As the culture that was born in 20th century – at first jazz was formed by various cultures in the society that gathered all mankind together as one, despite of races, ethnics in America, and was known as a form of freedom of thought and creation in every side of the world.

Jazz came to Indonesia as early as 1920′s. This music grew through the relationship between musicians across generations. What’s unique about this, jazz could actually stimulate the culture in the place where it existed to assimilate, grow and expand just like what has been happening all around the world.

Germany, as one of the nation in Europe where jazz has been living for such a long time, grwo and expand by assimilating with the roots of music culture. Then came the music of ECM – an idiom which started by a recording production – that produced new generation of musicians with big contributions toward the growth of jazz in Europe and the world globally.

Indonesia and Germany has been tied in jazz for so long, at least from the mid 60′s. At that time, a German critics, Joachim Berendt came to Jakarta and met Sujoso Karsono, the owner of Irama Records. Berendt was introduced to Jack Lesmana and Bubi Chen. He had heard their names through Tony Scott, an American clarinet that had visited Indonesia earlier. Joachim Berendt then was interested to see the skill of Indonesian jazz musicians, and suggested Indonesian All Stars to perform at Berlin Jazz Festival. Even more than just performing, the Indonesian All Stars, represented by Jack Lesmana (guitar), Maryono (flute, saxophone), Bubi Chen (piano,zither),Jopie Chen (bass) and Benny Mustafa van Diest (drums) serta Tony Scott (clarinet) made a recordings at Saba Studio on October 27-28th, 1967. Tony Scott with The indonesia All Stars, that was the name of the band, released an album called “Djanger Bali”.

It is important for Indonesia, a big nation, rich with arts and cultures, and has many very talented musicians, to get more experience and education, also to have a good and harmonious relationship with German musician.

One of the way to make it happen is by bridge the players and audience, gather them together harmoniously in one concentrated container, so the ability to absorb jazz music along with its growth can run continuously well. That’s the mission carried by Serambi Jazz.

The priority of Serambi Jazz program is to nurture the skill and creativity of the musicians-to grow, resulting creations that can be beneficial for the society. Through the relationship with fellow German musician – Serambi Jazz can be the perfect place to dig the experience. The relationship in harmony that once has already been started before will open a new bright new hope in mutual respect, sharing the knowledge and collaborating with each other.

Riza Arshad, the senior musician who has contributed a lot for the growth of jazz in Indonesia is the curator of this special collaboration with Goethe Institute. Together they will host many concerts all through 2009. This will be very beneficial for the life continuation and the growth of jazz. An important program that should not be missed by all of us who seriously care about this amazing music genre.

SERAMBI JAZZ SCHEDULE

Thursday : February 26, 2009
Place:  GoetheHaus, GI Jakarta
Performers:
Ligro Trio : Hendy of GIGI (drum), Adi Dharmawan (bass), Agam Hamzah(guitar)
Donny Suhendra Project : Donny Suhendra (guitar), Demas Narawangsa (drum), Kristian Dharma (bass), Samuel (keyboard)
(Ticket price: IDR 25.000) CP: Devi 08158811760

April 19-23, 2009
Jazz Workshop Florian Ross (pianist)
April 16, 2009 – UPH
Florian Ross Trio Concert
Apri 17, 2009 Goethe Haus
Florian Ross Trio concert

June 11, 2009
Akordeon and Indra Aziz Project with Riza Arshad

August 13, 2009
Tao Kombo and Sarimanouk

October 8-9 , 2009
Henning Sieverts – Blauen Reiter

October 8-15, 2009
Jazz Workshop with  Henning Sieverts – Blauen Reiter

December 3, 2009
Pitoelas Big Band

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