Friday, June 13th, 2008
Took these a while ago, never got around to working on them. This live TV show is very popular, like American Idol but with Dangdut singing. Dangdut is a popular style of music with much Arabic/Indian influences. Worst costumes ever!
Wednesday, June 11th, 2008
I remember leaving quite a harsh review on my website the last time I saw Tompi, I was wondering maybe he wasn’t THAT bad?! Oh my God, he is. His popularity and fame are an absolute enigma to me. And he sounds like a chipmunk when he scat sings with his pretend air trumpet. Intensely irritating.
Rieka Roslan… the absolute highlight of the festival. Wonderful soul singer, and lots and lots of fun.
Andien… apparently was a child star. A little plastic for my taste.
Geliga… founders of the festival and combine jazz with local Sumatra ethnic music.
Hendri Lamiri, a wonderful soulful violinist. Loved the set.
Notturno.
Wednesday, June 11th, 2008
Ryan: festival founder, chairman and bass player for Geliga
My second go at photographing Dewa Budjana… nightmare lighting again, and another total media circus.
The guitarist Nikita Dompas is prolific and plays with many Jakarta bands, but this is the coolest and funkiest that I’ve seen him.
Steve Hunter Trio… widdly technical Australian jazz.
Donny Suhendra
Netta, singing with Donny Suhendra
Zarro
Real Band.
The last time I saw her was in Yogyakarta a year ago… she’d only been singing for a year and was still finding her feet. Well, she’s really found them now… really impressive performance.
Wednesday, June 11th, 2008
Really enjoyed this festival, and many thanks to the organisers for taking such good care of me and Kate.
Due to lack of funds, several of the bands had to be cancelled (very sad not to see Barry Likamahua!), so the first day consisted of local Pekanbaru bands. Although they weren’t always technically up to the standard of the other bands, I always like the spirit of young Indonesian jazz groups.
Jazziri
Thio
Flat Noze
Party Jazz