INDONESIA

Underground pyschedelic sounds, British influenced progressive rock, pop, funk and other styles.

The wistful charms of Sundanese gamelan degung can reportedly be traced back to the Bajajalan dynasty (1333-1579), and continued to develop during Dutch rule. It is usually performed by a small ensemble of seven musicians playing various gongs; suspended (jengglong), metallophones (a metal barred xylophone called Bonang) and two types of sarons or glockenspiels. The rhythm is supported by the double headed wooden barrel drum the kendang, although the most distinctive instrument is the suling, a bamboo flute.

Central Javanese gamelan from Kraton, Surakarta.

Pop Sunda is the pop music of Western Java, that begun in the 1970s, although originally only performed on Western instruments, later traditional instruments were utilized. One of the best known singers is Detty Kurnia. Bandung, the main city of the Sunda area is also home to some musicians who mix Sundanese traditions with other Indonesian and outside influences, most notably perhaps, Sambasunda.

Created by Dr. Gugum Gumbira, where Sundanese gamelan meets rock 'n' roll, updating village ritual music with martial art moves, a percussion based style, with unpredictable rhythms and eerie sounds.

Vintage Music from the 1920s until 60s.

A vocal music accompanied by guitar and other stringed/ instruments, occasionally instrumental. One of the earliest forms of 'pop' music that reached it's height of popularity in the 1940s, revitalised by contemporary singers including Hetty Koes Endang.

The street music of Indonesia, particularly Jakarta. Dangdut started in the 70s, by mixing indiginous sounds, rock and latin music. Still today extremely popular, especially the 'Queen' Elvy Sukaesih, and the 'King' of Dangdut, Rhoma Irama.

The pop music of Java, mainly of Eastern and Central Java and quite distinct from Sundanese or West Java music. Mostly music from the 1980s to the present.

Probably the best known Indonesian music outside the country, the Hindu music for the gods. There are many types of gamelan orchestras, from metallic small groups, to huge kecak (vocal) and jegog (bamboo) groups. See also JVC World Sounds and King World Music Library for variety of Balinese gamelan music.

Gambang Kromong music from Java, featuring Benyamin S., Balinese spiritual and the excellent Marsada from Sumatra

Rough Guide to the Music of Indonesia, plus excellent recordings from the islands of Roti and Lombok.

Balinese Gamelan DVDs