piringanhitam

The Shortest Song Title: If

2011-03-14T09:18:00.000-07:00

“If” may be the shortest song title in the world, but which impress the world everlast. This song was popularized by a band named Bread, a rock band from Los Angeles. "If" is a song written by American singer-songwriter David Gates in 1971. About this song, Wikipedia wrote: this song is often of interest to guitarists because of the unique tremolo/wah-wah effect on the electric guitar in the intro.

“If” is the signature work of Bread. Thru this song, many people introduced to Bread. Thank God that I find this album in Jakarta and I bought it because there is a song “If”. And thru this album “The Best of Bread”, I know other hit songs of Bread. *

Between Thijs Van Leer and Windhamhill Trend

2011-03-09T21:14:00.000-08:00

After listening to this album entitled Introspection by Thijs Van Leer (one of FOCUS band members, 1972), I remember some of Windham Hill Collection' albums especialy thru album Romantic Moments (Windhamhill, 1996) which consisted of some classical songs which interpretated in modern taste. Windhamhill version played by popular group such as Night Noise. This Windhamhill version is truly superb, and elegant-modern version of classical songs. But those romantic songs are off course selected.

I dont know whether Windhamhill producer was inspired by Thijs Van Leer or not, but the album Intrsopection is truly a neo-classical album in the term of Windhamhill approach to some classical songs. What do you think?*

Long Time No Post (OOT)

2011-03-03T02:26:00.000-08:00

A long time a go, I did not remember the time, I never post a new message in thos blog. I beg your pardon for that, I thank to everybody who has visited my blogs and wrote comment but no response. This blog is still "on-line" and will continue post some things about non-Indonesian recorded music. Thank your for your patience.

Starting Blogging Again

2010-05-19T06:09:00.000-07:00

Hello readers. After long time I did not used this blog, now I am thinking to use this blog for posting my commentary on non-Indonesian music. I mean that in this blog, I just talk about non-Indonesian music, while on my other blog (piringanhitam.wordpress.com), I post only Indonesian music. What is your comment?

Kelik M. Nugroho, owner of piringanhita.blogspot.com

Moving to Wordpress

2008-04-27T04:27:00.000-07:00

Announcement:

After a year blogging in piringanhitam.blogspot.com, since April 2008 we move to piringanhitam.wordpress.com. The new update will be published only in the new blog.
Thank for your attention.

Kelik M. Nugroho
piringanhitam.wordpress.com

The Soul of Indonesia Raya

2008-04-08T04:32:00.000-07:00

Trijaya FM, one of radio channels in Jakarta airs a programme entitled Sketsa Negeri. The first debut at 7 April 2008 is featuring speaker Hardi, painter and culture critic, with a topic about Indonesia Raya, a national anthem. Hardi said that Indonesia until now does not cultivate yet his soul, while awakening the soul is the essential message from Indonesia Raya lyric: “Bangunlah jiwanya, bangunlah raganya”.

Indonesia Raya was composed by Wage Roedolf Soepratman (1903-1938) when he was 21 years old. Born as Javanesse, WR Soepratman later study music especially violin, after getting such fund from Duetchman. Actually WR Soepratman wrote Indonesia Raya for song writing competition on 1924, as Hardi said to Trijaya quoted from Timboel magazine.

According to Wikipedia, the song Indonesia Raya was introduced by its composer at 28 October 1928 in a national youth convention in Batavia (now Jakarta). The song marked the birth of the all-archipelago nationalist movement in Indonesia. Though Indonesia Raya was chosen as the national anthem when Indonesia proclaimed its independence at 17 August 1945, but WR Soepratman was recognized by government as national hero on 1971. *

Popularizing Keroncong

2008-04-07T04:22:00.000-07:00

Making keroncong song popular is not easy. It needs an extra effort. May be this album is such effort to make keroncong music popular by using pop singer May Sumarna and Sandra Singer. Especially May Sumarna who has mild voice and timbre, comparing to Bing Slamet who has baritone timbre.

An other experiment toward keroncong music was ever done by Djaduk G. Verianto, an avant garde composer from Yogyakarta. With his friends like Bobiet, he released a keroncong album entitled Musik KATeBE - Model - Ngetrend - which was experimental one (Gema Nada Pertiwi, 1995). They featured popular theme in writing lyric, and arranged the music eclectically -- keroncong mixed by rap, blues, and so on. But so far, this album failed to get it's popularity. Though this album is very recommended to be collected. *

Track list
Artist : Diselina, May Sumarna, Sandra Singer ect
Album : Diselina
Band : Diselina band under direction Ismet Januar
Producer : Mesra records

Side one
1. Bunga Mawar (nn) -- Sandra Singer
2. Malam Sunji (May SUmarna) -- MAy Sumarna
3. Di Suatu Sendja (Sandra Singer) -- May Sumarna
4. Stambul Djakarta (nn) -- May Sumarna

Side two
1. Lagu Untukmu (May SUmarna) --- May Sumarna
2. O Minahasa (Sandra SInger) -- Sandra Singer
3. Kerontjong Kemajoran (nn) --- Ismet
4. Pergi Ke Desa (sandra S) --- Sandra S

Museum for Long Playings, Why Not

2008-04-06T03:25:00.000-07:00

One of Indonesia television channels ANTV airs a programme entitled Berbagi Cerita (Sharing Stories) every Saturday. On 5 April 2008, they featured some museums in Indonesia, such as Museum Kretek (Museum for Cigarettes), Museum Kereta Api (Train), even Museum Makam (Cemetery). This programme attracts viewers like me not because it's host Irfan Hakim, but because it's content is really unique and inspiring -- like Irfan Hakim tags.

But what makes me curious so far, is there a museum for recorded music? Is there museum for long playing? The record industry owned by government Lokananta once ever opened it's door for public to show their products and later become their long play collections on August 2006, but what's next? Who cares to this long play Puspa Ragam by Thung Boen Liong which was not published by Lokananta any way? I think we need a museum for recorded music, even a data base for Indonesian musicians. This blog I think is such kind of that effort. Do you support my idea? *

Europe Taste of Massada

2008-04-01T01:57:00.000-07:00

Some Indonesian musicians are popular in Europe, but not very popular in Indonesia. Slamet Abdul Sjukur, Tonny Prabowo and Tri Sutji Kamal are mere examples from avant garde genre. While Discus is an other example from proggressive rock.

Massada is an other jazz-latin-ethnic band from Maluku, referring to Johnny Manuhutu fam. Johnny is lead vocalist for this band, and wrote some songs. The name Massada is searchable in internet, but not findable in well-known websites, such as Wikipedia, Britanica, or Indonesia commercial media.

Massada recorded in Netherland studio and released their album in long play format since 1979-ies. It is something unusual for Indonesia musicians in that time. Over all this album shows Massada's international standard for their skill and taste in music, comparing to mostly Indonesian musicians taste in eighties.

This album entitled Pusaka consists of 8 songs. The lyrics used English languages in certain songs, and ethnic language in other songs. Some songs are jazz-latin-fusion, and some other songs are folk and ethnic. It's mean that though they released long play in Netherland, Massada still promote Indonesian culture. *

Track list

Artist : Massada
Album : Pusaka
Publisher : The Company of the Two P(i)eter B.V., Hillersum, England, April/Mei 1980, for Kendari Record.
Musicians :
Johnny Manuhutu (vocal)
Eppy Manuhutu (drum)
Zeth Mastumu (percussion)
Nina Latuny (rhythm guitar)
Rudy de Qoeljoe (accoustic guitar)
Truv Leerdam (bass)
Walther Sell (keyboard, prophet 5, clarinet, fendher rhodes, minimoog
Peterr Kyl (trumpet)
Jan Stam: sax, flute

Side one:
1.Tumbu (DE Quljoe)
2.Akar Bahar (idem)
3.Discrime (Leerdam ect)
4.Feelin' Lonely (J. Manuhutu)

Side two:
1.I never had love like this before (Eppy and Johnny Manuhutu)
2.Ibu dari Adzal-ku (Mustamu)
3.Toto Buang Tomah (J. Manuhutu)
4.Sajang e (J. Manuhutu/D. Qoeljoe)

Salanti and HOS Tjokroaminoto

2008-03-31T00:05:00.001-07:00

Some reasons to buy this Salanti Bersaudara album is because it's song Pitik Tjilik, and it's Titi Qadarsih name, beside a mysterious name HA Tjokroamanito as one of it's composers. Who is HA Tjokroaminoto? Has he close ties with Haji Omar Said Tjokroaminoto (1882-1934), influential leader in early Indonesia history, who tutored young Soekarno who-then became the first Indonesia President?

If it is true, history told an ironic story about Salanti Bersaudara, because this group did not enjoy freedom of expression especially in music. As it was well-known, that Soekarno era banned such western-like-Beatles music, so that Salanti life under that repression. While HOS Tjokroaminoto is a founding-father who promoted freedom.

According to Budi Setiyono, a journalist who managed budisetiyono.blogspot.com, Salanti group consists of Titi Qadarsih, Anny Cokro and Siti Salamah Koerniati (a.k.a. Sally Sardjan). This group grew up in the time of Bimbo, Tiga Dara Sitompul and Koes Plus. They launched the first long play album entitled Pitik Tjilik in 1965. It was likely that this group disbanded after they released the second album. By the way, Titi Qadarsih later became popular as a catwalk model and still active untill now. *

Pinoy Way to Reserve Folk Music

2008-03-28T02:39:00.000-07:00

Every country has it's way to reserve their folks music. The way the Pinoy is different from the way of Indonesian. Look at this album entitled YBANAG, a collection of original and traditional selections from the province of Cagayan. The songs were played and sung by the Ybanag Rondalla and choir conducted by Pun T. Liban. This album consists of 14 songs, notably Cagayan march and Cagayan (provincial anthem).

This album was produced by Governor Teresa J. Dupaya on 1970, and was part of their performance thru the Dance-Drama Ybanag at the Cultural Center of the Philippines. Cagayan is a province of the Philippines in the Cagayan Valley region, and is located at northeastern corner of the Luzon island.

This album told us many things. First, that Pinoy folks have a deep tradition in composing music, since they have Cagayan march and provincial anthem. Wow. Second, their governor published a long playing album on early 1970, a such thing that never happened in Indonesia. May be because governors in the Philippines have their autonomy for self-reserving the traditions. While Indonesia politics in that time was under centralized government by Soeharto regime. But don't forget, that Indonesia government has his way to reserve folks music thru Lokananta, a recording industry owned by government. *

From Spain to Chick Corea

2008-03-27T05:56:00.000-07:00

Armando Anthony "Chick" Corea (born June 12, 1941) a.k.a. Chick Corea is a well-known jazz musician. I don't want to pretend to be his critic journalist. So let me talk about my experience with Chick Corea music. The first time I knew his name after watching a jazz concert in Gajah Mada University Yogyakarta on 1986. A local band played a song entitled Spain and I was amazed by that piece. From that experience, later I know that Chick Corea composed that piece.

After that, I try to enjoy his album, firstly from his best of Chick Corea. From Chick Corea music, I notice such likeable jazz despite it's sophisticated chord and skill. Until 1996, if I think about jazz, I just remember two names: Chick Corea and Al Di Meola. Meola is an other jazz musician I like so much, because of his likeable compositions.

Fortunately that when I lived in Metro Manila 1996, I got some jazz long playings including this album Leprechaun by Chick Corea (1976). According to Wikipedia, this album was recorded during Corea's time with his jazz fusion group Return to Forever. Though the album is more jazz oriented than anything Return to Forever had produced up to that time, the fusion edge still rings through quite clearly. *

Track list

1. Imp's Welcome
2. Lenore
3.Reverie
4. Looking at the World (Lyrics: Neville Potter)
5. Nite Sprite
6. Soft and Gentle (Moran)
7. Pixiland Rag
8. Leprechaun's Dream Part 1
9.Leprechaun's Dream Part 2
*

Never Give Up Mus Mujiono

2008-03-25T02:51:00.000-07:00

Mus Mujiono (48) is a composer, musician and singer. As musician, this man from Surabaya is a multi-instrumentalist and very well-known as guitarist. His mouth can imitate the sounds of guitar while playing guitar. Exercised with this skill (scating), some people called Mus Mujiono as Indonesia George Benson (Read also Wikipedia Indonesia).

His career as artist began when he joined a pop band De Hands. After disbanded, Mus Mujiono goes his solo career, beside join some temporary band such as Jakarta Power Band, Funk Section (1995), Canizzaro (2004), and A-Dhu band (2008).

If we trace back to his old works with De Hands, like some songs from long playing album Hallo Sayang (Hello Darling), we see that Mus Mujiono always made progress from time to time. He moved from very pop music like Halo Sayang song to more progressive like Tanda-tandanya and jazzy like Arti Kehidupan. And this song Arti Kehidupan is likely his signature song. *

Batak's Lullaby

2008-03-21T03:48:00.000-07:00

Some Batak people have a contribution to the development of Indonesia music from the very beginning. Batak is one of Indonesia's ethnics, and Sitompul is one of it's fam names. This album by Tiga Dara Sitompul entitled Riang is one of it's evidence. This trio vocalists consists of Rika, Nessy and Mona. A Composer P. Sitompul was supposed to have a close ties with this trio vocalist.

Some songs from this album such as Riang, Historia D'un Amor, and Tidurlah Bujung are likely to be appreciated. The arrangement for vocal by this trio is undeniable very superb. This is their strongness, beside it's likeable songs. Arrangement by prominent pianist Bubi Chen is an other magic. Tidurlah Bujung (Sleep my baby) is likely to be appreciated, because lullaby song is something important in daily life for every human in this global village. *

Discography:

Artist : Tiga Dara Sitompul
Band : Bubi Chen
Album : Riang
Composers : P. Sitompul, Titik Puspa, Faried.
Producer : Irama
Liner note : Sjaiful Nawas

*

Dangdut-Arabian's A. Kadir

2008-03-21T02:30:00.000-07:00

This album entitled Pengembara by various Indonesian singers is an other evidence that dangdut, one of Indonesia music genre derived from Melayu music, was influenced by traditional Arabian music. Some of singers in this album at least have Arabian blood. And if we pay attention to accent of singer especially A. Kadir, we will find that A. Kadir's accent is such rooted from tilawah (Quran reading tradition). But if we pay attention to to the lyric, we will know that dangdut from the very beginning mostly talking about poverty and God's pity. *

Discography:

ALbum : Pengembara
Artists : A. Kadir, A. Rafiq, Ida Laila ect
Band : Orkes Melaju Sinar Kemala, under direction A. Kadir
Arrangers : A. Kadir, Soejanto, Malik BZ, Fauzi, and so on.
Producer : J&B Record
Liner note: Charishadi Pranjoto

Track list
Side one:
1. Pengembara (Fauzi) -- A. Kadir
2. Keluh si Miskin (A. Kadir) -- Ida Laila
3. Djauh Berbeda (S. Achmadi) -- A. Kadir
4. Kekuasaan Tuhan (S. Achmadi) --Ida Laila

Side two:
1. Kisah yang Sedih (A. Rafiq) -- A. Rafiq
2. Peristiwa yang Silam (S. AChmad) -- Nur Kumala
3. Hidup Baru (A. Kadir) -- A. Kadir
4. Keadilan Tuhan (A. Malik BZ) -- Nur Kumala
*

A March for Indonesia General Election

2008-03-18T05:36:00.000-07:00

This longplaying entitled Aneka 12 Volume 10 produced by Remaco recording is a compilation of songs by various Indonesia singers. One of them, a song entitle Mars Pemilu is very important to be noted. This march is about campaign for people to be engaged in national general election. As noted in cover album, this song was composed by Mochtar Embut.

