Solo City Jazz 2011: The Jazz with Indonesian Cultural Touch

[caption id="attachment_138511" align="aligncenter" width="640" caption="Solo City Jazz 2011. Photo by Sonny Hendrawan Saputra"][/caption]

Jazz is contemplative. It is my first impression when I listen to it. When it is played slowly, it flows like water to the soul and when it is played fast, it stimulates mind's dynamics. For me, jazz is relaxing. I do not know why, same expression like sitting in the cozy sofa with a cup of coffee.

I am not crazy of Jazz, but absolutely I will not miss the chance to enjoy watching Jazz performance if it is played in my town, Solo. Generally, Solo is so cultural with strong ethnical touch. So it will be unique moment to see Jazz which is underlined as not Asian typical traditional music to be performed in Solo.

The atmosphere of Sriwedari Park in Solo City Jazz 2011. Photo by Sonny Hendrawan Saputra

Shaking the body following the rhythm, being amazed by the nice blend between Indonesian tradition and Jazz, feeling so good tonight. I was so happy to watch "Solo City Jazz tonight, September 23, 2011. Taman Sriwedari became the venue of the first day for that festival this year. Daily, this park is commonly used as public space for Solo people. Inside, there is special place for daily show of Wayang Orang (human puppet), but tonight, that park got the touch of magical Jazz. Taman Sriwedari was colorized by the colorful lights, buzzed by big speakers, and fulfilled by modern instruments. Uniquely, Taman Sriwedari still stood confidently with its Javanese character. The stage used reminded the style of stone in temple construction. The backpart of audiences was the big gate called gapura typical Indonesian Hindunese style. The big old trees really gave the atmosphere how old the place was. Well, Solo City Jazz was truly nice blend of those two different styles.

Tesla Manaf feat. Mahagotra Ganesha. Photo by Sonny Hendrawan Saputra

Jauk Keras Balinese Dance made surprise in the middle of the show. Photo by Sonny Hendrawan Saputra

After several performances from Jazz group coming from Solo city, the next performer was Tesla Manaf feat. Mahagotra Ganesha from Bandung. Those young men brought the fresh atmosphere to the audiences by giving attractive fancy beat from the instruments. The group could attract more intention since they add Balinese gamelan in the performance. Such a great collaboration. People were then surprised by the coming of Jauk Keras Balinese dancer. It successfully added the sensation of the night.

(top) Zarro and the Vega (below) Sono Seni Ensamble. Photo by Sonny Hendrawan Saputra

The following Jazz group was Zarro and the Vega from Sulawasi. The vocalist invited the audiences to do sketching together and it worked!! That group also did not forget to give traditional touch in their performance. By still using Jazz style, they performed very well Es Lilin (traditional song from Sunda), Apuse (traditional sing from Papua), and Gundul Pacul (traditional song from Central Java). Since those traditional songs were very popular for the audiences, they could be sang together.

The Bali atmosphere coming back in the performance of Sono Seni Ensamble, the group from Solo. The members of Sono Seni Ensamble mentioned that their performance that night was for tribute for I Wayan Sadra, one of the founders of the group and one of famous artist in Indonesia who was just passed away. Thus, no wonder, some of their works that night was like thoughtful and deep.

The last performer was Faris RM, one of famous musicians in Indonesia. He is recognized in Indonesian musics both in the streams of pop and Jazz. As predicted, he could create the peak of the show as the last performer. People enjoyed singing together and moving their body. Audiences did not care about the time that would pass midnight.

[caption id="attachment_133260" align="aligncenter" width="602" caption="Mayor of Solo, Jokowi enjoyed the festival. Photo by Sonny Hendrawan Saputra"][/caption]

Well, it is Solo city. It can always give surprise for the lovers of performance and festival...and it can always elegantly combine any style like modern musics with traditional Indonesian touch.

Great and Funny Presenter, Anas and Mega. Photo by Sonny Hendrawan Saputra

[caption id="attachment_133258" align="alignright" width="300" caption="An ornament in Sriwedari Park. Photo by Sonny Hendrawan Saputra"][/caption]