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)