Mochtar Embut is a composer from Ujung Pandang South Sulawesi Indonesia (1934-1973). Graduated from French literature departement Universitas Indonesia, Mochtar self-learned piano since his very young. In his 9 years old, Mochtar composed the first song Kupu-kupu, a chlidren song.

Along his career, Mochtar composed more than 100 songs. His most popular song is a song entitled Di Wajahmu Kulihat Bulan. He was awarded by The International Pop Song Festival in Japan 1971 for his song The Deepest Love from Jakarta. He wrote a book entitled Kumpulan Lagu Populer I featuring Indonesia folksongs to show the world that Indonesia has many qualified folksongs (reference: tamanismailmarzuki.com).

Mochtar has influenced the next Indonesia musicians. Musician and composer Yockie Suryoprayogo (remember album Badai Pastai Berlalu) ever quoted as saying to the media that he learned composition and classical music from Mochtar. *

The Secret and Nightnoise

2008-03-17T05:53:00.000-07:00

Reading a book entitled The Secret written by Rhonda Byrne (2006), we know that music is one of sources for what the so called positive energy. One composition which showed me that wisdom virtually is a composition by Night Noise entitled Snow on High Ground. This composition is very touching, very heartful, very spiritual, very magic. May be you can not imagine if you don't listen to this composition yet. Listening to the music is the only way to catch all the sweetness of music.

I say that this composition is very spiritual, because it made me moving from one level to an other level of psycho-maturity. I remember a spritualist Anthony de Mello ever said in his book that spirituality is about changing yourself to be wiser. Snow on High Ground from Nightnoise is such music that transformed such spirituality.

Nightnoise was a music ensemble from Ireland (1984-1997). Their original blend of celtic, jazz and classical chamber music inspired generation of Irish musicians. Their seven albums were mostly released by Windham Hill record. The song Snow on High Ground is from album At The End of the Evening (1988). Johnny Cunninghamm (violonist) and Micheal O Dohmnaill (guitarist and pianist) from this chamber died young (qouted partly from Wikipedia). May God bless them. *

Ellya Khadam's Signature Song

2008-03-14T03:42:00.000-07:00

A singer Ellya Khadam has her unique position in Indonesia. Her contribution in history of what the so-called dangdut music is undeniable. Dangdut is Indonesia music which was derived from Melayu music in 1940-ies. In it's development, dangdut was influenced by traditional music from Arab (50-ies), and then India (60-ies), and then rock music (70-ies) especially from British supergroup Deep Purple. The name dangdut is such onomatope from tabla sounds "dang dang dut dut". (See also Wikipedia).

This single album entitled Boneka dari India consists of four songs. Boneka dari India is absolutely Ellya Khadam's signature song and as an evidence that Indian music really ever influenced toward Melayu music. According to Wikipedia, Boneka was composed by composer Husein Bawafie.

Ellya Khadam was born in Jakarta, 23 October 1938. Educated from an Islamic school (madrasah), Ellya later was known as a singer and actress. She played for 21 movies from Tjita-tjita Ajah (1959) to Gudang Uang (1978). As Melayu singer, since 1955, she recorded estimately 400 songs (Pusat Dokumentasi Seni oleh Perpustakaan Nasional RI and Sinematek Indonesia). *

Lenso Dance Song

2008-03-13T06:52:00.000-07:00

This album is not too special, if there is no song entitled Mari Menari Lenso. Composed by Soetedjo, this song was interpretated by Tiga Dara Asmara, vocal group from Surabaya. Lenso is traditional dance from Minahasa North Sulawesi. According to www.indonesia-tourism.com, Lenso dance is a dance that being taken away from Maengket, where the dancers apply hand broom when they were dancing. Maengket is common name for dance traditional drama that used in some places in Minahasa.

Lenso dance reminds Indonesians to Sukarno, the first President of Indonesia, who promote this dance in early Indonesia history to encourage genuine Indonesia culture. Sukarno even contributed one song and put his signature on long playing cover entitled Mari Bersuka Ria dengan Irama Lenso (Irama, 1965).*

Discography:
Artist: Tiga Dara Asmara
Album : No title
Band: Orkes Marjono
Composer: All songg composed by Soetedjo
Publisher: Remaco

Anti-Superpowers Song

2008-03-12T00:56:00.000-07:00

For Indonesians, a singer, composer and actress Lilis Surjani (1948-2007) reminds them to the song Gang Kelintji. This album is with no title. It consists of qualified songs, if not to say her best hits. Although it features her signature Gang Kelintji, but personally I notice song entitled Pantun Djenaka. It reflects political landscape in early Indonesia history.

Read this lyric:

Kalau kita djalan ke Antjol
Hati-hati banjak hantunja
Selama Nekolim masih bertjokol
Rusak perdamaian dunia

According to Wikipedia, in the 1950's, Sukarno increased his ties to China and admitted more communists into his government. He also began to accept increasing amounts of Soviet bloc military aid. This aid, however, was surpassed by military aid from the Eisenhower Administration, which worried about a leftward drift should Sukarno rely too much on Soviet bloc aid. However, Sukarno increasingly attempted to forge a new alliance called the "New Emerging Forces", as a counter to the old superpowers, whom he accused of spreading "Neo-Colonialism, Colonialism and Imperialism" (NEKOLIM).

Along her career, Lilis has 27 solo albums, 3 duet albums, 3 compilation albums, and 4 movies (book Musisiku, KPMI,2007). She has emotional ties with former President Sukarno, as can be read from her several songs which supported Sukarno's pilitical agenda, such as agenda against what the so called the Superpowers, or anti-Malaysia agenda. *

Bung Karno Djaja Song

2008-03-10T01:59:00.000-07:00

Bung Karno (1901-1970) was the first President of Indonesia. As a President from 1945 to 1967, Sukarno -- it is his real name -- has personal gimmick: charming face, great orator, and charismatic. This album by singer Onny Surjono is special, because one of it's song entitled Bung Karno Djaja. This album is supposed to be released on the beginning of 1960. I don't know how many singers sing with Bung Karno theme during his life time. But in this modern era (about 1979), we can listen to song by Kelompok Kampungan under direction Bram Makahekum who sang about Bung Karno with pride. *

Discography:

Artist: Onny Surjono
Album: Siapa?
Band: Orkes Mus K. Wirya
Publisher: Remaco

Track list
Side one:
1. Burung Berkitjau
2. Perahu Mojang
3. Tak Kan Ingkar Djandji
4. Kisah di Perdjalanan

Side two:
1. Siapa
2. Achrinja
3. Surat Kedua
4. Bung Karno Djaja
*

Julius Herrmann Marches for Europe

2008-03-09T03:08:00.000-07:00

Don't listen to this album, if you have no desire to history. This is about march, a genre music which is not popular, although some classic music composers such as Richard Strauss and Richard Wagner composed some compositions for march.

This long playing is an album entitled Salute to Europe by The Duetschmeister Band under conductor Julius Herrmann (1889-1977). According to Encyclopedia of Austria, Julius Herrman from Vienna is a conductor and band leader. He played under W. Wacek with Hochmeister and Deutschmeister at the age of 21. After The World War I Julius took over the band and remained its leader for 65 years.

This album is unique, because it compiled 12 march songs from many Europe countries. I suppose that this compilation is a such business strategy in selling march songs, since it is not pop music. Thru compilation, it attracted listeners from over Europe. *

Discography
Album : Salute to Europe
Artist : The Deutschmeister Band, conducted by Julius Herrmann
Publisher: Westminster (Satellite Series) – a subsidiary of ABC Record, New York

Track list:
1.Hungarian march
2.Belgian march
3.Volga march
4.Oldstarhemberg march
5.Prince Eugene march
6.Steinreigler march
7.Subaltern march
8.Tiroler Adler
9.Ahoi
10. Austrian peasant march
11. Auersperg march
12. Archduke Frederick march

Poor Pop Rano Karno

2008-03-07T00:43:00.000-08:00

Rano Karno (48 years old) is an actor, director, and singer. Rano also known as Si Doel, which is a fictional figure from his sequel movies and videos Si Doel Anak Betawi, Si Doel Anak Sekolahan (the firsts to the sixth) and ect. Rano later was elected as a deputy Bupati Tangerang (like Major) -- the first artist who achieved that political position in Indonesia history.

He begins his career since he was 9 years old when his father an actor Soekarno M. Noer engaged him in a movie Lewat Tengah Malam. Along his career, Rano has played for 70 movies even more, and 7 television videos. He got 6 awards notably Piala Citra as a best actor for movie Taksi (1991), and as best child actor in Asia Film Festival in Taiwan (1974) for movie Rio Anakku.

Rano also recorded several pop music albums. I have no detail data on this, but his most popular song is Kau yang Sangat Kusayang. But personally I like his song from sound track Di Manakah Kau Ibu (1973). Overall, his albums did not hit any succes, because his songs mostly have no cacthy melodies and are poor taste. Do you remember Obbie Messakh songs? Rano's song is like that poor-pop-Obbie Messakhist.

Actually, pop song like Obbie Messakhist also has a potential dig to be a qualified song, as far as there is talented arranger behind it. Look at what musician Erwin Gutawa did to Chrisye album Dekade (Musica, 2003). Erwin rearranged Obbie Messakh song Kisah Kasih di Sekolah so far and made it more shining. And don't forget, golden voice of Chrisye is an other magic. However, Rano' songs still have a potential dig to be rearranged, as Erwin Gutawa did it to Obbie Messakh stuff. *

Discography:

Artist : Rano Karno
Album : Adakah Cinta Lagi
Arranger : Bartje Van Houten
Publisher: Purnama Record

Composer Chaken M Dies

2008-03-05T01:27:00.000-08:00

Indonesia composer Chaken M dies on 4 March 2008 in Cikini Hospital central Jakarta. In a press conference in the office of President Jakarta, President of Indonesia Republic Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono expressed his condolance. “Saya mengucapkan bela sungkawa. Saya mendapat berita saudara Chaken, salah satu seniman kita pencipta lagu Indonesia Jaya meninggal dunia hari ini. Kita kehilangan seorang seniman,” Yudhoyono said as quoted by Detik.com. He is likely impressed by Chaken song as he said: “Indonesia Jaya akan terjadi di negeri yang kita cintai ini.”

Chaken M (60 years old) is Indonesia pop song composer. He composed several songs for any singer, and sometime for competition. Song entitled Indonesia Jaya which was interpretated by a prominent singer Harvey Maleholo is the most popular among Chaken' compositions. But unfortunately, we don't have a detail data about his works. So far he stayed with his family in Bekasi, small town near Jakarta (Jalan Pontianak I nomor 132 perumahan Naga Mas, Jaka Mulya Bekasi).

When Mr. Yudhoyono launched his album Rinduku Padamu on October 2007, Chaken M came to that launching moment. Mr. Yudhoyono even gave him some supporting donation for his medication. Chaken suffered from stroke several years ago, and he has no such sufficient fund to get medication. Finally, Indonesia has a President who gives a deep concern to composer life. *

Note: One of Chaken M songs entitled Senja Merah was interpretated by a singer Tina Sanusi. Check it out from album 12 Bintang Idola Part Two (Malyda & Deddy Dhukun - "Aku Jadi Bingung") published by Harpa Record, 12, 1989.

Sam Saimun, The Mystery

2008-03-04T05:11:00.000-08:00

The name Sam Saimun, keroncong singer in 60-ies for me is such mystery, until I get this album including his photograph on February 2008. The first time I know his name is from a cassette album which compiled Indonesian national anthems by old singers. They are Sam Saimun, Bram Atjeh, and so on.

Why Sam Saimun is such a mystery? Because we as 80-ies generation feel difficult to find his album. Also may be because his album is only a few, and is not produced anymore by record industry. What makes his name more mysterious is because legend singer Bing Slamet once upon time in a book Musisiku (2007) quoted as saying that Sam Saimun is his teacher in learning to sing keroncong. Wow? Even Bing Slamet recognized him that so high? Come on, who is Sam Saimun? This album at least can show you his talented voice. *

The Headliners, The Gift

2008-03-03T22:37:00.000-08:00

The Headliners is a title for this compilation album by Columbia Record. This album has been pressed exclusively for Club Members, and the Club Fifth Anniversary Gift to music lovers. This superb limited edition recording was made as a thank giving for members of Columbia Record Club.

The Headliners consist of 12 songs by several leading singer and band under Columbia management from 1955 to 1960. Perhaps this generation now are at least 60 years old. This album is truly superb and special, because it's tracks are all hits. Although I especially give a special comment to four songs: Cavalry Command (Mitch Miller and The Gang), Every Body Loves Saturday Night (The Brothers Four), Sabre Dance (Andre Kostelanetz), and Begin the Beguine (Tony Bennett).

Cavalry Command is sounded like music for military march. Every Body Loves Saturday Night is a weekly theme song which actually must be more popular than Happy Birthday song. This song can be sung every saturday. Begin the Beguine is special because it was interpretated by legendary voice Tony Bennett.*

Eighties Zone and Lack of Perspective

2008-03-03T05:02:00.000-08:00

One of Indonesia television channels METRO TV last night, 2 March 2008, aired the first debut of Zona 80, musical programme featuring music and it's musicians who are popular in 1980-ies. The artists last night: Dedy Dukun, Ikang Fauzie, Iis Sugianto, Sys NS, ect.

As a concept for musical programme in television, it is likely to be appreciated. Since almost all television channels these days feature monotonous music such pop-music-like-Kangenist. With featuring music from 1980-ies which was marked by what the so called progressive pop, Metro TV has made a right choice. Because METRO TV as television channel actually has a segmented viewers, they are 40 years old people and more.

But unfortunately this programme is lack of perspective. This programme is only featuring something entertaining for ears and eyes in it's verbal term. There is no such cultural or historical perspective. It's just playing old music by old singer but with new instrument and new musicians. That's all. Look, when Ikang Fauzie try to tell his history, the host cut off Ikang speech to an other topic.

