Exclusive Interview With Margie Segers
The Indonesian music history won’t be the same without Margie Segers. This is just a fact I conclude after looking back at the birth and growth of Indonesian music in general, and Indonesian jazz in particular. Together with Rien Djamain, Margie Segers were the legends who started the jazz trend in the early 70s. They both made their success, and changed the trend. Up to the late 80s, Indonesian music scene was filled with many jazzy touch in many forms.
Yes, she is a legend. Let’s hear what other artists said about Margie:
Benny Likumahuwa, (thrombone, flute and trumpet player):
“Many women can sing jazz, but they are not really jazz singer. Margie is the real jazz singer.”
Vitor Rindanaung, (Victorious Music President):
“Margie Segers is an Indonesian most talented jazz singer. And I would say that she is one of the best jazz singers in the world.”
Ireng Maulana, (guitarist and jazz promotor):
“..simply say, if we’re talking about jazz, Margie Segers is unbelievable. Any sound that comes out from her mouth is jazz.”
What a surprise to meet one of the living legend in Indonesian jazz history. Thank God, she never loses it. She still sings as amazing as the way she were at the old days. She’s still energic and strong. I feel grateful to have the chance to meet and talk with the one and only Margie Segers after she finished her performance in an amazing jam session at JakJazz Fever 2008 located at Paris Van Java Mall, Bandung.
For me, you are one of the legend of Indonesian jazz. How do you feel to see international events keep on coming in Indonesia, such as JakJazz?
I feel happy. I see the growth, it’s more open, it’s more free… old songs can be rearranged with many improvisations. Improvisations can’t be made up, but it’s been there, always on the spot. So, I see all these youngsters are starting to receive jazz, they understand what jazz is like, and find that jazz is actually enjoyable.
You have started your career since the early 70s, and still active until now.. that’s a really amazing achievement.. you have almost 40 years career. How do you feel?
First of all I’d like to say, I’m very thankful to God, because I can still exist until now.. Margie that Indonesian recognize as jazz singer.. but I never state it that way. I always say that I’m a blues singer. My background is blues and soul. I also want to say thank you to the late Jack Lesmana, because it was him who made me as who I am, Margie Segers.
I remember one comment about you from Ireng Maulana. Allow me to quote it for you. “if we’re talking about jazz, Margie Segers is unbelievable. Any sound that comes out from her mouth is jazz.” Do you have any comment about that?
hahaha… I can’t comment anything about that, because I’m not the one who listen (laugh)
From what I see, without Rien (Djamain) and you, the history of Indonesian music would be different. Maybe we would never have the time when jazzy style took charge until the late 80s. Are you agree with me?
I think so..I think so too..
What do you think about the development of jazz today?
I think the growth are great.. still I feel we’re still lack of something. Maybe it’s not the music, but the musicians are not many enough. You know, actually we have many talents, they already have soul touch.. I say soul, because blues was where jazz came from.
What do you think about this kind of event? Is it important?
For me it’s very important.. because I love jazz. Jazz can go to soul, blues, funky, and now it’s growing, expanding, jazz got good acceptance today, not like when I started my career, it was difficult. During that time, jazz could only be accepted by some people in some areas. But now, even people who live in small places can understand it.
Any example?
I went to one small town like Kediri, and to my surprise, they understood jazz really well. They could enjoy it.
Do you still make gospel albums?
yes, still do… but too bad I have no plan of releasing one in the near future. Right now I’m in the middle of preparing my new album.
Wow… new album?
I’m doing an album with Idang Rasjidi. It will be released really soon because there are only some little things that are still undone. Like finishing the video clip and so on.. the producer is Mr Abus, and the composer is Idang himself. He also made all the songs.
Cool! Can’t wait for that. One last question, lately I see many legendary singers came back and rise again, including you. This is really an interesting fact. Is it just a coincidence?
Actually we always consistent to play. We never stop, but usually we only play at the hotels, so with that we can always practice (laugh)
Reporter: Riandy Kurniawan (jazzuality.com)
Photographer: Glen Carolus Pattiradjawane (kantorberita.com)
Popularity: 6% [?]
Go Auntie….yea.
Guru vocalku niii.. Sayang bgt wkt beliau nyanyi di java jazz di lobby stage aku jg pas bgt lg nyanyi di pre function with Sweetest Illusion.. Whereas i really wanted to watch her tho.. In the end we really haven’t met each other at all, i got missedcall from her, she wanted to ask me to join watch Oom Idang.. Still I couldn’t do it because i had to go to Pisa Cafe to help Lala there.. But when i was back again to JJF there was a man called my name “Sastyyy!!” and it was Oom Idang, so glad i had a chance to say sorry I couldn’t watch him with my good friend Matthew Sayerz..