Compiled by Paul Fisher, an introduction to the music of Indonesia, from sublime Sundanese gamelan to dangdut, Sulawesi guitar and north Sumatra traditions, kroncong, pop sunda and wild pop champurs, or mixtures.

Excellent compilation of folk, traditional and pop music from Java. Includes gamelan degung from Sunda and gambang kromong from Jakarta. Traditional and modern tracks and instruments in high quality packaging and good quality recordings.


Price:   £17.99

Roti is situated south-west of West Timor. This high quality recording features four performers of poetic song accompanied by sasandu (a tube zither, similar to the Malagsy valiha) two meko gong and drum ensembles, with a soundscape of natural and man made sounds. Another vibrant and enjoyable musical style from the amazingly diverse Indonesian islands and a real discovery. At times it seems possible to hear half the world on this small island as elements of Africa or Polynesia infiltrate. Some great singing and accomplished playing, all beautifully recorded and with fascinating liner notes.

Lombok is a short boat ride from Bali, but very different culturally and musically. Exceptionally high quality recordings of a 16 piece gong Sasak group accompanying dance, procession and martial arts, a 9 member Wayang Sasak group accompanying the shadow puppet play and a 9 member Rebana tuned drum group performing celebratory music. Accessible and vibrant, the readable and informative English notes put the music into context.


Price:   £18.99

JVC World Sounds has some of the best recordings of Balinese gamelan, compiled on a CD for a new market.