Let me talk about Ikang. Actually, he has a big talent as a composer if we reffer to his song Cahaya Kencana, from album Lomba Cipta Lagu Remaja Prambors 1979. This album is a compilation from a competition for composing song which was held by a well-known radio station in Indonesia, Prambors. Cahaya Kencana is truly a well crafted progressive pop song. I mentioned it as progressive, because this song used "sophisticated" achords, comparing to Koes Plus song which usually used three key chords. But unfortunately that so far until now Ikang did not compose a song better than Cahaya Kencana. What happen to you Mr. Ikang "Marissa Haque" Fauzie?*

Indonesia "Cat Stevens" Dies

2008-02-29T05:25:00.000-08:00

Indonesia singer Bangun Sugito Toekiman (61 years old), a.k.a. Gito Rollies dies in Jakarta on 28 February 2008. Gito is also known as song writer, musician, actor and Islamic preacher (mubalig). His career music began with a band The Rollies, a such rock n roll group from Bandung, west Java. After leaving a part from his band in 1986, Gito goes his solo career. Beside his music business, Gito played in 11 movies and awarded Piala Citra from the movie Janji Joni (2005). The Rollies released 18 albums, Gito him self released 9 albums, and he contributed for 16 albums in various projects. One of the key songs: Sederhana Tapi Nyata (album 9 Lagu Terbaik Festival Lagu Pop 1980).

As a singer who then devoted him self for religious preaching, we remember to London pop singer Cat Stevens, who then well known as Yusuf Islam. Gito Rollies should be happy, because he has succesful life as musician and as public figure. He has made a happy ending for his life. Before he dies, Gito made a trip to Sumatera for preaching Islam. It's why some burrial-goers are people using Islamic dress. May God forgive your sins and accept yours kindness, Mr. Gito. *

The Polka King is Here

2008-02-24T23:59:00.001-08:00

The music in this album is like polka music by The Six Fat Dutchmen, but without a big drums. It's like classic polka. Telling about this album, it's better for me to quote some notes from the album cover.

Herry Harden, often called "The Polka King" by music critics as well as by legions of dancing fans, come naturally by his feeling for the polka. He was born in Czechoslovakia, where the polka is looked upon almost as the national dance. Prior to coming to US some years ago, Herry had made over two thousands phonograph records with his orchestra in Europe, where he obtained his degree in music.

Harden's acceptance in US has been complete as it was in Europe, where he made many tours and won many awards for polka music. He is an extremly prolific Decca recording artist; has appeared on such nationally radio programs. As composer, Harden has to his credit over 400 original compositions. He has served as music consultant on many occasions for music publishers, radio producers, recording companies, and others.

In addition to photography, Harden's hobbies include driving his car for hours and hours in the country. "The rythm of motor," claims Herry, "is a perfect and often inspiration for composing polka music. Believe it or not, a great many of my compositions were conceived and some time even jotted down when I was leisurely guiding a car throuhg a sunny afternoon." *

Polka, Czech and Ponorogo

2008-02-24T23:27:00.000-08:00

When I enjoy this album Old Fashioned Dance Party by The Six Fat Dutchmen, my memory flashes back to my high school in 1980-ies. As a student (santri) in Islamic Boarding School in Gontor Ponorogo East Java, the masters usually celebrate the first annual education with such welcoming ritual. In one session, there is always a performance by a traditional band with four to six musicians playing a big drum, alto sax, and so on. Let me call it Gontor traditional music. As a young student who is familiar with pop music like Chrisye, Bimbo and Koes Plus, really I don't like such music like Tanjidor (Jakarta). Because it is too old music.

This album by The Six Fat Dutchmen is like Gontor traditional music, or Tanjidor in Jakarta. This album is about polka music or waltz. Wikipedia said that Polka is a fast, lively Central European dance, and also a genre of dance music. It originated in the middle of the 19th century in Bohemia, and is still a common genre of Czech and Slovakian folk music; it is common both in Europe and in the Americas.

The question is why this such music from Europe came to Gontor Ponorogo east Java? When it came? Who brought it there? And many questions left which must be answered by historians and music lovers? Can any one of you give me the answer? *

Chinesse Musician Plays Keroncong

2008-02-22T02:34:00.001-08:00

Some time keroncong music is identified as Javanesse music (including Betawi). But what will you say if there is a keroncong orchestra conducted by Chinesse name. Look at this album which features Orkes Krontjong Irama Baru, under direction Thung Boen Liong. This is Chinesse name, although I am not yet sure that musician Thung Boen Liong is Chinesse.

This album is truly artefact that show to us that some Chinesse individuals have their contribution in developing Indonesian music. Who is Thung Boen Liong? I think I have to ask Mr. Gesang, the living legend as keroncong composer, since his song Bengawan Solo interpretated in this album. Is this the first version of Bengawan Solo song?.*

Discography

Artist: Roldiah, Sulastri, Abdullah Sidjaja
Album: Puspa Ragam
Band: Orkes Krontjong Irama Baru, under direction Thung Boen Liong
Publisher: PUTRI, no date.

Track list
Side one:
1. Krontjong Kemajoran (n.n.)
2. Mangle (Mang Koko)
3. Bintang Surabaja (n.n.)

Side two:
1. Bengawan Solo (Gesang)
2. Kembang Katjang/Stambul Dua
*

Waldjinah Signature

2008-02-22T00:15:00.000-08:00

Waldjinah is a living legend as a traditional Javanesse singer. She is a leading artist in tembang Jawa genre (including keroncong) and a prolific one in releasing albums -- long playing, cassete and cd. This album entitled Walang Kekek is one of the important albums. Walang Kekek is a traditional song composed by un-recognized name. This song is popularized by Waldjinah, and that's why this song is usually identified as her signature.

Listening to this album, let me to note this album is very classical and well orchrestated. But if you don't have a passion to tembang Jawa as if you don't have passion to classical music, you will be boring soon. Imagine that almost songs running with slow tempo and no such progress or suspense. Comparing to pop, tembang Jawa has longer duration. One song needs 4 to 6 minutes.

For me, to enjoy tembang Jawa better to serve our self without any intention. It's like to hear ambient music. Just play the music, and you need no to fully pay ettention to the music. You can enjoy the music, while reading a book, or surfing on the computer. Although tembang Jawa is a very local music, but Waldjinah is famous not only in Indonesia. She ever made musical tour to Suriname, Netherlands, and Japan, *

Discography

Artist: Waldjinah
Album: Walang Kekek
Band: Orkes Kerontjong Bintang Surakarta
Publisher: Elshinta, no date

Track list
Side one:
1. Jen ing Tawang (Andjar Ari)
2. Walang Kekek (n.n.)
3. Tjengkir Wungu (Sutjipto)

Side two:
1. Nemahi (Gesang)
2. Nawala (Gesang)
3. Rahaju (Gesang)
4. Lara Mendut (Munadi)
*

Ahmad Vad'aq, The Humble Composer

2008-02-21T02:13:00.001-08:00

Ahmad Vad'aq is one of Indonesia composers who was recognized in 70-ies as gambus musician. He made several gambus albums, like Munajah (long play suquels from the first to the third). He recorded also cassette album for Lokananta, Surakarta, recording industry which is owned by government. Vad'aq also ever composed song for singer Rhoma Irama, the so called Raja Dangdut.

I have ever talked with Ahmad Vad'aq in 1999 thru telephone, intending for long interview for weekly magazine. But I can not finish thay my intention until now. Forgive me Mr. Vad'aq for my laziness. And now I remember Mr Vad'aq again after I get one of his long playing entitled Munadjah 3. Thank God that finally I can hear, taste and enjoy the composition of a very humble gambus composer Mr. Vad'aq.

Truly his compositions are closed to Egypt musical standard as we can hear from biggest diva in the history Ummi Qulstum songs. His compositions are classical in arrangement, rhythm and lyrics. His lyrics are mostly for religious purpose. I can't imagine, how Mr. Vad'ad learn that such foreign music until he can be a master in this Egypt music.

In 1997, Suara Pembaruan wrote that Gus Dur (before he became a President) invited Mr. Vad'aq to perform one song with his El Badr Orchestra. It means that Gus Dur, the man who has a deep appreciation in music – such as Beethoven composition, give a special appreciation for Mr. Vad'aq. May God bless you, Mr. Vad'q. Allah yarham. *

A Prayer for Fariz RM

2008-02-20T03:04:00.000-08:00

Fariz Rustam Munaf, also known as Fariz FM, is one of biggest composers in Indonesia music map. As composer, he is a prolific one. He has 18 solo albums, and 51 collaborated albums, and still produces album until now. Naming Fariz, we remember A.R. Rahman, a young composer from India who can produce three albums in one year.

But this days, Fariz gets a problem with a drug case and the court is still on going. I do not have any personal tie with Fariz. But as appreciator for his music, I just hope that Fariz can get his justice, a real justice, as soon as possible. A real justice means that may the judge consider his big contribution in music industry, comparing it's benefit and it's danger.

Listen what he said to Kompas newspaper this week: “Tak ada bukti yang memperkuat penangkapan saya. Ini bukan lagi sekedar masalah narkoba, tapi bagi saya ini sudah menghancurkan hidup saya," Fariz said. And when the judge postponed his court, Fariz said: "Sungguh (penundaan pembacaan tuntutan-red) telah bermain-main dengan hidup orang. Saya ini kepala keluarga. Martabat yang saya bangun sekarang sudah hilang. Pekerjaan satu-satunya yang saya miliki juga hilang. Saya merasa benar-benar telah dirampas kemerdekaaan sebagai warga negara Indonesia".

May God open his heart, judge heart. *

Thriller, The Phenomenon

2008-02-20T02:19:00.000-08:00

Michael Jackson is an other phenomenon in music industry. When I was 20-ies and only like experimental music (such as Red Buddha Theatre, Flairk, Popol Vuh), I did not like pop-music-like-Michael Jackson. But after watching movie entitled Moon Walker, I become admirer for Michael Jackson, especially for his dancing-like-moon-walking. Later, I can appreciate his pop music after hearing his song Little Suzie.

In my collections, I have a long playing by Michael Jackson entitled Thriller. I bought this album in Makati City Manila 1996. I realized later that this album is one of his valuable album. Wikipedia noted that Thriller was a gigantic hit that made Jackson the seminal icon of American culture at the time. Quoting Wikipedia, Jackson released a special 25th anniversary edition of Thriller, Thriller 25 in 2008, featuring a music video DVD and bonus remixes by contemporary artists such as will.i.am and Kanye West.*

Lullaby from Violinist Idris Sardi

2008-02-19T23:06:00.000-08:00

Idris Sardi is the best violinist ever had by Indonesia. He has several albums and one of them was noted as one of 150 Best Indonesia Album by Rolling Stones (Indonesia) magazine on December 2007. This album entitled Nina Bobo is interpretated by singer Lies Embarsary and arranger Zainal Arifin with his band Zainal Combo. Nina Bobo is Indonesian lullaby. The very young Idris Sardi played as guest musician. If you notice personal skill of Idris Sardi, you will soon recognize his presence after hearing this album a few second. *

Discography:
Album : Nina Bobo
Artist : Lies Embarsari
Band : Zainal Combo, under direction Zainal Arifin
Guest musician: Idris Sardi (violin)
Publisher : Remaco, no date
Liner note : Rachman A

Track list
1. Nina Bobo
2. Ole-ole Bandung
3. Burung Kaka Tua
4. Sepasang Mata Bola
5. Waktu Hujan Sore-sore
6. O Ina Nikeke
7. Auto A.P.D.
8. Tandjung Tjina

A Go Go Pattie Sisters

2008-02-19T04:09:00.000-08:00

Why duo vocalists Pattie Bersaudara (Pattie Sisters) used A Go Go, such kind of dance as a title album? I supposed that in that time (1960-ies), A Go Go is a kind of foreign dance which is getting very popular among local folks. Although actually the strongest song to become a hit one is Tjinta Pertama (First Love).

Putting a popular idiom for album title is such smart trick to get wider listeners, but it is not always success. Look at what a comedian Tukul Arwana did for his music album. He put his personal gimmick idioms like Kembali ke Laptop, Tak Sobek-sobek and so on. But it does not help a better success for selling his album. A success of selling a music album is really depend on the quality of song, not on popularity of other things. *

Track list
Side one:
1. Kuda Puithku (Harry S)
2. Bloemen Voor Moeder (n.n.)
3. Bila teringat Padamu (Harry S)
4. Pergi ke Bulan (A Rijanto)

Side two:
1. Tjinta Pertama (Harlan)
2. Bala (n.n.)
3. Hari Bergembira (Harry S)
4. Tampak Siring (Wedhasmara)

Album: A Go Go (Tjinta Pertama)
Artist: Pattie Bersaudara
Band: Pantja Nada, under direction Enteng Tanamal
Producer: Remaco
Cover design: Sjam, Ferry Iroth

The Best of George Harrison

2008-02-19T03:18:00.000-08:00

I don't remember where I found this album -- The Best of George Harrison. Since it is an album with it's best selection concept, so what ever it must be a valuable matter. Some critics say that unfortunately this album consists mostly songs from Beatles era, not from Harrison solo years. *

Track list

1. "Something" – 3:01
2. "If I Needed Someone" – 2:22
3. "Here Comes the Sun" – 3:05
4. "Taxman" – 2:37
5. "Think for Yourself" – 2:18
6. "For You Blue" – 2:31
7. "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" – 4:45
* Tracks 1 - 7 are performed by The Beatles

8. "My Sweet Lord" – 4:38
9. "Give Me Love (Give Me Peace On Earth)" – 3:35
10. "You" – 3:41
11. "Bangla Desh" – 3:57
12. "Dark Horse" – 3:53
13. "What Is Life" – 4:17

*) All songs composed by George Harrison
Album: The Best of George Harrison
Producer: Parlopone, 1976

Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band

2008-02-18T04:56:00.000-08:00

When I found this Beatles album in a corner of Makati Cinema Square Manila, 1996, really I did not know that this album is a very special item. Until I read the review from Wikipedia as written below. Unfortunately that I found this long playing naked without it's cover.

Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band is the eighth album by The Beatles. It is often cited as their magnum opus and one of the most influential albums of all time by prominent critics and publications, ranking number 1 on Rolling Stone's The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time in 2003.

