28/02/2017

CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend