London Blues , released on the IndoJazzia Musik label in May, is an extraordinary collection of coins solo by Erik own Sondhy Bali, recorded in one take in the famous Abbey Road Studios in London.
When I received a note a few weeks ago asking if I would be interested in examining the first solo album of Erik Sondhy, my interest was piqued. At a time when Indonesia jazz pianists find their place on the international scene (think veteran player Dwiki Dharmawan and secure child Joey Alexander), how could I not be interested in the next big name?
Born in 1975 in Denpasar, Andrean Eury Sondhy Mangempis Johan Emmanuel is a jazz pianist based in Bali. Known affectionately as "Mr. Fingers" Sondhy was keyboardist with the band Jiwa and is now leader of the project and keyboardist Erik Sondhy with Rio Sidik Quartet. During his 20-year career something Sondhy played with many well known jazz artists from Indonesia and executed across the country and jazz festivals in the region. More recently, he starred in some of the London jazz scene, including the famous Ronnie Scott.
The album is a delight. For Sondhy it represents a new stage in his career; his first solo album and a chance to spread his musical wings.
For the listener, London Blues is a wild romp through a wide range of musical styles, for the most optimistic, uplifting, sometimes lyrical and reflective, always a pleasure to listen, always solid play.
The album is also a first for IndoJazzia: a label with worldwide distribution, a blog and an online community of Indonesian jazz lovers. Created by Terry Collins and Arlo Henning, two foreign jazz lovers residing in Indonesia, IndoJazzia aims to support the development of new Indonesian artists, giving them access to a wider audience, both local and international.
"IndoJazzia began as a page," said Terry Collins, "but the two directors, Arlo and I felt that it was necessary to provide a more permanent site for articles, videos , interviews, downloads, etc. . We also thought that the combination of my experience as a life jazz fan, writer and educator with 40 years of Arlo in the music industry could benefit Indonesia's jazz community. "
Thus IndoJazzia.net, and now the natural progression of a label for the global distribution of world class Indonesian jazz. A project of PT Kreatif UJ, Henning Collins and hope that in time will be owned Indojazzia and managed by the community it serves. the goal is to create a seed bed to nourish and promote emerging talents such as Erik Sondhy.
Sondhy I asked about his musical influences. "Keith Jarrett!" he replied without hesitation. In fact, the new album was inspired by Jarrett. Wanting to emulate his idol, Sondhy recorded the whole album in one sitting, one take. Much of the music is improvised, made on site.
Outside of Keith Jarrett, who his other musical idols? "Bach," he said with a chuckle. "Johann Sebastian Bach was an incredible independent finger. I still have a dream to make a recording just play the fugue"
"A contemporary pianist I am is Idang Rasjidi," Sondhy continued, "it was my first mentor -. and then there Indra Lesmana it is now my mentor "
Indeed Indra Lesmana has mentored many of the current crop of top Indonesian jazz musicians. Dewa Budjana, Tohpati, 'Aga' Hanuraga Sri Joey Alexander, and the list continues. What Indra Lesmana bring music and muse Sondhy
Sondhy is generous in praising his mentor: "For me, it is not only a great jazz pianist or even a large musician. I think Indra Lesmana's more than that. He is the musician most prolific in Indonesia, he played on 70 albums - can you imagine that "exclaims Sondhy" I've never seen another player like this in Indonesia, even in the world like this. musicality is very rare Lesmana is very inspiring, he is a genius "
But when asked about his early influences, the answer is surprising:"..!. the Beatles, the Beatles, the Beatles "he laughs
This formative influence is strongly present in the album. The project was a "dream come true" for Sondhy, which recorded a magnificent Steinway grand piano at Abbey Road Studios in London, the former recording studio of The Beatles. And not only was recorded in London, Sondhy included his own playful treatment group of the song 'I Will' on the album. In fact Sondhy recorded over four albums worth of music in this one session. We speak of a prodigious talent and prolific player.
The album consists of six long pieces. All are original, except for the Jazzification Sondhy of the old standard of the Beatles. The opening track, London Blues , sets the tone with its low walk, followed by Lennon and McCartney, "I Will" and the melancholy "Song for my mother." 'From Sofia Rag "is a busy room dedicated to his daughter six months of Sondhy, Sofia Rose. Then comes "Hope", a slow tempo, jazz piece for reflection, and the album ends with the optimistic "Echo Beach Calypso '.
ragtime, stride, blues classics 12 bar, calypso, cool jazz, rock, pop, minimalism and classic lightweight Sondhy seems to recognize no musical boundaries. The tracks go to these traditional forms, referring to the musical influences of the pianist and yet all flavored with a distinctive jazz style Sondhy. Creates a strong left hand drive and built a solid foundation, leaving the right hand free to stroll, improvise and play with the themes of each room.
The performance is both confident and unobtrusive. This is a player who knows where he is musically. They form the impression of a man who is happy to play his music, unconstrained by convention or the expectations of others, confident in his own ability, yet humble enough to acknowledge his mentors and influences.
So what's next for Erik Sondhy? The answer is typical of the musician. "I'm just doing my thing in the moment ... play." He said. "I do not think it's my place to describe my music with words. I'll leave that to the critics. However, when I listen to this album, I feel very happy with it. "
the Road Abbey Sessions, Vol.1 'by Erik Sondhy came out on the IndoJazzia Musik label and available from http://musik.indojazzia.net