Upon release, Sgt. Pepper received both popular and critical acclaim. Various reviews appearing in the mainstream press and trade publications throughout June 1967, immediately after the album's release, were generally quite positive. In The Times, prominent critic Kenneth Tynan described Sgt. Pepper as "a decisive moment in the history of Western civilization." Others including Richard Poirier, and Geoffrey Stokes were similarly expansive in their praise, Stokes noting, "listening to the Sgt. Pepper album one thinks not simply of the history of popular music but the history of this century." Thank God, I have this album.*

Track list:

Side one
1."Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" – 2:04
2."With a Little Help from My Friends" – 2:46
3."Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds" – 3:30
4."Getting Better" – 2:49
5."Fixing a Hole" – 2:38
6."She's Leaving Home" – 3:37
7."Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite!" – 2:37

Side two
1."Within You Without You" (George Harrison) – 5:07
2."When I'm Sixty-Four" – 2:37
3."Lovely Rita" – 2:44
4."Good Morning Good Morning" – 2:43
5."Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band (Reprise)" – 1:20
6."A Day in the Life" – 5:33
*

Appreciating Children Songs

2008-02-18T04:03:00.000-08:00

Children song is not a sexy business for music industry. While pop music like Kangen-ist is spreading like wild grass, music for children is very rare. We have ever a talented singer Sherina, but she is now a teenager and newly released a teenager-pop-album. Since children songs are rare, actually we have to appreciate every single children-song album. Look at this album, there are at least two songs which have cacthy melodies. Actually, who has to encourage children-song production? Government? May be. Since children-song actually is for education purpose, not merely as matter of business.*

Bubi Chen and His Fabulous Five

2008-02-18T02:53:00.000-08:00

This album by the most prominent Indonesian pianist Bubi Chen is noted by Rolling Stone magazine on the end of 2007 as one of 150 Best Indonesian Album. Thank to Rolling Stone magazine, I bought this long play newly on January 2008. Don't imagine that this album is about mainstream jazz, but it is more likely jazz-chachacha playing famous songs composed by non-Indonesian composer. If you are truly jazz lover, you should have this historical album for Indonesia jazz history.*

Track list
Side one:
1. Begin the Beguine (Cole Porter)
2. Sakura (traditional)
3. Perfidia (A. Dominguez)
4. Come Back to Sorriento (De Curtis)
5. Moon River (Mercer-Mancini)
6. The World of Suzie Wong

Side two:
1. Torero (Carosone)
2. To Be or Not to Be (d' Esposito)
3. Bali Hai (Roger Hammerstein II)
4. Nanatsu Noko (traditional)
5. La Paloma (Yradier)
6. Come Back to Me (Martin)

Album: Bubi Chen and His Fabulous Five
Musicians: Bubi Chen (piano), Jack Lemmers (guitar), AT Asni (drums), Sarono (bass), Nien (bamboo)
Producer: Irama Record
Liner note: Wienaktoe
Cover design: Pandji Kamal

Is This Russian Rock

2008-02-15T03:42:00.001-08:00

The two images of this album are truly strange. I can not read even one single word from the texts written in the cover. But I think these two albums are produced by Russian musicians. When I bought the albums in a corner of Makati Cinema Theatre Square, a place like Manggadua ITC in Makaty City Manila, 1996, I just bought them without listening before. I am glad that after listening those albums in Bekasi thru my tuntable, the music is such pop-rock-like-Gigi. Quite enjoyable, although not catchy. Is there any one of you can give more information about musicians in above images?*

Gombloh in Utan Kayu Station

2008-02-14T03:05:00.000-08:00

Last night, 13 February 2008, Utan Kayu, one of radio stations in Jakarta, aired a musical talkshow talking and playing track lists of the late singer and composer Gombloh. This man has very unique position in musical map in Indonesia. His contribution in music should be appreciated as well as other composer such as Iwan Fals with his Kantata Takwa and Swami project, or a troubador singer Leo Kristi.

I enjoy that programme, because I can listen to at least 3 songs which I never heard before, such as Siti Jamila (with Viky Vendi), and Sekarmayang (Javanesse version Hongwilaheng). Hearing songs of Gombloh in radio is something strange, since almost radio stations in Jakarta have a same taste to pop-music-like Kangen-iest. Thank to Gigin Praginanto, senior journalist who anchored that programme. *

Discography:
1. Nadia dan Atmosphere (Golden hand, 1978)
2. Mawar Desa (Golden Hand, 1978)
3. Kadar Bangsaku (Golden Hand, 1979)
4. Pesan Buat Negeriku (Golden Hand, 1980)
5. Terima kasih Indonesiaku (Chandra Recording, 1981)
6. Pesan Buat Kaum Belia (Chandra Recording, 1982)
7. Berita Cuaca (Chandra Recording, 1982)
8. Kami Anak Negeri Ini (Chandra Recording, 1983)
9. Gila (Nirwana, 1983)
10. Setengah Gila (Nirwana, 1984)
11. Semakin Gila (Nirwana, 1986)
12. Apa Itu Tidak Edan (Nirwana, 1987)

*) I have almost all albums of Gombloh, unless Sekar Mayang (Golden Hand, 1981), Kebyar-kebyar (Golden Hand, 1979), and Apel (Nirwana, 1986).

The Eclectic Bjork

2008-02-12T02:59:00.000-08:00

Bjork is the phenomenon in music history. Her music in all her albums are well crafted as experimental-pop-music. Bjork is musician who can blend sounds from the most advanced musical technology into a fresh-superb-futuristic composition.

Her approach in composing music actually is like Philip Glass with his minimalism, or Laurie Anderson with her multimedia-rock-performance, or Indonesian prominent componist Slamet Abdul Sjukur with his minimax approach as well as his fractal philosophy. But Bjork has her unique and personal approach, that is wild imagination on the canvas of pop music. Welcome to Indonesia on 12 February 2008, my Bjork. *

Chinesse Happy Birthday Song

2008-02-07T05:40:00.000-08:00

English note: From America, Happy Birthday song flies to China. It approved that music could go beyond territories. This album entitled Happy Birthday Music consists of 12 songs, with four of them are four verses of this song, including a song with Hongkong chacha rythm. All songs are played by an traditional orchestra of Chinesse music. Since this longplaying used Chinesse language, some information of this vintage I don't understand. *

The Birthday of Happy Birthday

2008-02-07T05:19:00.000-08:00

English note: When was the birthday of Happy Birthday song? Who composed this song? According to Wikipedia, the melody of "Happy Birthday to You" was written by American sisters Patty Hill and Mildred J. Hill in 1893, when they were school teachers in Louisville, Kentucky, at what is now the Little Loomhouse. I have a longplay which may be one of the oldest version of this song. That is album entitled Almost Authentic Folk Songs by Dolan Ellis and The In Group which produced by Reprise, made in USA, 1961. In one song from this album entitled Joe Bean, we can hear last part from the song: "Happy Birthday Joe Bean" ect. In the note describing this song written this sentence: "Folks of the Old West in unprecedented kindness to a young outlaw." *

Ethnic Folkways Library

2008-02-05T00:23:00.000-08:00

English note: Civilized society are very aware to recorded music. This album entitled Music of Indonesia was produced by New Yorker -- hopefuly N.Y.C. means it -- on 1950. This album presented 10 folkrythms from central Java, Sunda, Batak, Minangkabau, and Bali. Those rare music were recorded live from the place and the people who created those music. It's amazing. Thank God that there is foreign producer who recorded those music in the old time when Indonesian people might be not yet aware to do that. *

Discography:
Abum : Music of Indonesia
Producer : Ethnic Folkways Library, copyright 1950 by Folkways Record & Serv. Corp 117 W 46 St. N.Y.C.
Line Notes: Raden Suwanto
Tracks list:

1. Ile-ile (Batak Music recorded in Sumatra. Sinandang Sipirok Orch., Dir. Rapoesen Batoebara)
2. Tari Piring Sadang Lawas (Plate Dance. Recorded in Minangkabau Sumatra)
3. Tumba Lela-lelan (recorded in Mainangkabau)
4. Bah Motoh (Chorus, drums. Temior music recorded in Malaya at Gill. under Dir. of H.D. Noone, Malaya Advs. Corp.)
5. Udan Liris (Vocal with Ketjapi. Recorded in Sunda)
6. Sorban Palid (Vocal with Ketjapi and Violin. recorded in Sunda)

7. Lagu Babar Lajar (Instrumental. Gamelan, saron, bonang. Recorded in Central Java)
8. Lagu Srihardjono (gamelan, rebab, gender, suling. Recorded in Central Java)
9. Ganda Pura (Djanger-Abijan-Timbul. Instrumental. Gamelan, rebab. Recorded in Bali)
10. Peperangan Sira pandji (Parabangsa-Classic Opera. Recorded in Bali)
.

Lanny Sisters: Children Song with Adult Taste

2008-02-04T04:29:00.000-08:00

English note: In 60-ies, among Indonesian musicians composed the songs for children but with adult taste. This approach makes the songs sounded ridicolous, but that was a success story in Indonesia. This approach makes children songs were enjoyable by adult. This album from Lanny Sisters entitled Bertamasja is a mere example. *

Discography:
Artist : Lanny Sisters
Album : Bertamasja
Band : Band Zaenal Combo
Producer: Canary and Metropolitan Record, no date
Track list:
1. Binatang Malu-malu (Zakarya)
2. Di Tep SUngai (Jessy Wenas)
3. Bertamasja (Jessy Wenas)
4. Pagi-pagi (Ibu SUd and Nj. R. Soetisno)
5. Hudjan (idem)
6. Kupu-kupu (idem)

7. Komidi Puter (Mus. K. Wirya)
8. AKu Ini Bebas (Tom RS/Tati)
9. Si Lengser (Zainal Arifin)
10. Main Ular-ularan (Ibu SUd and Nj. R. Soetisno)
11. Kue Serabi (Zakarya)
12. Ibu Jang Tertjinta (G. Pakaja)

The First Political Album of Golkar

2008-01-28T03:39:00.000-08:00

English summary: According to me, the second historical album for Indonesia music lovers after Genjer-genjer is Souvenir Pemilu 71. This album is totally about political campaign for Golkar, political organization, in it's first debut as a political party ini general election on 1971. This election is a very historical episode in Indonesia politics, since through that election a New Order regime started it's political penetration. New Order is a very identical entity with Soeharto, second Indonesia president for 32 years, who passed away newly on 27 January 2008. *

Discography
Album : Souvenir Pemilu 71
Artist : Bing Slamet, Ellya Khadam ect.
Producer : Metropolitan and Golongan Karya, 1971
Track list:
1. Pohon Beringin (Suwandi) interpretation: Bing Slamet
2. Sataro Mama (ALfred Sundah) interpretation: Cillya & Vivi SUmanti
3. Karemako (N.N.) interpretation: Lenny Beselaar
4. Tandjung Ou Ulate (N.N.) interpretation: Tanty Josepha
5. Ole SIo (N.N.) interpretation: Jimmy Samallo
6. Ajo Mama (N.N.) interpretation: Bing Slamet
7. Mari Memilih (Bing Slamet) interpretation: Bing SLamet
8. Es Lilin (N.N.) interpretation: Bing Slamet
9. Kerontjong Moristku (N.N.) interpretation: Bing Slamet
10. Kerontjong Kemajoran (N.N.)
11. Berbaktilah (M. Sanip) interpretation: Ellya Khadam
12. Tjita-tjita Srikandi (M. Sanip) interpretation: Ellya Khadam

Indonesia My Lovely Country

2008-01-17T04:07:00.000-08:00

English summary: Doug Shipton, a Dejay from UK, once sent me an email, asking me about a copy of Panbers the second album, Indonesia pop music in 70-ies. Thank God that I have this collection.

Doug Shipton, seorang kolektor musik dan DJ di UK, memiliki perusahaan rekaman yang berminat pada musik langka tahun 60-an dan 70-an. Situsnya bisa dicek di www.finderskeepersrecords.com. Tiga bulan lalu Doug mengirim email melalui blog ini. Dia menceritakan bahwa dia memperoleh beberapa ph Koesplus dan Panbers, dan dia takjub. Dia menyatakan niatnya untuk menerbitkan kembali album Panbers untuk pasar UK dan AS. Dia menanyakan pihak-pihak resmi di Indonesia yang bisa menghubungkan ke Panbers. I have no idea. Pembaca ada yang bisa membantu? *

Discography:

Artist : Panbers
Album : Mengapa Begini?, Sound 2
Prodcer : Dimita,
Songs : Mengapa Begini, Farewell. Mengapa, Rock and the Sea, Bunga Mawar, Selamat Djalan, Pelipur Lara, Indonesia My Lovely Country, Keraguanmu, Oh Kasihku, Pilu, dan Ibu

Three Albums of Yanti Bersaudara

2008-01-17T01:45:00.000-08:00

English summary: I have three albums of Yanti Bersaudara, an Indonesian prominent trio vocalists in sixties; first which consists a song Abu Nawas; second which consists a song Sinbad; and third an album entitled Anggrek Merah. *

Yanti Bersaudara adalah salah satu trio vokal perempuan yang layak dicatat dalam sejarah musik Indonesia. Sayang, majalah Rolling Stone edisi akhir tahun 2007 tidak memasukkan salah satu pun album Yanti Bersaudara dalam 150 Album Indonesia Terbaik. Yanti Bersaudara memang berada di bawah bayang-bayang Bimbo, grup musik saudara kandungnya. Iin bahkan kemudian dikenal sebagai penyanyi Bimbo. Tapi kehadiran Yanti Bersaudara sebagai grup yang memiliki ciri olah vokal tersendiri, tak bisa digantikan bahkan oleh Bimbo sendiri.

Dalam koleksi saya, ada tiga piringan hitam dari Yanti Bersaudara: pertama, album yang antara lain berisi lagu Abu Nawas; kedua, album yang berisi antara lain lagu Sinbad; ketiga, album Anggrek Merah. Ciri-ciri album Yanti Bersaudara adalah hampir setiap album berisi all hits. Puji Tuhan bahwa saya memiliki tiga album ini. *

Discography:
1. Artist: Yanti Bersaudara
Album : Anggrek Merah
Producer : Polydor, with no date.
Songs: Salabintana (Z. Arifin), Djanger (Wedhasmara), Indahnja Alam (R. Maroeti), Tanasse (J.F.R. Pattirane), Bagaikan Ia Tiada (Pappo), Tidurlah Adik (Judi), Anggrek Merah (Iwan Abdurrahman), Mengenangkan (Rijanto), Teringat Selalu (Rijanto), Bunga Mawar (Rijanto), Tiada Ragu (Syamsudin/Judi), Si Garing (Jessy Wenas).

The Experiment Piece of Alfian

2008-01-09T23:06:00.001-08:00

English summary: I have a copy of Djinak Merpati, an album by Alfian, Indonesian pop singer in 60-ies. In this album ALfian collaborated with Marjono, a prominent saxophonist in that time. *

Penyanyi era 60-an ALfian pernah bereksperimen membuat intro lagu pop Indonesia dengan melodi Jawa. Eksperimen itu bisa didengar dalam lagu Sendja di Pantai Sanur. Alfian adalah penyanyi solo pop terkemuka pada masanya dan dikenal dengan lagu-lagunya yang mendayu-dayu.

Bagi yang maunya nyinyir, mungkin akan menilai intro etnik tersebut tempelan saja. Namun harus diakui bahwa eksperimen Alfian dan saksofonis Marjono pada masa itu merupakan perintis pemasukan unsur etnik dalam musik pop Indonesia, sesuatu yang di era 2000-an ini sudah lazim dan tak mengejutkan lagi. Itulah salah satu materi dalam album Alfian berjudul Djinak Merpati dengan iringan orkes pimpinan Marjono, produksi Remaco tanpa tahun. Semua lagu karya Alfian, kecuali lagu Djinak Merpati karya Sambas. *

Discography:
1. Artist: Alfian dan Marjono
Album : Djinak Merpati
Band : Orkes Marjono
Producer: Remaco, with no date of production.
Songs: Pagi Indah, Djangan Kau Biarkan, Sabar Menanti, Telaga Warna, Sendja di Pantai sanur, Djinak Merpati, Lisa, Usah Tanjakan Daku.

Celebrating Creative History

2008-01-08T03:01:00.000-08:00

English summary: I am not familiar with these singers Jetty Moersidik and Mien Soejono, yet I collect these two longplays. I suggest -- especially to the family of the singers -- to reproduce these albums in cd format for celebrating the creative history.*

Banyak penyanyi menghasilkan karya musik rekaman dalam bentuk piringan, tapi tak semuanya kemudian dikenal masyarakat. Padahal sebagai karya musik, materi dalam piringan-piringan tersebut bukanlah karya asal-asalan. Apalagi proses perekaman untuk piringan hitam bukanlah proses yang main-main. Produsernya pastilah menyeleksi penyanyi dengan kriteria tertentu.

