Koes Plus concert revives past splendour

By Rita A. Widiadana

JAKARTA (JP): "What is Koes Plus?" a teenager asked when she was told about the band's recent show at the Plenary Hall, Jakarta Convention Center, Wednesday night.

For this 18-year-old girl and her peers, who prefer to listen to rock and rap music, Koes Plus may mean nothing. But ask any of their mothers, fathers, uncles or aunties, they may be one of the band's faithful fans.

The band's admirers are mostly adults in their 30s to 50s; Many of them hold important positions in the government, as well as private sectors. Minister/State Secretary Moerdiono, business tycoon Sudwikatmono and businessman Ibnu Sutowo are among the band's faithful fans.

During Wednesday's concert, Moerdiono joined Koes Plus on stage and they sang several songs together.

"I have a complete collection of Koes Plus' albums and I can even sing most of their songs by heart," Moerdiono added proudly.

Wednesday's unusual show was a nostalgic musical trip for most Indonesian music lovers. The show staged three legendary music bands, Koes Plus, Panbers (Panjaitan Bersaudara -- the Panjaitan Brothers), and D'Llyod, who rarely performed together during their golden years in the l970s.

"The show was mainly aimed at reminding local music fans that these bands have given significant contributions to the Indonesian music scene," Ais Soehana, the concert's organizer, said.

"The revival of Koes Plus and other old bands could affect the current local music scene, which is now dominated by western cultures," Moerdiono added.

Music arranger Yonki Sumarno said that Koes Bersaudara (Koes Brothers), later Koes Plus, is part of Indonesian music history.

"Whether you like their music or not, the band has helped shape the current local pop music culture," Sumarno said.

Established in l961, Koes Bersaudara injected fresh air into the local music scene, which was heavily influenced by western music.

Musician Yanuar Ishak recalled that there were actually a number of bands, including El Dolores Combo, Zaenal Combo, and Gumarang. However, they mostly played songs by Elvis Presley, Tom Jones, The Everly Brothers and Pat Bone.

Koes Bersaudara -- comprising Tonny, Nomo, Yon and Yok Koeswoyo -- provided new alternatives, by confidently playing their own compositions. Young generations of the l960s and l970s would remember their hits like Dara Manisku (My Sweet Young Girl), Telaga Sunyi (Lonely Lake), and Di Sekolah (At School). Undoubtedly, the music of Koes Bersaudara was also influenced by foreign musicians, such as The Beatles, The Bee Gees and The Everly Brothers. Yet their musical strength lies in simple but touching lyrics and harmonious musical arrangements.

According to music researcher Franki Raden, most of Koes Bersaudara's compositions have modest melodic structures and contours. But that does not make their music run dry and shallow. Their musical simplicity is capable of stirring people's emotion. Many of their songs have now become evergreen hits, such as Cintamu Tlah Berlalu (Your Love Has Already Passed By), Ke Jakarta (To Jakarta) and Kisah sedih di Hari Minggu (Sad Story on Sunday).

The band's career was halted in early l965 when President Sukarno charged Indonesian musicians with acts of subversion because they played and adored western music.

"We were sent to jail for l00 days. The Old Order government even called us the CIA's people," Yok Koeswoyo, the youngest member of the band, recalled.

Despite their harsh moment in the jail, Koes Bersaudara tried to remain creative and productive. They wrote a number of compositions such as Balada Kamar 15 (Ballad of Room 15), Dalam Bui (In Jail) and Voorman (Foreman).

Koes Bersaudara were finally released from prison, but one of the band's members, Nomo Koeswoyo, decided to leave music. The band broke up in late l965.

It was their oldest brother, the late Tonny Koeswoyo, who insisted that the band continue performing. Four years later, Tonny discovered a talented drummer, Murry, who was an enthusiast of Koes Bersaudara.

Because Murry was an "outsider", the name Koes Bersaudara was changed to Koes Plus, for Koeswoyo Brothers plus Murry.

In the l970s Koes Plus released its maiden album entitled Deg Deg Plas, which became a very successful album. Another album, Hidup yang Sepi (The Quiet Life), produced several hits. Until the middle of the l970s, Koes Plus successfully monopolized Indonesian pop music. They released 14 albums, many were best sellers.

Koes Plus' new music was a fusion of pop, country and ballad. Quite often, they inserted various ethnic musical elements, from Central Java, Malayan, and keroncong (popular Indonesian music originating from Portuguese songs).

The success of Koes Plus inspired many youngsters to establish music bands. Among them were Panbers (Panjaitan Bersaudara), The Mercys and D'Llyod.

During the early years of the New Order government, the public preferred rock music which was dominating the world, to local compositions. Teenagers loved the music of famous international rock groups, such as Black Sabbath, Deep Purple, Led Zeppelin and The Rolling Stones, and although the influence of western bands was very vivid, local bands had their own place among the public.

Musician Abadi Soesman said that it was quite interesting to note the music scene at that period.

"This was a very healthy environment for musicians," Abadi said.

Compared to other bands, Koes Plus did incredibly well. With a very limited musical background, the band created amazing works. Up to now, they have released 127 albums. This is incomparable to any other music group in Indonesia.

With the band 's new formation, Yon, Yok, Murry and Najib, Koes Plus could still enrich Indonesia's music scene. (raw)