Dwiki Dharmawan - Rumah Batu (2018) [Official Digital Download 24/88]

Riding the momentum of 2016's groundbreaking, critically heralded release, "Pasar Klewer" – an album awarded a 5-star review by Downbeat, All About Jazz, and numerous others – MoonJune Records is proud to present the phenomenal new album by the iconic keyboardist, composer and producer, Dwiki Dharmawan. Drawing from both his extensive jazz influences and his rich cultural heritage, the Indonesian maestro delivers yet another spellbinding masterwork!

Brimming with adventurous compositions, ingenious arrangements and superlative performances, "Rumah Batu"(meaning "the stone house" in Indonesian Bahasa language) almost defies categorization – eclipsing both progressive jazz and world music genres. While a score of diverse ethnic flavors abound throughout, within its nucleus resides the free-spirited, unpretentious essence that epitomizes the greatest jazz.

Augmented by a stellar cast of players, vastly international in scope – including: the enigmatic French virtuoso, of Vietnamese descent, Nguyên Lê, on guitar; legendary flamenco fretless bassist, Spain's Carles Benavent; the extraordinary flutist, also from Indonesia, Sa'at Syah, and; the proven progressive backbone of fellow Israeli-born, UK transplants, Yaron Stavi [on upright bass (yes: the album features twin basses!)] and (supreme drummer) Asaf Sirkis – this landmark recording offers an intimate glimpse into Dwiki's unparalleled genius as player, arranger and songwriter.

The album chronicles yet another magical session created and captured at the already-infamous La Casa Murada. Situated in the tranquil, picturesque setting of the Catalonian wine region of Penedès, Spain, the studio's recordings seem to take on a life of their own; and Rumah Batu is certainly no exception: articulating jazz's continuing evolution in the 21st century.

For those who wondered what Messenger Dharmawan could possibly conjur as a follow-up to Rumah Batu's unanimously praised predecessor, prepare to be amazed and perplexed – and escorted on a musical sojourn unlike any the genre has ever witnessed!

Tracklist:
1. Rintak Rebana 10:39
2. Paris Barantai 11:43
3. Impenan 08:20 video
4. Janger 05:59
5. Rumah Batu Suite, Part 1 - Kaili 12:24
6. Rumah Batu Suite, Part 2 - Perjalanan 14:14
7. Samarkand 07:40
8. Salamatkan Orang Utan 07:16

Personnel:
DWIKI DHARMAWAN acoustic piano
NGUYÊN LÊ electric guitar, soundscapes
CARLES BENAVENT bass guitar
YARON STAVI upright bass
ASAF SIRKIS drums

with special guests:
SA'AT SYAH suling flute, vocals (1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 8)
ADE RUDIANA kendang percussion (1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 8)
DEWI GITA lead vocal (3)
TEUKU HARIANSYA & INDRA MAULANA KEUBITBIT Rapa’I Acehnese percussions (1)
NYOMAN WINDHA’s GAMELAN JASS JEGOG Balinese gamelan & percussions (4)
SMIT vocals and LaLove traditional Sulawesi flute (6)