Lalu masih layakkah karya-karya tersebut dikoleksi? Jawabannya, tentu relatif. Harus diakui tak semua materi dalam piringan hitam layak dikoleksi. Namun bukan berarti tak bernilai. Contohnya, lagu penyanyi tertentu yang tidak terkenal, pastilah dikenal oleh keluarganya. Nah keluarga si penyanyi inilah yang mempunyai ikatan emosional dan memorial dengan lagu-lagu tersebut.

Salah satu bentuk partisipasi masyarakat dalam ikut menjaga warisan generasi pendahulu di bidang musik rekaman, bisa dilakukan dengan merekam ulang karya-karya tersebut ke format cakram digital (cd). Lalu hasil kompilasi itu bisa digandakan untuk kepentingan keluarga, misalnya sebagai souvenir pernikahan cucu kesekian dari si penyanyi. Bukankah souvenir pernikahan berupa cd musik jadul si nenek, atau si kakek, akan terdengar eksotis dan unik? *

Diskography:

1.Artist : Marini, dengan iringan orkes Simanalagi, dipimpin J. Fioole
Composer : J. Fiiole, Sudibjo
Album : no title.
Songs : Tahun Depan, Pengorbanan, dan dua lagu lain
Producer : Irama, no date of production.

2.Artist : Jetty Moersidik, iringan orkes Shinta Ria, dipimpin E. Tjandrasena
Composer : Adikarso, H. Iskandar
Album : no title.
Songs : Tangga Kencana, Bakti Pertiwi, Karang Hawu, Pagi Nan Tjerah
Producer : Irama, no date of production.

3. Artist : Mien Soejono, iringan orkes Arsianti, dipimpin Adrianto
Album : Tanpa nama
Songs : Ke Awan, Terimalah Salamku, Bulan di Perbatasan (Harjono), dan Kupu-kupu Sajang (Mien Sujono)
Producer : Irama, no date of production.

Javanesse Songs of Chris Byantoro

2008-01-08T02:53:00.000-08:00

English summary: Kris Biantoro was a leading singer and song writer in his time. In this extended play which consists four songs with Javanesse language, you can notice his big talent in composing and writing a joke lyrics. *

Kris Biantoro (dulu dia pernah memakai nama Chris Byantoro) yang belakangan dikenal sebagap bapak presenter Indonesia, adalah penyanyi, pencipta lagu dan pemimpin orkes Lokananta. Salah satu artefak yang saya miliki adalah piringan extended play (EP, 45 rpm) tanpa judul yang berisi empat lagu ini: Bir Temulawak, Dondong Apa Salak, Rokok Keretek, dan Nganggo Teklek Nang Krikilan. Piringan yang didukung orkes Lokananta pimpinan Chris Byantoro ini produksi Irama, tanpa tahun.

Berkat piringan ini, kita menjadi tahu bahwa mas Kris adalah salah satu pencipta lagu yang kuat, karena mampu menghasilkan melodi yang cacthy dan syair yang komunikatif, berisi pesan sosial dan jenaka.

Bacalah syair lagu Rokok Keretek berikut ini:

Rokok keretek
merek Dji Sam Soe
Yang gemuk pendek ahoi
Mau Dipungut Mantu

Rokok keretek
Yang Merek Bentoel
Yang gemuk pendek ahai
Paling doyan ngibul.

Perhatikan, ada kata Dji Sam Soe dan Bentoel, dua merek rokok di Indonesia. Walau mas Kris belum tentu ingin mempopulerkan nama merek rokok tersebut, namun kedua perusahaan itu layak berterima kasih kepada mas Kris, karena berkat lagu ini dua nama merek rokok itu terekam secara artistik dalam sejarah peradaban bangsa. *

The Artefact of Bambang Tri S

2007-12-21T05:14:00.001-08:00

English summary: Even Bambang Trihatmodjo, a son of former President Soeharto, had ever produced an album entitled by the name of the band The Crabs. *

Sebuah album atas nama The Crabs yang menyanyikan lagu-lagu karya Is Haryanto ditulis "diasuh" oleh seseorang bernama Bambang Tri S. Ketika saya membeli piringan ini, si penjual mengiklankan album itu dengan kalimat, "ini albumnya Bambang Tri, anaknya pak Harto." Saya pun membelinya.

Menurut seorang pembaca blog ini, Bambang Trihatmodjo, anak mantan Presiden Suharto yang sekarang terbaring sakit di rumah sakit pusat Pertamina Jakarta, memang pernah memproduksi album musik dalam bentuk kaset dan piringan. Ade, salah satu personel band itu, pernah bergabung dengan kelompok Pancaran Sinar Petromak. Kalau mas Bambang Trihatmodjo belakangan menikahi penyanyi Mayangsari, artefak piringan hitam ini menunjukkan benang merahnya. *

Celebrating Lebaran with Oslan Husein

2007-12-21T05:03:00.000-08:00

English summary: Indonesian moslems have tradition to celebrate Id el Fithr, the day after completing Ramadan fastings. This happy party ini 50-ies was pictured by singer Oslan Husein very impressive thru one song of this album. *

Lagu Selamat Hari Lebaran muncul dalam beberapa piringan atas nama Oslan Husein. Salah satunya album berjudul Hanya Ada Satu ini. Lagu yang masih diperdengarkan setiap hari raya Idul Fitri ini terdengar khas, mewakili suasana lebaran jaman tahun 50-an, dengan ciri khas vokal Oslan Husein yang belum tergantikan hingga kini. *

Titik Puspa and Wide Range of Her Genre

2007-12-21T04:20:00.000-08:00

English summary: It is not the best album of Titik Puspa, an Indonesian singer who almost become living legend in music industry. But this album shows you a wide range of her genre in pop music. *

Salah satu materi gambar sampul buku Musisiku terbitan KPMI, November 2007 adalah sampul piringan hitam berjudul Pita karya Titik Puspa. Karena buku itu sering saya baca, gambar sampul pita itu melekat di ingatan saya. Maka ketika di pasar kaset jadul, seorang penjual menawari piringan hitam berjudul Pita, saya langsung tertarik untuk membelinya. Apalagi bungkus dan isinya relatif mulus. Cuma sayang ketika saya mencoba mencari tahu catatan musikal atas album ini, buku Musisiku tak membahasnya. *

The Historical Voice of Bing SLamet

2007-12-20T05:30:00.001-08:00

English summary: This album entitled Mari Bersuka Ria Bersama Irama Lenso is the most historical album in Indonesia. One of this song entitled Genjer-genjer is a folk song which associated with communist rebel in 1965. *

Piringan hitam yang paling bersejarah di Indonesia menurut saya adalah album Mari Bersuka Ria dengan Irama Lenso. Album yang antara lain berisi lagu Genjer-genjer karya M. Arif ini dinyanyikan oleh Bing Slamet dengan iringan orkes pimpinan Jack Lemmers. Album ini diberi pengantar kalimat "Saja restui, setudju diedarkan", dengan tanda tangan Bung Karno bertahun 1965. Saya akan menulis soal ini lebih panjang di lain hari. Maafkan karena keterbatasan waktu. Tulisan ini belum final.

Charming EP of Ennio Morricone

2007-12-11T04:41:00.000-08:00

English summary: Even Ennio Morricone, most prominent composer for movie music in the world, has extended play. This album is part of movie entiltled A Few Dollar More directed by Sergio Leone. *

Ennio Morricone adalah salah satu komposer yang saya sukai. Saya terpesona dengan karyanya melalui sound track film Mission dan Year of The Dragon. Ilustrasi musik dalam film-film itu tak hanya berhasil menghidupkan imaji suasana yang dibawa film, juga cacthy di telinga. Karyanya bisa berdiri sendiri sebagai karya musik instrumental.

Saya terkejut ketika melihat lp 45 rpm dari Onnio Morricone di kios musik jadul. God bless me, bahwa saya bisa memperoleh karya Ennio, komposer besar di dunia sound track film, dalam format rekaman yang mungil imu-imut ini. *

Discography:
1. Ennio Morricone
Single: For A Few Dollars More

2. Cliff Richard
Single: All My Love
Producer: Columbia, 1967

3. The Venture Vol. 1
Single: Theme From Come September
Producer: Liberty, LA

4. Tommy Sands
Single: Teenage Crush
Producer: 1957

5. Smith
Single: Don't Believe
Producer: EMI, 1969

6. Single: Monja, Achi
Producer: Phisco

7. The Cats
Single: In My Room
Producer: Columbia

Terima Kasih Om Wikipedia

2007-12-11T04:17:00.000-08:00

Wikipedia adalah salah satu hikmah terbesar yang dilahirkan oleh internet. Eksiklopedi online ini benar-benar membantu kita melacak masa lalu yang selama ini sulit dijangkau secara cepat. Namun berkat keajaiban internet, pengetahun masa lalu itu bisa diperoleh dalam hitungan menit.

Salah satu jasa Wikipedia adalah untuk melacak sejarah produksi suatu album musik. Pada era 50 atau 60, bahkan 70, industri musik rekaman sering tidak lengkap menulis data album, misalnya menyangkut tahun produksi. Kalau tahun produksi saja dilupakan, apalagi data lain menyangkut profil artis.

Dengan bantuan Wikipedia, data penting itu bisa dilacak. Data lima lp 45 rpm yang saya tulis sebelum posting ini (the Cats, Bee Gees, Chubby Checker, the Thuder Birds, Aretha Franklin), saya peroleh dari Wikipedia. Saya jadi tahu bahwa album Respect dari Aretha Franklin memperoleh penghargaan best female vocal R&B, dan best recording R&B dari sebuah lembaga penghargaan musik pada 1968. Data lain misalnya grup musik The Shocking Blue memiliki lagu hit terhebat yaitu Venus, piringan yang baru saja saya beli di Jakarta selatan. Album itu diproduksi Polydor, tahun 1970. Terima kasih Om WIkipedia. *

Diskografi lp 45 rpm:

1. Heintje
Single: Mama
Produksi: Polydor

2. The Shocking Blue
Aingle: Venus
Produksi: Polydor, 1969

3. Johny Lion with Orchestra directed by Gerry Dale
Single: Devil Woman
Produksi, Philips

4. The Bachelors
Single: Ramona
Produksi: Decca, 1964

5. Cliff Richard
SIngle: Hits from The Young Ones
Produksi: Columbia, 1961

Kejutan SIngles Tahun 60-an

2007-12-11T03:53:00.000-08:00

Kios piringan hitam jadul sering menghadirkan kejutan. Awal Desember 2007, penjual piringan hitam di Jakarta selatan, langganan saya, setengah memaksa, lebih tepat mendorong, saya untuk memborong piringan-piringan hitam 45 rpm karya musisi Barat tahun 60-an awal dan 50-an akhir seperti The Cats, The Bee Gees, Chubby Checker. Sebetulnya saya tidak begitu akrab dengan penyanyi-penyanyi tersebut, tapi karena dijual murah dan lagian saya tidak ingin piringan itu jatuh ke orang-orang yang tak "benar-benar mencintai musik" (hehehe, kayak siapa aja saya ini?), akhirnya saya beli sekitar 20 keping. Di kios itu, tak ada turntables untuk mencobanya. Tuntable di rumah saya juga sedang rusak jarumnya. Jadi saya cuma bisa mengecek data album ke internet melalui jasa Om Wikipedia. Dan ternyata barang-barang tersebut bernilai. *

Diskografi lima di antaranya:
1. The Cats
Single: I gotta know what's going on
Produksi: Columbia, 1968

2. The Bee Gees
Single: I.O.I.O.
Produksi: Polydor, 1970

3. Chubby Checker
SIngle: The Jet
Produksi: Master Voice, 1962

4. The Thunder Birds
SIngle: My Hula Girl
Produksi: Philips, 1959

5. Aretha Franklin
Single: Respect
Produksi: Atlantic, 1968

Diskografi untuk Good Morning

2007-12-02T02:35:00.000-08:00

Ketika saya (Kelik M. Nugroho, pengelola piringanhitam.blogspot.com) diundang ke acara Good Morning Transtv, November lalu, reporter Good Morning meminta saya untuk membawa contoh koleksi kaset dan piringan hitam jadul (jaman dulu). Cukup masing-masing sepuluh keping, katanya.

Saya mesti pintar-pintar memilih yang tepat untuk penonton Good Morning. Kriteria yang saya pakai, koleksi tersebut haruslah langka, bernilai, diutamakan karya musisi Indonesia. Akhirnya terpilihlah sekitar 17 kaset, 14 piringan hitam dan dua cd. Bagi yang tak sempat menonton acara itu secara langsung, berikut diskografi yang bisa dirunut. *

Kaset:
1. P. Ramlee AMN, album Kenangan Abadi Vol. 2
2. LCLR Prambors 1977
3. LCLR Prambors 1981
4. Koes Bersaudara, album Angin Laut
5. Eros Djarot, album Manusia-manusia
6. Guruh Gipsy
7. Koes Plus pop Jawa, vol 1
8. Du Kribo, volume 2
9. O.M. Soneta, album Begadang
10. O.M. Soneta, volume 1
11. Keenan Nasution, album Di Batas Angan-angan
12. Titi DJ, album 1989
13. Disccus, album First
14. L Subramaniam-Stephane Grapelli, album Conversation
15. Joseph Lansang, album Journey in the Spirit
16. Richard Tan, album Magandang Bituin
17. Peaceful

PH:
1. P. Ramlee, album Rayuan Ramlee
2. Yanti Bersaudara
3. Indonesia Raya, Lokananta, 1968
4. Oslan Husein
5. Waldjinah, album volume 1 Putri Solo
6. Christobel Weeresinghe, album "Indonesia, It's Music and it's People"
7. Bert Jansch, album Rosemary Lane, Warner, 1971
8. Nightnoise, album At The End of the Evening, Windhamhill, 1988
9. Jose Feliciano, album El Sentimiento La Voz y La Guitarra de Jose Feliciano
10. Iva Bittova + Dunaj, album Impuls, Panton, 1988
11. Dian Pramana Poetra, album Indoneisa Jazz Vocal 1 dan 2
13. Eros Jarot, album Kembalikan Masa Depanku, Musica, 1983
14. Yockie S, album Gemuruh, Musica, tanpa tahun

CD:
1. Alvin Lucier, album Crossings, Lovely Music, 1990
2. From Scratch, album SOngs for Heroes, Rattle Record, 1991

Bang Oman dari Taman Puring

2007-12-02T01:49:00.000-08:00

Banyak koleksi kaset dan cd saya berkat tangan-tangan lincah Bang Oman, pemilik salah satu kios kaset jadul di pasar Taman Puring Mayestik Jakarta selatan. Melalui lelaki berdarah Sunda berusia paruh baya ini, saya memperoleh kaset-kaset penting antara lain Album P Ramlee volume 2, Koes Bersaudara album Angin Laut, Titi DJ album 1989, Koes Plus Pop Jawa volume 1, Keenan Naustion album Di Batas Agan-angan, dan Discus album perdana.

