New club set out to popularize jazz music
New club set out to popularize jazz music
JAKARTA (JP): Not even its most devoted followers would deny
that the appeal of jazz is still limited to a select audience.
"Even MTV never features jazz, indicating that this kind of
music is still unpopular and has little support," Indonesia's
talented jazz musician Indra Lesmana said last Monday at a press
conference at B.A.T.S. in the Shangri-La Hotel Jakarta.
But there is no reason for jazz musicians to pack up their
instruments in search of a new musical form, said the son of the
late Jack Lesmana, the godfather of jazz in the country.
Veteran jazzman Bill Saragih said the situation was
deteriorating as newcomers to music experiment without learning
basic musical principles.
"I'm actually proud of the young people, but they don't have a
concept," said Bill. "They play as bands, but not music. They
play instruments, but don't have inspiration. They just want to
be "instant" musicians."
To put the situation right and spread the word on jazz music,
Indra, Bill and jazz musicians and enthusiasts plan a weekly jazz
club every Sunday at B.A.T.S.
"The activities at the Sunday Jazz Club will include live
music performed by Indonesia's veteran jazz players, showing of
video clips, discussions, workshops, instrument clinics and jam
sessions," Indra said.
"It's more about education," added Bill.
The first club meeting will be held today from 1 p.m. to 6
p.m. Veteran jazz musician Bubi Chen will play with Indra and
Benny Likumahua.
"The idea behind the jazz club is to help repopularize and
resurrect jazz music in Indonesia, to the level it was in the
1980s when Jack Lesmana and his group performed at Borobudur
hotel and Ebony disco," said Bill.
Indra said the gatherings would not only help breathe live
into the local jazz scene, but also maintain ties among
musicians.
Fee
An entrance fee of Rp 20,000 (US$8.15) is all that's required
of people interested in attending club meetings on a one-time
only basis.
Club memberships of Rp 50,000 for musicians, Rp 125,000 for
students and Rp 175,000 for the public are valid for three
months.
The Shangri-La's public relation officer, Romy Herlambang,
said the bar has seating capacity for 256, including 60 in its
restaurant section.
Manager Randal Linhart said around 500 people, including
standing visitors, could be accommodated.
Bill recommended redesigning the bar's stage to take down
barriers preventing closer communication between artists and the
audience.
"Using the current stage will give both performers and
customers no chance to communicate," he said.
Linhart said he would consider the suggestion.
The overall interior of B.A.T.S. is intended to reflect the
glamour of vibrant New York eateries, with the ambiance of the
Big Apple after dark. The partially riveted metal ceiling, the
cavernous red brick wall and the inspiring girder work represent
an urban industrial concept, while the caricatures of frequent
patrons reposing on the walls stamp the individualist touch of
New York's restaurants.
Even the food and beverage menus are all New York style and
mood. Live entertainment is a staple of the bar, which is open
seven days a week.
"We're happy to see local jazz performers play here after
having U.S. jazz performers," Romy said.
The jazz club is jointly sponsored by PT Pagelaran Sensasindo,
Sony, L.A. Lights, Carlsberg Beer and B.A.T.S.
All hopes are for the club to succeed, although one observer
said similarly well-intentioned efforts in the past had folded
after just a few weeks. (bsr)