Gambang Kromong is the Chinese originated Indonesian music born in the suburbs of Jakarta. It is also one of Indonesia's most vivid and off the wall musical styles. The music's name comes from the instruments, the gambang (xylophone) and the kromong (gong) played together with various flutes, and rebab (violin). It has a decidely funky rhythm but perhaps the most distinctive feature is the semi-rapped, hard vocal delivery of the men, while the women wail with their typical finesse. This is one of the best gambang kromong CDs around featuring singers such as Djumala, Sam Sukendar, Tety S. and Andy R. Highly recommended. 1. Djumala - Mamat Anak Betawi 2. Sam Sukendar - Minta Duit 3. Tetty S - Gambang Kombinasi 4. Tetty S & Djuamala - Lampu Merah I 5. Sam Sukendar - Serendo Rendo 6. Tety S. & Sam Sukendar 7. Tety S & Djumala - Bini Tua 8. Tety S - Iris Ketimun 9. Djumala - Kompor Meleduk 10. Tety S. & Djumala - Gara Gara Anak 11. Andi R. - Ondel Ondel 12. Andi R. & Tety S. - Kembang Jato 13. Nimi Yarsih - Sayur Asem 14. Andi R. - Ridhon 15. Andi R. & Nimi Yarsih & Andinj - Jali Jali.
Aceh lies at the northern tip of Sumatra, and came to world prominence when it became one of the most devastated regions of the tsunami that struck on Boxing Day 2004. Aceh is the birthplace of Islam in Indonesia and its music is quite different from anywhere else. As well as Islam, the songs on this album also have traces of the facing countries of Sri Lanka and India, in an obviously mixed culture and music. Mostly modern arrangements with keyboards and drum machines. English liner notes. 14 tracks from artists such as Ozi Syahputra, Cut Yanthi, Obet Mahino and Cut Vina. Price: £17.99
Traditional music from North Sumatra. Simple, lively music played on handmade wooden xylophones, harps, flutes and drums. These include the instruments taganing (percussion), garantung (bamboo percussion), hasapi (stringed instrument). The songs accompany traditional dances and ceremonies. Fairly rootsy without keyboards, or drum machines. Delightful. Short English notes and song translations. The titles,We are Happy, Happy Song, Sing with Joy, Cheer and Sing, give a clue to the sound. 14 tracks.
Second volume from the king of Gambang Kromong, the funky music of Jakarta. Benyamin S. mostly in duet with female singer Ida Royany plus a couple of tracks from female singer Rita Zahara. Classic sounds from the James Brown of Indonesia, who died in 1995 aged 56. Price: £17.99
Gambang Kromong is a funky Jakarta style combining Indonesian music with Chinese and American soul and jazz. These are the two greatest performers of Gambang Kromong, Benyamin S. being dubbed the Indonesian James Brown, for his deep funky sense. Great stuff.
Makoto Kubota has created a superb album of Balinese (and Javanese) soundscapes, from gamelan jegog to suling overlaid with cool beats and some natural sounds of the forest. Quite similar to Blue Asia's first album Hotel Ibah, but more laid back. As ever with Makoto Kubota this is a high quality album, great to chill out to, but equally great as a pure listening experience. Price: £14.99
Marsada are Batak musicians from Samosir island, Lake Toba, Sumatra. They perform uning-uningan, (ceremonial music) and Batak folk songs, mixing traditional and western instruments. Their music is joyous and uplifting and this CD catches their upbeat spirit with good effect.