Saya mengenal Bang Oman sekitar tahun 2004, setelah saya diperbantukan di sebuah kantor di kawasan Mayestik Jakarta selatan dari kantor di jalan Proklamasi. Semoga kepindahan itu mengandung hikmah terselubung, yaitu pertemuan saya dengan pasar Taman Puring sebagai kawasan kios kaset jadul. Kedekatan Taman Puring dengan kantor saya memungkinkan saya berangkat kerja, sembari menyongsong kaset-kaset jadul yang mampir di pasar Taman Puring.

Pertama kali bertemu, Bang Oman masih menempati salah satu kios semi permanen lantai dua Taman Puring yang berkamar-kamar. Sekitar tahun 2005 kalau tidak salah, lantai dua Taman Puring terbakar. Bang Oman salah satu korbannya. Akibat kebakaran itu, sebagian besar barang langka miliknya terbakar. Bang Oman pun harus memulai usaha dari nol. Sembari menunggu renovasi pasar, dia membuka kios dengan satu almari kecil berisi seratus kaset di teras luar Taman Puring. Tak beberapa lama kemudian dia pindah ke ruang dalam pasar, tapi masih numpang di kios orang lain. Setelah renovasi tuntas, Bang Oman kembali menempati salah satu petak di lantai dua pasar taman Puring. Bentuk kiosnya sekarang terbuka, los-losan, tanpa kamar tertutup. Sekarang ini kiosnya memiliki koleksi sebanyak dulu, bahkan tampak lebih banyak.

Bang Oman adalah pedagang musik rekaman jadul yang mempunyai nilai plus. Dia memperlakukan konsumen sebagai manusia budaya (bukan manusia ekonomi saja). Harga yang dipasang relatif moderat, dan kadang pertimbangannya lebih untuk merawat warisan budaya. "Saya bukan sekadar jualan kaset. Saya memang mempunyai hobi di bidang musik, jadi ada rasa enjoy dalam menjalani usaha ini," kata Bang Oman yang juga aktif di kepengurusan Komunitas Pecinta Musik Indonesia. Dia ikut mendirikan KPMI, komunitas kolektor musik rekaman, bersama tokoh-tokoh seperti Riza Sihbudi, Denny Sakrie, Gatot Triono, dan lain-lain. *

To The So Called The Guilties Koesbers

2007-11-29T04:22:00.000-08:00

Membeli kaset jadul karya Koes Bersaudara, tanpa judul, bergambar pesawat balon berwajah manusia dan foto keempat personil band, saya mencoba mengingat masa lalu dengan membuka buku berjudul Musisiku yang diterbitkan Republika dan Komunitas Pecinta Musik Indonesia pada November 2007. Harus diakui, melalui buku inilah saya memperoleh diskografi Koes Bersaudara yang relatif lengkap.

Kaset jadul tanpa judul itu produksi PT Dimita Moulding Industries Ltd, Djakarta. Isinya 24 lagu. Side 1: Mengapa Hari Telah Gelap; Untukmu; Bunga Rindu; Lagu Sendiri; Voor Man; Hari Ini; Three Litle Words; To The So Called the Guilties; Apa sadja; Di Dalam Bui; Bintang Mars; Poorclown.

Side 2: Untuk Ajah dan Ibu; Lontjeng Jang Ketjil; Rasa Hatiku; Djadikan Aku Dombamu; Aku Berdjandji; Bidadari; Balada Kamar 15; Bilakah Kamu Tetap Di SIni; The Land of Ever Green; The Old Man; Is Still Forgiveness; Mana Hatimu.

Dalam diskografi Musisiku, Koes Bersaudara pernah membuat single antara lain Dara Berpita, Untuk Ibu, Bintang Kecil, dan Di Pantai Bali (IRama 1964) dan lain-lain. Lalu ada album To The So Called the Guilties (Dimita, 1967) dan Jadikan Aku Dombamu (Dimita, 1967). Dua judul album ini tercantum dalam kaset produksi Dimita yang tanpa judul itu.

Artinya, dulu mungkin dua album itu direkam dalam format piringan hitam, yang belakangan baru direkam ulang dalam sebuah kaset -- dua album menjadi satu. Ah, bagaimana pun prosesnya, puji Tuhan saya memperoleh kaset jadul ini di Jakarta pekan lalu (November 2007). Album ini sejarah penting dalam perjalanan musik Indonesia khususnya Koes Bersaudara, karena direkam setelah Koes Bersaudara keluar dari penjara Orde Lama, hanya gara-gara bermusik rock n roll. Gile masa lalu. *

Piringanhitam Goes Transtv

2007-11-22T03:00:00.001-08:00

Pengelola blog piringanhitam.blogspot.com Kelik M. Nugroho diundang ke acara talkshow berita Good Morning Transtv pada Kamis, 22 November 2007, jam 08.30. Pihak Good Morning ingin menampilkan profil kolektor piringan hitam dan kaset jadul. Kepada reporternya mbak Putri, saya mencoba bertanya, mengapa mereka memilih saya, padahal banyak kolektor lain yang memiliki koleksi yang lebih banyak. Mbak Putri menjawab bahwa dia menemukan nama saya dari blog ini, dan satu-satunya blog kolektor yang memasang telepon hp yang bisa dihubungi hanyalah saya.

Atas undangan itu dan atas kepercayaan produser Good Morning Transtv, saya mengucapkan terima kasih. Saya merasakan ada aura dan semangat positif dari tim Good Morning ini. Bagi saya, undangan itu merupakan bentuk dari apresiasi mereka kepada upaya penghargaan atas karya-karya kreatif -- yang dulu dilupakan -- yang kini dirawat sebagian para kolektor.

Kepada mbak Rieke Diah Pitaloka dan mas Ferdi Hasan, presenter yang rileks dan hangat, saya juga merasakan aura penghargaan yang sama atas karya-karya seniman lama yang terekam dalam kaset jadul dan piringan hitam. Secara spontan, mas Ferdi menyetel satu lagu dari kaset P. Ramlee dan album Dasa Tembang Tercantik Prambors pertama pada 1977 yang antara lain berisi lagu Lilin-lilin Kecil. Mendengar musik itu untuk pengantar dan ilustrasi acara -- yang dilakukan sendiri mas Ferdi Hasan, merupakan kejadian yang tak kan
terlupakan.

Selamat dan terima kasih kepada tim Good Morning. Maju terus.

Kelik M. Nugroho
Pengelola blog:
piringanhitam.blogspot.com
pabrikbunyi.wordpress.com
arahguru.wordpress.com

Piringanhitam Goes Trns

2007-11-22T03:00:00.000-08:00

Eksotisme Koes Bersaudara

2007-11-20T03:16:00.000-08:00

Saya pernah membeli beberapa kaset terbitan baru karya lama Koes Plus (campur dengan Koes Bersaudara). Salah satunya album Koesplus Vol. 2 edisi Private Collection yang diproduksi Harika Record tahun 2000-an. Lagu-lagunya antara lain Kisah Sedih di Hari Minggu; Kolam Susu; Telaga Sunyi; Dara Manisku dan lain-lain. setelah mendengar isi materi album itu, telinga saya terasa terganggu, karena materinya -- walaupun tetap dinyanyikan personel Koesplus -- tapi tidak sama persis dengan yang saya dengar dari kaset puluhan tahun lalu yang pernah saya miliki.

Album-album repackaging ini memang berbeda dengan album aslinya. Sayang bahwa perusahaan rekaman di Indonesia umumnya belum peduli pada pentingnya informasi tentang sumber karya dari produk baru yang dijual. Dalam kemasan, mestinya disebutkan bahwa lagu-lagu dalam kaset ini direkam baru pada tahun sekian oleh sebagian personel grup, dan seterusnya.

Ketika saya mencoba membandingkan materi album Harika itu dengan album aslinya Koes Bersaudara produksi Media Record pada tahun 60-an, memang perbedaan itu kentara sekali. Ambil contoh saja lagu dara Manisku. Dalam versi aslinya, instrumen yang dipakai -- kalau tidak salah -- campuran antara akustik dan elektrik. Rythm dan melodinya dulu memakai elektrik. Tapi bassnya akustik. Lalu warna vokalnya pada album lama tak menunjukkan warna individu, ini berbeda dengan versi Harika yang lebih dekat ke warna vokal Yon Koeswoyo. Juga instrumennya itu lo umumnya elektrik, bahkan digital. Semoga industri rekaman kita ke depan bisa menghargai soal informasi karya semacam ini. *

Koleksi:
1. Koes Bersaudara, album Angin Laut, produksi Media Record, tanpa tahun (diperkirakan 60-an). Isi album: Dara Manisku; Jangan Bersedih; Dewi Rindu; Bis Sekolah; Pagi yang Indah; Si Kancil; O Kau Tahu; telaga Sunyi; Angin Laut; Senja; Doa Ibu; Bintang Kecil; Di Pantai Bali; Telaga Sunyi; Kuduslah Cintaku.

2. Koesplus, album Private Collection Vol. 2, produksi Harika dan Harpa Record (2000-an). Isi album: Kisah Sedih di Hari Minggu; Kolam Susu; Telaga Sunyi; Dara Manisku; Muda-mudi; Kapan-kapan.

Gombloh dan Djatu Parmawati

2007-11-19T05:13:00.000-08:00

Almarhum Gombloh dari Lemon Trees ternyata menciptakan lagu untuk penyanyi lain. Dia Djatu Parmawati, yang beruntung memperoleh materi lagu berjudul Tangis Kerinduan yang juga menjadi judul album. Kaset ini produksi Granada Record pada 1988. Lagu Tangis Kerinduan adalah lagu pop ringan ala "Di Radio". Vokal Djatu yang lembut tampaknya tidak mampu memberikan "power" pada lagu ini, apalagi aransemen musiknya cenderung ringan, standar banget. Kalau dinyanyikan ala Lemon Trees, kemungkinan ceritanya bakal lain.

Koleksi:
1. Kaset: Djatu Parmawati, album Tangis Kerinduan, produksi Granada, 1988.

Gamelan di Tangan Mark Nauseef

2007-11-19T04:46:00.000-08:00

Pada pertengahan November 2007, saya beruntung memperoleh dua album karya Mark Nauseef berjudul Wun Wun dan Dark yang diedarkan di Indonesia oleh Golden Lion Record. Nauseef adalah drummer dan perkusionis asal New York yang pernah bergabung dengan grup rock Ian Gillan Band (bekas anggota Deep Purple). Dalam dua album itu, Nauseef telah memasuki fase bermusik world music ala Peter Gabriel tahun 1980-an.

Dalam album Wun Wun, ada lagu berjudul Indonesia. Karena ingin mengetahui penafsiran musikal Nauseef tentang Indonesia, saya menyimaknya. Komposisi berdurasi 10 menit ini terdiri dari dua bagian utama. Pertama, sitar Jepang yang dipetik distortif, berulang-ulang, ditingkahi dengan gebukan drum bebas, lalu lamat-lamat terdengar vocal tembang Jawa yang dilantunkan laki-laki seperti dalam adegan wayang kulit: "Romo..., romo... dst." Kadang ada tone piano yang masuk. Lalu bagian kedua, percakapan sitar Jepang dengan raungan gitar elektrik yang meneriakkan melodi rock, ditingkahi drum dan kadang ada bunyi bonang.

Dalam album Dark, ada lagu berjudul Heavy Metal -- yang mengasosiasikan musik cadas, tapi ternyata bernuansa Jawa sekali. Seorang wanita menembangkan uro-uro (istilah musik Jawa) yang diiringi gamelan. Melodi Jawa itu kemudian dilapisi bunyi synthesizer seperti pedal yang anteb begitu. Di bagian reffrain, irama berpindah yang diisi dengan gebukan drum, cabikan bass fretless, dan vokal sinden lamat-lamat. Di bagian ujung, terdengar irama jazz, dan ditutup dengan musik eksperimental.

Bila suatu saat Indonesia mulai bisa mengapresiasi peran musisi internasional dalam berkesperimen musik dengan gamelan Jawa, Bali, Sunda dan lain-lain, menurut saya nama Nauseef harus masuk dalam jajaran itu. Nauseef layak masuk di jajaran komposer dunia yang mencoba bereksperimen musik dengan gamelan sebagai bagian dari eksplorasi musik, seperti yang dirintis oleh Colin McPhee, komponis asal Kanada.*

Penari Jalang Duo Kribo

2007-11-16T06:55:00.000-08:00

Menyimak lagu Penari Jalang dari Duo Kribo telinga saya terasa gatel. Isi liriknya mereportasekan penari jalang di tempat hiburan malam. Dalam benak saya, pesan apa yang ingin disampaikan Ian Antono dan Ahmad Albar sebagai pencipta lagu waktu itu? O, mungkin saja mereka sekadar ingin mereportasekan tingkah penari jalang -- yang kebetulan cocok dengan gaya hidup kedua penyanyi musik keras tersebut pada waktu itu. Mungkin saja. *

Koleksi:
1. Kaset: Duo Kribo, album Volume II, produksi Rolex tanpa tahun. Isi album; Side A: Pelacur tua; Hidup Sederhana; Penari jalang; Pacaran; Menunggu; Tertipu lagi; Rumah hantu; Fajar menikam; Hujan. Side B: Tujuh lagu karya Donny G and the Road.

Keroncong Melayu Rhoma

2007-11-16T06:41:00.000-08:00

Rhoma Irama pernah membuat eksperimen musik yang sebetulnya unik, yaitu mencampurkan antara musik Melayu (belakangan disebut dangdut) dan keroncong. Lagu itu berjudul Keroncong Melayu yang terdapat pada album berjudul "Gelandangan". Vokal Melayu Oma yang tak bisa diubah menjadi keroncong dalam lagu itu berusaha meniru cengkok keroncong. Oma kan orang Sunda, sementara keroncong cenderung dekat ke budaya Jawa tengah dan timur. Mengapa eksperimen ini tak dikembangkan Oma pada fase berikutnya? Alih-alih membesarkan keroncong, dia malah membesarkan musik rock yang dikawinkan dengan dangdut. *

Koleksi:
1. Kaset: O.M. Soneta (Oma Irama dan Elvy Sukaesih), album (volume 2) Penasaran dan Kelana 3, tanpa nama perusahaan rekaman dan tanpa tahun. Isi album; Side A: Penasaran; Kejam; Kelana 3; Asam garam; Engkau; Kubawa; Gembala; Rujuk; Teman; Satu Antara Dua. Side B: Gelandangan; Keroncong Melayu; Hidung belang; Cinta abadi; Sakit hati; Malang; Jakarta; Wahai kaumku; Mari-mari; Camelia.

Begadang Rhoma Beneran?

