We've been selling SambaSunda albums since before they were even called SambaSunda and in the intervening years they've recorded one international album and had an international compilation released on our own Rice Records, compiled from their Indonesian albums. Meanwhile, back in Indonesia they still continue to record for the same local record company, and this album is one of their best yet. More pop influenced than usual, with catchy melodies (some dangdut sounding) male vocals, synthesizers and some influences they must have picked up from their travels to festivals around the world. Plus their more usual mix of pulsating Sundanese rhythms with western and other influences.
From Sunda, the western region of the island of Java, Indonesia, SambaSunda are sixteen young musicians who play bamboo gamelan and a variety of other percussion and instruments from the Sunda region. They combine their local traditions and music with Balinese and Latin infused rhythms to produce a pulsating wall of sound that shakes the foundations of their tradition to the core, to emerge with an intoxicating, at times wistful, and highly original blend of music both vocal and instrumental. A new type of gamelan music rooted in the past, mingled with the urban energy of the present. The new Sound of Sunda. This is a compilation of their five Indonesian releases.
Price: £13.99
The amazing SambaSunda's seventh album sees the group trying their hand at mixing reggae with Sundanese traditional music. Mostly vocal, mostly wonderful.
Best of album that simply takes two tracks from each of their five albums, 'Sambasunda', 'Gebyar Bali Jaipong', 'Sunda Bali', 'Takbir and Sholawat' and 'Salsa and Salse'. It's all good, the tracks have been chosen well, two of the tracks have vocals giving a balanced feel, and of course the music is great. Won a lot of new friends on their successful European tour in 2003. Price: £18.99
Sunda's finest playing Javanese muisic with other sounds from the vast Indonesian islands into a compelling mixture.
Beginning life as CMBW Bandung, this bamboo gamelan orchestra took their name from their first album and title track, went on to record "Sunda Bali" and "Bali Jaipong" and now release their fourth album. This album takes as it's the theme "Hari Raya", the Islamic festival celebrating the end of the fasting period. Sambasunda's now trademark sound blends, Jaipong, kendang, African rhythms, flutes and violins. Price: £18.99
New style Sundanese degung and other styles on bamboo gamelan. Rhythmical, intoxicating and highly recommended.
Stunning album that mixes Sundanese gamelan with Balinese gamelan, performed by top Sundanese musicians. Groundbreaking, exilerating, and one of the best Indonesian albums of recent years. Price: £18.99
Another innovative and fascinating project linking Balinese gamelan to Sundanese Jaipong, the rather strange dance music of Sunda.Featuring the Sundanese drum, the kendang and other instruments with the percussive gamelan music of Bali, with vocals. Sambasunda are perhaps Indonesia's most exciting musical project for a number of years.
