WOMAD

SambaSunda

From Indonesia

In a fast-changing Indonesia a new generation of musicians are taking on the task of redefining their rich musical heritage for the new millennium. SambaSunda are a 17-piece ensemble bringing together a pan-Indonesian array of instruments and influences to create a new style Gamelan orchestra. SambaSunda come from Bandung , the capital and cultural centre of Western Java, more commonly known as Sunda. The Sundanese are the second largest ethnic group in Indonesia with a unique language and culture. The group updates the lilting sounds of Sundanese gamelan degung and bamboo gamelan by adding elements of Jakarta's gambang kromong, Sunda's jaipong, Balinese kebyar and the Brazilian rhythm of samba. The classic sounds of the traditional instruments evoke not only the past but also the bustling, urban energy of Bandung today, featuring a full sound palette from the deep resonance of the mighty gongs to the silvery eloquence of the bamboo flute. The result is a mesmerizing mix that manages, strangely, to be both relentlessly exciting and passively tranquil.SambaSunda are led by composer and multi-instrumentalist Ismet Ruchimat, who started his career in 1989 in Gugum Gumbira's famous Jugala Orchestra and has appeared on a number of international recording projects: with Spanish percussionist Vidal Paz ("Sunda-Africa", Globestyle); Indian flautist, Hariprasad Chaurasia ("Moon Magic", BMG India); the Madagascan group, Tarika ("Soul Makassar", Sakay); and on the Kartini label with Sabah Habas Mustapha & the Jugala Allstars ("Jalan Kopo" and "So La Li")."mesmerising melodies, palpitating percussion and the hypnotic, heavy bass of the big gongs - an intoxicating infusion of deep roots with fresh spices served up Sunda style" - Sabah Habas