2007-11-16T06:27:00.000-08:00

Seorang kolektor kaset jadul dangdut pernah bilang kepada saya di Taman Puring Jakarta pada November 2007 bahwa karya Rhoma Irama yang lama direkam oleh Yukawi Records. Tapi di pasar saya membeli album Begadang dari O.M. Soneta (Oma Irama - Elvy Sukaesih) produksi Iraco. Apa mungkin penyanyi pada masa itu bisa merekam karya mereka di lebih dari satu perusahaan rekaman? *

Koleksi:
1. Kaset: Oma Irama, album Begadang, produksi Iraco (tanpa tahun). Isi album: Begadang; Sengaja; Sampai Pagi; Tung Keripit; Cinta Pertama; Kampungan; Yale le; Tak Tega; Sedingin Salju; Sya la la. Pada Side B: lagu-lagu O.M. Sagita karya Megi Z dan Anna B.

Pantai Pattaya Dara Puspita

2007-11-13T01:18:00.000-08:00

Dara Puspita bisa dibilang grup rock yang beranggotakan musisi wanita pertama di Indonesia. Salah satu lagu yang menjadi hit pada masanya adalah lagu Pantai Pattaya. Lagu ini berirama rock cenderung ngepop. Band ini tampak mencoba mengadop musik rock and roll yang sedang populer pada zamannya, walau pun dengan skill bermusik standar. Cuma kelebihan band ini, karena mereka mampu menghasilkan lagu yang cacthy di telinga.

Walau pun hanya memperoleh satu lagu Dara Puspita di antara deretan lagu jaman dulu yang terkoleksi dalam Album Kenangan Lama Vol. 2 Ida Royani, saya merasa cukup beruntung memperoleh kaset lama ini. Anehnya, lagu Ida Royani sendiri malah nggak ada di sini. Aya-aya wae orang jaman dulu. *

Koleksi:
1. Album Kenangan Lama Vol. 2 Ida Royani. Isi album antara lain: Kasih Pertama (Ernie Djohan), Berikan Daku Jawaban (T. Subardjo), Janjimu (idem), Lagu Untukmu (Alfian), dan seluruh Side B berisi lagu-lagu Ernie Djohan).

Dari Filipina untuk Dunia

2007-11-13T01:02:00.000-08:00

Musik pop dari Filipina harus diakui lebih dulu mendunia daripada musik pop Indonesia. Nama-nama penyanyi seperti Freddy Aguilar, Jose Mari Chan, Lea Salonga, dan band Side A telah dikenal dunia. Beberapa lagu mereka nyaris menjadi lagu abadi yang didengar orang sepanjang masa. Contohnya, About Father dari Freddy Aguilar. Lagu ini bisa dijajarkan dengan lagu-lagu folksong lain seperti Morning has broken dari Cat Steven, Dust in The Wind dari Kansas, Rain dari Jose Feliciano.

Faktor apa yang membuat musisi Filipina bisa memiliki karya musik yang bisa mendunia? Ada beberapa kemungkinan. Salah satunya karena faktor kedekatan budaya Filipina modern dengan Amerika Serikat. Maklum, Amerika pernah memiliki pangkalan militer di Filipina pada era Marcos yang memungkinkan orang Filipina menjadi "gaul" dengan selera musik Amerika. Karena faktor sejarah itu, banyak orang Filipina yang merasa teramerikanisasi. *

Koleksi:
1. The Best of Country and Folk, produksi Aquarius, 1980.
2. Side A, album For Ever, produksi Warner Filipina, 1990-an
3. Side A, album Until Then, produksi Warner Filipina, 1990-an

D'lloyd Pop Melayu Vol 1

2007-11-11T02:47:00.000-08:00

Pada era 1970-an, sejumlah grup musik pop Indonesia menerbitkan album pop melayu. Grup -grup seperti Koes Plus, Bimbo, Mercy's, D'lloyd, dan Favourite's adalah kelompok band yang sudah eksis di jalur musik pop, namun toh mereka berkarya juga di jalur non pop. Ini ciri yang unik dari grup band pada era itu, kecenderungan yang tak dilakukan oleh grup-grup band -- paling tidak era 2000-an seperti Padi, Jikustik, Sheila, dan lain-lain. Grup Matta yang menghasilkan hit Kamu Ketahuan malah terkesan "berseteru" dengan penyanyi lain yang menyanyikan lagu yang sama dengan irama dangdut.

Pada era musik "ogah dangdut" sekarang, kemunculan lagu Nakal dari grup band Gigi yang bernuansa dangdut menjadi nilai lebih tersendiri bagi grup Dewa Bujana dan Armand Maulana itu. Apalagi dangdut garapan Gigi tidak seperti dangdut klasik ala Rhoma, atau dangdut progresif ala Evie Tamala. Lagu Nakal lebih dekat ke eskperimen dangdutnya Erwin Gutawa dalam lagu Mari Berjoged (Koes Plus). Apakah bila grup band pop sekarang menyanyikan lagu Melayu ala D'lloyd bakalan tak laku? *

Koleksi:
1. Kaset: D'lloyd, album Pop Melayu Vol 1, produksi Disco Records, Jakarta, 1980. Daftar lagu: Ampunkan Segala Dosa; Pilu; Bunga Nirwana, Bulan Purnawa, Semalam di Malaya, Mariana, Keagungan Tuhan, Mari Berjoged, Cinta Hampa; Sayang-sayang; Malam Penuh Kenangan, Cinta, Harta Karun; Karena Nenek; Diriku Jadi Korban; Jangan Mengharap.

2. Kaset: Pop Melayu Pilihan, produksi Remaco, isi album: Musyafir (Panbers), Kisah Burng Kenari (Madesa), Curi Pandang (Trio the King), Kegagalan Cinta (Grace Simon), Bingung (Eddy S), Burung dalam sangkar (Madesa), Hitem Manis (A Riyanto), Bunga Mawar (Mecys), Dangdut (Oma, maksudnya Terajana), Begadang (Favourites Group), Pegang 2 Tali (Muchsin), Keagungan Tuhan (Titik S).

Koes Bersaudara Perdana

2007-11-11T01:52:00.000-08:00

Tony Koeswoyo dan Koes Plus lebih bertangan dingin dibandingkan Nomo Koeswoyo. Buktinya, Koes Plus yang tanpa Nomo Koeswoyo lebih meraup sukses dibandingkan Nomo Koeswoyo yang sekeluar dari Koes Bersaudara "Kedua" mendirikan grup No Koes.

Grup musik sekeluarga ini pada awalnya mendirikan grup dengan nama Koes Bersaudara pada 1960-an. Lagu-lagunya yang berkiblat pada Beatles membuat rezim Orde Lama melarangnya, karena alasan politik kebudayaan. Pada album kesekian Koes Plus, Nomo keluar dari grup. Beberapa waktu kemudian Nomo masuk lagi dan mengeluarkan album "Seri Perdana Koes Bersaudara". Album ini berisi hits antara lain: Kembali, Haru dan Bahagia, Cepat, Malam Resah, Ayah, dan Sita Satu Satu.

Saya mempunyai album "Seri Perdana Koes Bersaudara " yang saya beli di Taman Puring Jakarta pada 2007. Album produksi Remaco tak bertahun terbit. Di sisi B, terdapat lagu-lagu hits dari grup lain : Kuburan Tua (Bimbo), Liku-Liku Laki-laki (masih Koes Plus), dan Oom Boyke (Bimbo). Pelajaran apa yang bisa dipetik dari perjalanan Nomo vis a vis Koes Plus ini? *

Koleksi:
1. Kaset: Koes Bersaudara, album Seri Perdana, produksi Remaco
2. Kaset: Koes Bersaudara, album Angin Laut, produksi Remaco
3. PH: Kus Bersaudara, album tanpa nama (lagu dara Manisku dll), produksi Irama

Adakah Ongen

2007-11-09T05:50:00.000-08:00

Sebuah majalah berita dalam kaitan kasus Polycarpus-Munir pernah menyebut bahwa Ongen Latuihamallo adalah penyanyi daerah, atau paling tidak penyanyi lagu-lagu religius. Pada September 2007, saya membeli album berjudul Bersatu dalam Damai oleh penyanyi Utha Likumahuwa, produksi Jackson Record, 1981.

Salah satu lagu dalam album tersebut yang berjudul Adakah ditulis oleh Ongen Latuihamallo. Lagu tersebut niscaya dikenal kalangan penggemar lagu Utha, karena catchy, jazzzy renyah, dan mewakili musik pada zamannya. Lagu itu diletakkan di urutan kedua setelah lagu Dengarlah Suara Kami. Sementara lagu di urutan ketiga berjudul Esok Kan Masih Ada karya Dodo Zakaria. Lagu Dodo ini ngehits dan salah satu lagu yang identik dengan nama Utha, karena vocalnya pas dengan jenis lagunya.

Mendengar kualitas lagu Ongen, dan konstelasi pencipta lagu dalam album ini (Dodo Zakaria, Rully Johan, Sam Bobo dan lain-lain), menurut saya Ongen termasuk pencipta lagu papan atas pada zamannya. *

Sapiku Titik Puspa

2007-11-09T05:37:00.000-08:00

Penyanyi dan pencipta lagu legendaris Titik Puspa merayakan ulangtahunnya yang ke-70 dengan berbagai acara yang bermakna pada 1 November 2007. Majalah Tempo menurunkan tulisan sepanjang tiga halaman -- hal yang cukup istimewa. Dari sana saya mengintip kunci karya Titik Puspa, antara lain Gang Kelinci (alhamdulilah saya punya kaset Lilis Surjani), dan Bing (kayaknya saya juga punya).

Saya pernah membeli beberapa kaset Bunda Titik dari pasar barang bekas di Jogja dari Januari 2007 hingga November 2007. Salah satu kaset yang berisi album penuh adalah Sapiku. Lagu-lagu yang ngehits antara lain Gadis, Dansa yuk Dansa, dan Adinda (yang lebih populer dinyanyikan Bimbo). Sebuah piringan hitam berjudul Si Hitam saya miliki sejak 2002 -- yang dibeli di pasar jalan Surabaya Jakarta. Karya-karya Bunda Titik layak dirawat dan dikoleksi. Karya-karyanya sederhana, cacthy dan melodius. *

Piringan Dian Pramana

2007-11-09T05:21:00.000-08:00

Pada September 2007, saya memperoleh dua piringan hitam album karya penyanyi Dian Pramana Putra berlabel Indonesian Jazz Vocal, dan label yang sama dengan tambahan keterangan (Volume 2). Keduanya produksi JK Records. Piringan itu saya beli dan saya peroleh di kios kaset jadul di pasar Taman Puring Jakarta selatan.

Saya terkejut ketika melihat dua piringan itu, sebab dua album itu lebih dikenal dalam format kaset. Saya dulu pernah membeli kaset album perdana Dian pada tahun 1980-an, tapi kemudian hilang. Pada 1990-an saya kembali memperoleh kaset itu di pasar kaset jadul di jalan Dewi Sartika Bandung. Awal November lalu saya membeli album kedua Dian di pasar barang bekas di jalan Mangkubumi Jogja, setelah mengetahui melalui temuan piringan hitam itu bahwa Indonesian Jazz Vocal karya Dian terdiri dari dua album. Jenis musik keduanya memang sewarna, yang berbeda dengan Dian versi pop progresif yang melambungkan namanya kemudian. *

Koleksi: Piringan hitam dan kaset Dian Pramana Putra Indonesian Jazz Vocal album perdana dan kedua (Intermezzo).

Masterpiece Dodo Zakaria

2007-10-23T06:06:00.000-07:00

Kunci Karya: Aku Cinta Kepadamu

Tiga hari sebelum pencipta lagu Indonesia terkemuka Dodo Zakaria meninggal, saya dihubungi Oman, anggota Komunitas Pecinta Musik Indonesia (KPMI) yang memperoleh pesan pendek (sms) dari keluarga Dodo Zakaria. Mereka meminta kepada rekan-rekannya agar memaafkan kang Dodo yang sedang terbaring sakit. Informasi itu saya teruskan ke kolega kerja saya di media, maksudnya agar segera diwartakan.

Tiga hari berlalu, berita soal kang Dodo itu tak juga muncul di media saya, dan pada Senin malam (22 Oktober 2007), teman saya yang saya beritahukan soal kondisi Dodo tersebut, memberitahukan bahwa Dodo meninggal dunia. Teman saya tidak berhasil menghubungi keluarga almarhum Dodo. “Soalnya, nomor hp yang Anda berikan tidak nyambung terus,” kata teman saya.

Saya belum pernah melihat wajah kang Dodo, namun saya merasa dekat secara emosional. Sebagai orang yang pernah membuat komposisi musik walau belum laku dan belum dikenal, saya merasakan betapa dunia penciptaan lagu adalah dunia yang istimewa. Proses penciptaan lagu adalah proses spiritual yang tak semua orang bisa melakukannya. Selain itu, harus diakui bahwa ada lagu kang Dodo yang sangat “menghantui” saya. Berdasarkan kedekatan platonik itu, saya berusaha berbuat untuk kang Dodo sebetapa pun kecilnya.

Lagu-lagu kang Dodo umumnya riang, ceria dan berlirik kuat. Contohnya, lagu Kumpul Bocah, Di Dadaku Ada Kamu, Putus Saja dan lain-lain. Lagu-lagunya yang kuat tak hanya dinyanyikan Vina Panduwinata. Dian Pramana Putra juga menyanyikan lagu Putus Saja. Utha Likumahua menyanyikan lagu Akira. Kang Dodo sendiri pernah menerbitkan album pribadi berjudul Malissa yang diedarkan Aquarius pada 1981. Lima dari delapan lagu ia nyanyikan sendiri, atau duet bersama Vina Panduwinata.

Namun secara pribadi, saya sangat terkesan dengan lagu Aku Cinta Kepadamu dalam album Cinta oleh Vina Panduwinata terbitan Jackson Record pada 1985. Lagu ini diaransir oleh Addie MS yang aransemennya bertekstur. Permainan piano kang Dodo terdengar mengalir seperti lagu Sendiri karya Guruh Sukarno Putra — yang diaransir dan pianonya dimainkan Addie MS. Tentu bukan kebetulan kalau kedua lagu itu sama menggetarkan — keduanya diaransir oleh Addie MS. Menurut saya lagu kang Dodo yang melo dan lembut ini adalah masterpiecenya dan kunci karya untuk memasuki dunia Dodo Zakaria.

Semoga amal kang Dodo diterima Tuhan. *

Gang Kelinci Lilis

2007-10-15T04:39:00.000-07:00

Penyanyi pop tahun 60-an Lilis Surjani yang meninggal dunia pada Ahad, 7 oktober 2007, memiliki suara wanita khas era itu. Saya beruntung mempunyai beberapa kasetnya yang asli dan pernah mendengarkan lagunya yang menggetarkan Genjer-genjer — yang terdengar getir di telinga generasi pasca Orde Lama karena kaitannya dengan sejarah kelam Indonesia.

