Native Soul puts on a rocking show at CJ's

By Aida Greenbury

JAKARTA (JP): "Just play the sax, will you!" yelled one Middle Eastern guy sitting in front of the bar in CJ's that Thursday night. He had been perched in the same spot since seven o'clock.

For the previous two hours, he had been patiently listening to the local amateur band on stage that played songs from the 60's -- over and over again -- interspersed by the odd karaoke wannabes.

But no, even the thought of karaoke nightmares did not break his spirit. He waited to see the group reputed by many to be currently the best live band in Jakarta. The Kiwi band, Native Soul, which only starts after 9 p.m. daily except Sundays at CJ's.

Patrick Siolo, the band manager who doubles as the bass guitarist and vocalist acknowledged the guy's request. He nodded at Elton Walker, the sax player to take the lead.

The girls cheered watching the smooth dark-haired bloke swoon over his sax.

"We would like to invite tonight's birthday girl to sing on stage," announced Camilia Temple, the lead singer. The room became quiet. It was a drastic change; from Vangaboys party songs played by the band to the birthday girl's wimpy mellow ballad a piece originally performed by Mandy Moore.

When she ended her slightly out of tune rendition, the audience applauded. They were so thrilled to finally be able to listen to their favorite band again. One middle-aged Australian man wrote: "Just play the darn songs! Don't just entertain her, we all pay for the drinks!" on his request paper.

The audience is usually a mix of nationalities and age groups. "I have observed that this bar attracts a more mature group, most are business people who want to unwind after working hours or young professionals who really appreciate the music," explained Des Pugson, the GM of Mulia Hotel, where CJ's is located.

Des admitted how difficult it is to screen the right band just through the videotape performances sent to him. The only thing he can refer to are the promoters recommendations and the available history of the band. Consequently he is relieved to see how his club has established a loyal clientele since the middle of 1999 -- thanks to the selection of fine live entertainment.

Native Soul has rocked Jakarta's music and dance devotees for the past two months. Unlike other foreign bands in the city's nightclubs and bars, there is something extraordinary about this group.

"I think a connection between the entertainer and the crowd, like eye contact and a bit of humor here and there, is the most important thing in this business. We ask, perform, study and compile our audience' requests. If we don't know the song they request, we will learn to play it the next day or week - depending on how complicated the song is. Our greatest achievement is when we manage to play a difficult song and make the audience sing along," said Patrick Siolo who disclosed his dislike toward American bands because of their arrogance and tendency to act 'too cool' in response to their fan's requests.

The members of Native Soul believe the key to success in show business is not to ignore their fans; in fact without them (the fans) it is impossible to get even a glimpse of success.

"Our philosophy is based on individual discipline and free style management. The demand and supply rule strongly influences the way we develop our performances," stated the humorous pony- tailed band manager.

The name Native Soul evolved; it was not just picked out of a hat. Patrick Englert, the band's guitarist said that the word 'native' comes from the fact that the band comprises of seven native members. The word 'soul' can be translated as the soul of the songs or simply soul music as their roots. But he quickly added that the name also represents their multicultural home country, New Zealand.

The band has been reaching out to their fans throughout Asia; including Hong Kong, Beijing, Malaysia, Singapore and Australia, where they previously toured. They appreciate the experience they have gained in Jakarta, the way they have grown and developed in line with the richness of this society while still being able to do what they like musically. But they also realize that there is a downside to being on the road for long periods of time.

"To be recognized by the locals when I go shopping in the malls is overwhelming. But when they laugh at me and start talking about me in their language which I don't understand -- then it's sad. That's the time when I really miss my family at home," explained the only white guy in the group, Patrick Englert.

He also confessed that he had received only "positive" responses from his local female fans and is very impressed by the elegance of some Indonesian musicians. The other band members agreed that being away from their family and home is the toughest part of their job.

Back to the show that Thursday night. When most people in the club were either finishing up their after midnight snacks or just too drunk to taste the difference between a steaming hot Cappuccino and a glass of Baileys, a bunch of people from Mauritius waved their request papers (politely this time, unlike the old Aussie). A few seconds later, Native Soul slipped into a melancholy French song as the closing number. What a perfect ending!

They packed their instruments and left the stage with a bag full of requests, which they were going to study the following day. As always, Patrick Siolo walked toward the crowd and shook people's hands to ensure they had one of the more memorable nights of their lives. But that was not all. The cute one, sax player Elton Walker, stayed on stage, posed and danced appealingly, enjoying the shower of spotlights and attention from the girls. Well, that's part of the show!