Los Numero Uno heats up Jakarta
By Danielle Bray
JAKARTA (JP): The sound of the trumpet blaring, the beat of the bongos and the amazing vocals of the three female singers catapults the audience into a truly Latin atmosphere. Hips start shaking, shoulders start swaying, and before the audience realizes, they have become swept up in the sounds of Los Numero Uno, a 10-piece Colombian band currently performing at Stix at The Park Lane Hotel.
Hailing from Bogota, Los Numero Uno was founded and is managed by trumpet player Jorge Fernandez, and has rotated a number of talented individuals throughout its 15 year existence. The members range in age from 16-40, each bringing their individual style and expertise to the ensemble. Currently, the band consists of seven male musicians (the bongo player also sings the male lead), and three beautiful female vocalists. The group projects an undeniable chemistry on stage, and the members perform exceptionally well together. They exude electrifying energy, and it is often difficult to remain seated while witnessing their performances. The ladies periodically venture through the crowd grabbing unsuspecting dance partners to share in the movements of the music. It is not only the ladies that carry the rhythm, it is quite common to see the men in the ensemble creating their own dance moves in the background.
For the majority of the band members, traveling to Jakarta was their first time crossing the international dateline. They have enjoyed the experience, and the time they have spent in Indonesia. "We were just discussing how hard it is going to be to leave... many of us are going to go our own ways once we get home... but the time we have spent here will really be missed," relayed Claudia. As musicians, working in a foreign culture has had its share of ups and downs. As Jorge explained, "It is different performing in Indonesia, as compared to Colombia. We find the Indonesian crowd very reserved. At home, everyone feels the music, and they have no fear of dancing... I miss that excitement."
The group has headlined the Stix entertainment scene since the beginning of May, and will dance their last Macarena on Sept. 15. The band performs week nights starting at 9:30 p.m. (weekends at 10 p.m.) and wrap up at 1:30 a.m. There are no performances Sunday.
While at Stix, the band usually performs Latin cover tunes, including International hits like Shake your Bon Bon by Ricky Martin, No Me Ames by Jennifer Lopez, and Maria, Maria by Santana.
"We perform cover tunes in Jakarta because the songs are popular among the local crowd. If we promoted our own music, the audience would not be familiar with the songs, and therefore would not enjoy the band as much," remarked Jorge.
Juan Carlos, the keyboard player added, "Although very few of us speak English or Indonesian, we believe music is a language we all understand ... it is universal."
Why does Los Numero Uno has so many members? Claudia, the lead vocalist explained, "You can not play authentic Latin music without the brass and percussion. Our band consists of the appropriate instruments, and have even added the drums, which is a fusion of traditional influences and modern appeal." The band performs using a keyboard, bongos, trumpet, bass, trombone, sax and drums. A guira (metal instrument used to keep a beat) is also occasionally played during their sets. "It may be a small instrument, but it is very vital in creating the style of Latin music. Different beats played on the instrument create the diverse beats of the Salsa, Cumbia, and Merengue," Jorge said.
Cymbals are also a major influence in true Latin music. Edgar, the bongo player explained, "Traditional Salsa typically does not use the drums, but rather just the cymbals. Nowadays, Latin bands welcome the drums, as well as the cymbals, for it tends to give the music more body."
The world has become inundated with the Latin American influence. With such musicians as Ricky Martin and Jennifer Lopez hitting international stardom, Latin music has become a mainstream form of entertainment. Jakarta has also adopted the fondness of the South American groove.
"It's the wave right now, everyone loves Latin music's sensuality and passion... it has grown internationally over the past two years," Claudia said.
Numerous establishments around the city have hired musicians and dancers from the region to impress Indonesia with their many talents.
"It makes me feel alive" exclaimed a gentleman on the dance floor. "Dancing to this music makes me believe I have rhythm, even if I don't!" joked another. Jakarta has welcomed the Latin influence, as may be seen from the fact that Los Numero Uno performed for the second time on RCTI's 008 variety show on Aug. 21.