Sehari sebelum Lilis meninggal, saya kebetulan membeli kaset loakan di jalan Mangkubumi Jogjakarta kaset berjudul Album Kenangan Dari Lilis Surjani, produksi Ira Record, alias Irama Mas. Album itu berisi 23 lagu, berikut rinciannya:

1. Gelombang Alun
2. Gg. Kelinci
3. Asmara
4. Hari Ulang Tahun
5. Terbang Lalat
6. Kisah Ali Baba
7. Tandak Tambas
8. Rumahku
9. Minggu Lalu
10. Hantu
11. Tirtonadi
12. Seringgit Dua Kupang
13. Air Mata
14. Burung Kenari
15. Pulau Kayangan
16. Bemo
17. Keliling Dunia
18. Doa untuk mu
19. Raja Muda
20. Suratmu Kubalas
21. Ku Telah Berdoa
22. Kasih dan Cinta
23. Lenggang Kangkung

Lilis Surjani niscaya termasuk penyanyi yang bersejarah. Selain karena kekhasan suaranya, lagu-lagunya banyak yang menjadi hits seperti Gang Kelintji dan Genjer-genjer. Saya mendengarkan Genjer-genjer versi Lilis Surjani (aslinya dinyanyikan Bing Slamet) dari unduhan MP3 di sebuah situs internet. Semoga amal penyanyi ini diterima oleh Tuhan. *

Album Perdana Soneta

2007-10-15T04:32:00.000-07:00

Mandul dan Ke Monas

Saya ingin buru-buru mencatat kegiatan libur saya pada 7 hingga 10 September 2007. Menjelang berangkat ke Jakarta dari Jogja dengan menumpang kereta api Bima jam 22.00, ada waktu sekitar 1 jam 30 menit untuk menunggu. Waktu sebentar itu saya gunakan untuk berjalan-jalan di pasar loak malam jalan Mangkubumi, hanya 100 meter dari stasiun Tugu. Itulah kali pertama saya melihat materi jualan pasar loak. Walau banyak aneka dagangan barang bekas, tujuan saya hanya satu mencari kaset lama.

Alhamdulilah saya menemukan dua pedagang kaset lama yang memiliki koleksi kaset yang saya cari. Salah satu yang menurut saya langka dan berharga adalah kaset berjudul Album O.M. Soneta Vol. 1 bergambar Oma Irama muda bermain gitar dan mengenakan headphone di telinganya. Album produksi Remaco dan didistribusikan oleh perusahaan Pulau Bali (tanpa tahun) itu berisi 10 lagu karya Oma Irama pada Side A. Sedang Side B berisi 9 lagu dari O.M. Omega.

Lagu-lagu Oma tersebut antara lain Ke Monas, 17 Tahun, Kuda Lumping dan Mandul. Keempat lagu tersebut disebut, karena hanya empat itulah yang masih bisa saya ingat melodinya, walaupun sisanya juga cukup dikenal. Lagu “Ke Monas” bagi saya yang kurang pergaulan, memberitahukan bahwa dulu Monas memiliki air mancur yang bisa menari. Air mancur “menari” itu selama beberapa tahun tak terdengar, baru belakangan Gubernur Sutiyoso merenovasinya kembali. Air mancur Monas itu sekarang bisa menari, dengan tata lampu yang gebyar, dan menjadi obyek wisata kembali.

Karya Oma Irama sejak album volume I ini harus diakui berkarakter kuat dan gampang nyantol di kuping. Sebagai pencipta lagu, Oma Irama harus diakui memang jago dari sononya. Walau popularitas Oma Irama sebagai pribadi kini agak pudar, karena tingkah politik dan affair pribadinya, namun Oma sebagai pencipta lagu, harus diakui memang jagonya. *

Indonesia Raya

2007-08-13T04:18:00.000-07:00

Indonesia Raya

Di tengah ramai berita tentang Indonesia Raya versi asli, ngomong-ngomong saya ternyata juga mempunyai piringan hitam Indonesia Raya.

Title: Tanpa Judul
Songs: 1. Pidato Proklamasi Presiden Soekarno
2. Lagu Kebangsaan Indonesia Raya (WR Supratman)
3. Satu Nusa Satu Bangsa (L Manik), paduan suara PPKI diiringi Orkes Studio Djakarta dbp RAJ Soedjasmin

Publisher: RRI Recording Departement, Lokananta, 78

Indonesia/Kasidah

2007-05-29T02:53:00.000-07:00

Kasidah

1. Artist: Bimbo
Title: "Jangan Tolak Kenikmatan" (Untitled)
Publisher: Remaco (1978)

Indonesia/Pop

2007-05-29T02:44:00.000-07:00

Pop

1. Artist: Yanti Bersaudara
Title: "Abu Nawas"
Publisher: ?

2. Artist: Oslan Husein
Title: "Kasih Tak Sampai"
Publisher: Irama

3. P. Ramlee
Title: Rayuan Ramlee
Including "Engkau Laksana Bulan"
Publisher: Parlophone (50-ies)

4. Artist: Panbers
Title: Kali Ciliwung
Publisher: Mesra (1982)

5. Artist: Titik Puspa
Title: Si Hitam
Publisher: Irama

6. Artist: De Hand's
Title: Hallo Sayang
Publisher: Indra

7. Artist: Bimbo
Title: "Bulan Merah (Untitled)
Publisher: Remaco

8. Artist: Bimbo
Title: Mawar Telanjang
Publisher: Remaco

9. Artist: Bimbo
Title: "Flamboyant"
Publisher: Remaco

10. Artist: Yockie
Title: Gemuruh
Publisher: Musica

11. Artist: Eros Jarot
Title: Kembalikan Masa Depanku
Publisher: Musica (1983)

Indonesia/Tembang Jawa

2007-05-29T02:40:00.000-07:00

Tembang Jawa

1. Artist: Waldjinah
Title: Putri Solo
Publisher: Elshinta

Collection of Singles 1

2007-04-09T03:50:00.000-07:00

Singles (45 rpm)

1. Eltohn John
Title: Princess (pop)
Publisher: The Rocket Record Company (87)

2. Gerry Rafferty
Title: Sleep Walking
Publisher: Liberty

3. Toto
Title: Rosanna
Publisher: CBS (1982)

4. Freiheit, with London Symphony Orchestra
Title: Keeping The Dream Alive
Publisher: CBS (1988)

5. Orchestral Manouvers in The Dark
Title: Souvenir
Publisher: Virgin (1981)

6. Nazareth
Title: Dream On
Publisher: Vertigo (1982)

7. Rick Springfield
Title: Don't Talk to Strangers
Publisher: RCA (1982)

8. Laurie Anderson
Title: O Superman
Publisher: Warner Bros (1981)

9. Gino Vanelli
Title: The Longer You wait
Publisher: Arista (1982)

10. Steve Hackett
Title: The Show
Publisher: Charisma (1980)

Collection of Disco 1

2007-04-09T03:48:00.000-07:00

Disco, Tribal

1. Balo (Louie Balo Guzman)
Title: Only You
Publesher: Tribal United Kingdom- RSI (1995)

Folk Songs 1

2007-04-09T03:22:00.000-07:00

Folk Songs

1. Dollan Ellis and The Inn Group
Title: Almost Authentic Folk Songs
Publisher: Reprise (1961)

2. Various Artists
Title: Musical Memories of Sicily
Publisher: London International

3. Youth Folklore Ensembles
Title: Russian Folk Songs
Publisher: M (1990)

4. Mutterchen Russlan
Title: "Russian Folk Songs" (untitled)
Publisher: Europe

5. Sarah Gorby
Title: Russian Melodies
Publisher: Dana (1946)

6. Michael Strange
Title: Michael Strange Sings Folk Songs
Publisher: RKO

7. Mikis Theodorakis (Greece)
Title: First Performance
Publisher: ?

8. Marcel Kreisler
Title: Lomir Ale Freilich Sein
Publisher: Hed-Arzi Limited, Israel

9. Marcel Feijod and His Orchestra
Title: Amour Castagnettes et Tango
Publisher: Polydor

10. Bert Jansch
Title: Rosemary Lane, Warner, 1971

Collection of Semi Classics 1

2007-04-09T03:16:00.000-07:00

Semi Classics

1. Mantovani and His Orchestra
Title: Waltzes of Irving Berlin
Publisher: London Records

2. Franz Lehar conducting The Tonhalle Orchestra, Zurich
Title: Music of Franz Lehar
Publisher: Decca

3. Andre Kostelanetz and His Orchestra
Title: Lure of The Tropies
Publsiher: Columbia

4. Columbia Artists
Title: The Headliners
Publisher: Columbia (1960)

Collection of Classics 1

2007-04-09T03:09:00.000-07:00

Classics

1. Artur Rubinstein
Title: Chopin, The Twenty Four Preludes Op. 28
Publisher: His Master's Voice

2. Campoli with Eric Gritton (piano)
Title: Homage to Fritz Kreisler
Publisher: Decca

3. Das Wurttembergische Kammerorchester, Dirigent: Jorg Faerber
Title: Brandenburgische Konzerte 1,2,6 (by Johann Sebastian Bach)
Publisher: Saphir

4. Artur Rodzinski Conducting The Cleveland Orchestra
Title: Scheherazade, Op. 35 by Rimsky-Korsakov
Publisher: Columbia

Collection of Sound Tracks

2007-04-09T02:59:00.000-07:00

Sound Tracks

1. Nina Rota
Title: The Godfather
Publisher: Trio, 1972

2. Maurice Jarre
Title: Shogun
Publisher: RSO (1980)

3. Barbra Streisand
Title: Yentl
Publisher: CBS (1983)

4. Richard Gold Orchestra
Title: Last Tango in Paris
Publisher: RCA (1973)

5. George Greely with The Warner Bros. Orchestra
Title: Popular Piano Concertos from The Great Broadway Musicals
Publisher: Warner Bros (1961)

6. Rick Wakeman
Title: Lisztomania
(Sound Track Album of The Ken Russel Film)
Publisher: A&M (1975)

7. Various Artists
Title: Guitar Man
(Including. Mission Impossible Theme by Schifrin)
Publisher: RCA (1968)

8. Jack Shaindlin
Title: Silent Movies Music
Publisher: Coral (Decca)

Collection of Pop 1

2007-04-09T02:54:00.000-07:00

Pop

1. Michael Jackson
Title: Thriller
Publisher: CBS (1982)

2. Kate Bush
Title: The Kick Inside
Publisher: EMI (1978)

3. Chris de Burgh
Title: Spanish Train and Other Stories
Publisher: A&M (1975)

4. Heintje
Title: Mama
Publisher: CNR

5. Elvis Presley
Title: Bunrning Love and Hits from his movies

Collection of Rock 1

2007-04-09T02:50:00.000-07:00

Rock

1. Deep Purple
Title: Fireball
Publisher: EMI (1971)

2. George Harrison
Title: Best of George Harrison
Publisher: Porlophone

3. Bill Haley and His Comets
Title: Rock Around the Clock
Publisher: Decca

Progressive Rock 1

2007-04-09T01:29:00.000-07:00

Rock Progressive

1. Jethro Tull
Title: Stand Up
Publisher: Reprise (1969)

2. Jean Michael Jarre
Title: Magnetic Fields
Publisher: Polydor (1981)

3. Iva Bittova
Title: Dunaj
Publisher: Panton (1988)

4. Rick Wakeman
Title: The Myths and Legends of King Arthur and The Knight of The Round Table
Publisher: A&M (1975)

5. Camel
Title: Rain Dances
Publisher: Decca (1977)

6. Thijs Van Leer
Title: Introspection
Publisher: CBS (1972)

7. Genesis
Title: Selling England by The Pound
Publisher: Charisma (1973)

Collections of World Music 1

2007-04-06T04:47:00.000-07:00

World Music, Ethnic, Classics

1. Colin McPhee
Title: Tabuh Tabuhan (from Indonesia, It's Music and It's People, created dan told by Cristobel Weerasinghe)
Publisher: Desto

2. Haji Ghulam Farid and Haji Maqbool Sabri, Qawwal and Party
Title: Nazrana-E-Aqidat
Publisher: Odeon-EMI

3. K.L. Saigal
Title: Memories of Greatness Vol. 2 (sound tracks)
Publsiher: Odeon (1962)

Collections of Contemporary Instrumental 1

2007-04-06T04:41:00.000-07:00

New Age, Contemporary Instrumental

1. Night Noise
Title: At The End of the Evening
Publisher: Windham Hill (1988)

2. Windham Hill Artists
Title: A Winters Solstice
Publisher: Windham Hill (1985)

3. William Ackerman
Title: Chlidhood and Memory
Publisher: Windham Hill (1979)

4. Mike Marshall, Darol Anger
Title: Chiaroscuro
Publisher: Windham Hill (1985)

Collections of New Age 1

2007-04-06T04:28:00.000-07:00

New Age, World Music

1. Shadow Fax
Title: Water Course way
Publisher: Windham Hill (1985)

2. Andreas Vollenweider
Title: Behind the Gardens, Behind the Wall, Under the Tree
Publisher: CBS (1981)

3. Andreas Vollenweider
Title: Behind the Gardens, Behind the Wall, Under the Tree
Publisher: Verabra Record

4. Andreas Vollenweider
Title: Paceverde
Publisher: CBS (1983)

5. Mike Olfield
Title: Omma Dawn
Publisher: Virgin (1975)

Collections of Ambient 1

2007-04-06T04:20:00.000-07:00

Collections of Ambient, New Age, World Music

1. Steve Roach
Title: Dream Time Return (doble lp's)
Publisher: Fortuna (1988)

2. Steve Roach
Title: Empetus
Publisher: Fortuna (1986)

3. Mark Isham + Art Lande
Title: We Begin
Publisher: ECM (1987)

4. Mark Isham
Title: Vapor Drawings
Publisher: Windham Hill (1983)

5. Steve Tibbets
Title: Big Map Idea
Publisher: ECM (1989)

6. Steve Tibbets
Title: Exploded View
Publisher: ECM (1986)

Collections of Jazz 1

2007-04-06T03:45:00.000-07:00

1. Earl Klugh
Title: Dream Come True
Publisher: United Artist record (1980)

2. Earl Klugh
Title: Night Songs
Publisher: Capitol (1984)

3. Herb Alpert and The Tijuana Brass
Title: Going Places
Publisher: A&M Record

4. John Kaizan Neptune
Title: Mixed Bag
Publisher: East Word (1981)

5. John Kaizan Neptune
Title: Dance for the ONE in Six
Publisher: Toshiba (1982)

6. Bob James
Title: Foxie
Publisher: Columbia (1983)

7. Chick Corea
Title: The Leprechaum
Publisher: Polydor (1976)

8. Chick Corea/Return to Forever
Title: Where Have I Known You Before
Publisher: Polydor (1974)

9. Al Di Meola
Title: Land of The Midnight Sun
Publisher: CBS-Sony (1976)

10. Al Di Meola
Title: Electric Rendezvous
Publisher: CBS (1982)

11. Sadao Watanabe
Title: California Shower
Publisher: Horizon-A&W-JVC (1981)

12. Gap Mangione
Title: Suit Lady
Publisher: A&M

13. Herbie Hancock
Title: Feets Don't Fail Me Now
Publisher: CBS (1979)

14. Sergio Mendes
Title: Confetti
Publisher: A&M (1984)

15. Alphonse Mouzon
Title: Morning Sun
Publisher: Horizon

16. Andy Narell
Title: Slow Motion
Publisher: Hip Pocket-Windham Hill (1985)