ITJazz Live Music VI: A Giant Step at ITB: The Report
The connection between jazz and Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB) has been going on for many decades. They both have been through ups and downs just like every other relationship, but even in the lowest periods ITB has always been a friendly and healthy environment for jazz to live. If you look at the history of jazz in Indonesia, you should never skip ITB’s contribution to the jazz development. Ever since jazz appeared in Indonesia more than 50 years ago, ITB had supported it ever since. Ask the senior jazz lovers, and they will remember the famous west wing of ITB, where many memorable events were held. Not only the west wing, but the east wing and the open veranda were also used to held many regular events that should always be listed as the milestones of Indonesian jazz history. The jazz icon like the late Jack Lesmana, Bubi Chen, Benny Likumahuwa, Riza Arshad, Indra Lesmana and many others used to perform at ITB and joined many discussions with the students. Because of this strong bond, we have seen many successful jazz artists came from ITB such as Riza Arshad, Donny Suhendra, Imam Pras, Ferina, Imelda Rosalin and many more. The freedom of intelectual and academic expression might be the reason why jazz could be accepted as a trend back then. And that legacy is still carried until now. As jazz keeps getting better and stronger in Indonesia, many people wish to see the scene like yesteryears, when ITB was the frontliner of jazz events in Indonesia, particularly in Bandung. We can’t see why not, since now we have a solid jazz community of ITB under the flag of ITJazz.
ITJazz was founded in 2007 by some jazz lovers from ITB in cooperation with many units that have the same vision. ITJazz consists nont only the students but also the alumnis, lectures and post-graduates (magister and doctoral). The future of ITB jazz is now in their hands. The 6th Live Music of ITJazz was held last Friday (July 23, 2010) with the event called “A Giant Step”. The event took place at the basketball court, West Campus Center with no less than 5 participating groups, each representing the different color of jazz. Rigids represented the ever-cool bebop, Straightline for fusion funk, Rotund’Jere brought the ehtnic nuance in jazz, Jammin’ Jazzy Jam and Imelda Rosalin Trio with high quality jazz as usual.
We had jazz under the moonlight. The first band was Straightline with a formation of five, including a saxophonist who mostly stood in front. They gave Glenn Fredly‘s “You’re My Everything” as their first song, followed by Dave Koz‘ “You Make Me Smile”. Another Glenn Fredly‘s song “Kisah Romantis” was the third one, and then closed with Fourplay‘s famous song “101 Eastbound”. Straightline was simply a perfect choice to start the special ITB event especially by their cool song picks to set the mood.
Then it went a little bit deeper with Rigids by their boppin’ presentation. Performing in quartet featuring Giri (bass), Dito (guitar), Rino (drums) and Sandra (keyboard) the gave 3 songs, including a song from Bob James‘ collection.
Next was a visit to the magical ethnic touch in jazz. It was Rotund’Jere that surprisingly appeared not only with musicians but also a beautiful dancer. The 1001 night nuance of Arabian music was brought including a lovely belly dance. For the second song was brought in straight ahead, and it was delivered successfully with quality skills. Then for the last one they embedded the mystical Balinese nuance in fusion. The dancer appeared again in Balinese traditional outfit and a red fan. Not everybody can deliver jazz with thick ethnical nuance in perfect blends, but Rotund’Jere showed they were capable for it. A really interesting performance indeed. Then came the moment when ITJazz was officially established as a new unit at ITB. The coordinator was also changed hands from Mika to Dito. As the official unit hopefully ITJazz can do more things to put jazz more forward in many presentations in the future.
The music continued on. This time Jammin’ Jazzy Jam got their chance. It wasn’t difficult for them to grab the attention especially with the beautiful and attractive vocalist with good voice. Two keyboards were used together with bass and drum in this group as they played Indra Lesmana‘s “My Other Half” taken from “Rumah Ketujuh” OST. They continued with the classic nursery rhymes “ABCD” and the evergreen “Aku Ini Punya Siapa” which were brought popular by January Christy and also Dian Pramana Putra. A surprise came when they bravely played the famous nursery rhymes “Old McDonald” and the theme of Doraemon! It was a nice move and the crowds gave huge pops for that.
And the night reached climax with Imelda Rosalin Trio appeared on stage. The stylish jazz/blues pianist Imelda brought her usual “compatriots” Rudy Zulkarnaen on bass and Arifandi “Ari Aru” Reynaldi on drums. They were the most senior band that has been doing their gigs in quality for many years. Antonio Jobim‘s “Meditation” opened up their session followed by “Straight” and Imelda’s own written song “Stroberi”. This stunning trio went on giving Cole Porter‘s “Night and Day”, “Giant Step” and closed their session as well as the event with “Home Sweet Home.”
A cool night were brought at the basketball court through ITJazz Live Music VI: A Giant Step. All the performers did their job done very well. We got the chance to see some of the delightful colors of jazz last night. To get jazz back on its feet again at ITB, consistency is really needed. Riza Arshad as the alumni of ITB agreed with it. “Don’t think too much about bringing popular artists first, and also don’t force yourself to have long lineups. What important is to make this event appears regularly. And the rest will follow.” We agree with him, because when the event rolls in regular schedule it will surely grow bigger. ITB has been a comfortable home for jazz, and now it’s time to take it further. We know ITJazz can do it with all the passion and effort they have within. May the legendary west wing of ITB lives again soon, and may there will be many events to come. Well done ITJazz! We look forward to see more from you. Let’s bring jazz back alive again at ITB!
See more pictures:
Reporter: Adott Jumbo
Photographer: Eghi Gabred
Editor: Riandy Kurniawan
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foto straightline ga ada.. wahaha..