Central Jazz Axis Echoes throughout the Mountains
azz Festival that Doesn’t Jazz.” The festival’s core identity and purpose revolve around the curation of a diverse lineup of musicians, combining various musical genres while maintaining a strong jazz presence.
One of the standout performers at the BRI Jazz Gunung Series 2 was Badrus Zeman of the band Lhorju’. Despite typically playing rock music with Madurese lyrics, Badrus showcased his talent at the jazz festival. He reflected on the uniqueness of representing his mother tongue and the life of Madurese fishermen through music. Lhorju’ falls into the world music category due to its fusion of traditional and modern instruments, adding a distinctive flavor to the festival’s lineup.
The inclusion of artists like Sal Priadi, a popular pop star, sparked some controversy, with questions raised about the festival’s commitment to jazz music. However, Sal Priadi delivered a performance that emphasized a jazz-inspired vibe, combining elements of pop with jazz improvisation. His energetic stage presence and unique songs captivated the audience, proving that artists from different genres could still bring a touch of jazz to their performances.
In addition to Sal Priadi and Lhorju’, the festival featured a lineup of jazz musicians like Natasya Elvira, Rouge from France, Tohpati Ethnomission, and Bintang Indrianto Trio. Each artist brought their own interpretation of jazz music to the stage, showcasing the diverse range of styles within the genre. From traditional jazz compositions to fusion jazz with rock and funk influences, the performances delighted the audience and highlighted the versatility of jazz music.
Bintang Indrianto, the festival’s curator, emphasized the importance of improvisation in jazz music. He highlighted the festival’s commitment to preserving the essence of jazz while exploring collaborations with international artists, supporting emerging musicians, and engaging with local jazz communities. The “Leica” principle, based on legend, emerging or established, international, community or collaboration, and anchor, guided the curation process to ensure a balanced and engaging lineup of performers.
Jazz Gunung’s dedication to showcasing a diverse range of jazz styles and supporting artists from various backgrounds has solidified its reputation as a leading jazz festival in Indonesia. By staying true to its core values and maintaining a strong jazz presence in its lineup, Jazz Gunung continues to resonate with audiences seeking an immersive and eclectic musical experience. The festival’s success in attracting both jazz and non-jazz artists demonstrates its ability to curate a dynamic and engaging program that celebrates the rich tapestry of jazz music.