Artist Profile:

Keyboardist/composer Riza Arshad and guitarist Tohpati formed simakDialog in 1993. Living in the Indonesian capital of Jakarta, this band couldn't avoid being influenced by the traditional sound of the gamelan ensemble. They were also in thrall to a record collection that doubtless held well-worn copies of albums by classic and contemporary progressive rock and jazz-rock acts. So began one of the unlikeliest fusions imaginable. As one of the culturally richest and diversified countries in the world, Indonesia treasures a vast variety of art and musical forms that have been a global inspiration. simakDialog are unique in having an understanding of the ancient rituals of temple music, as well as completely grasping the essence of those long-haired psychedelic sounds of slightly less ancient times. Prior to Demi Masa, simakDialog have released four albums: Lukisan, Baur, Trance/Mission and Patahan. They have won two trophies from Anugerah Musik Indonesia (Indonesian Music Awards 2003), for Best Jazz/Contemporary Jazz Album (Trance/Mission), and Best Jazz/Contemporary Jazz Producer (Riza Arshad). Their international debut (Patahan) was released in 2007 with worldwide distribution by MoonJune Records, subsequently gaining enthusiastic reviews in over 25 countries worldwide. The band has performed extensively in their own country Indonesia, and internationally in Singapore, Malaysia and Nepal. Tours, festival appearances and seminars on ethnic percussion/music heritage are planned for 2009 and 2010, with the support of the Indonesian government. The simakDialog road band features seven players: five core members, plus a guesting percussionist and female singer/keyboardist.

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Reviews:

“Fleshed out with the aforementioned percussion and the odd vocal, wordless and otherwise, this is intriguing and compelling music from a part of the world that attracts too little attention from the jazz-listening public.” (Chris Parker, Vortex Jazz, UK)

“One of the biggest jazz-related surprises of 2007, and not simply because it is Indonesian jazz, Patahan is truly something to get excited about for the twist it puts on the Pat Metheny side of jazz things. Keyboardist Riza Arshad and guitarist Tohpati Ario Hutomo really have the Pat Metheny/Lyle Mays chemistry down to a science, with feeling and virtuosity to boot. And Adhitya Pratama's basslines are delightfully sinuous and groovy. However, what sets simakDialog apart is the presence of percussionist Endang Ramdan playing traditional Indonesian instruments and the group's seamless integration of traditional classical Indonesian forms to its brand of quiet fusion jazz. The result, as heard on Patahan, is enthralling, with enough familiarity to attract jazz aficionados and enough originality to set the band's music apart from true Metheny copycats. Highly recommended." (Francois Couture, All Music Guide)

“This Indonesian jazz-fusion-world music band generates a horde of refreshing surprises here. Driven by keyboardist Riza Arshad’s resonating chord voicings, performed on acoustic and electric keys, the band spices up its overall sound with blissful themes executed with an energized gait. Arshad and guitarist Tohpati Ario Hutomo occasionally render ascending unison choruses atop gently flowing percussion grooves. But melody is a key a component throughout. In addition, the music is shaded with vocals and the percussionists’ use of indigenous rhythmic instruments. The artists also work thru these pieces with an uplifting sense of buoyancy amid sprawling backdrops. Arshad counters his lush chord phrasings with a forward-moving impetus while Hutomo’s clever use of volume control techniques provide a capacious edge. On some of these works, the artists fuse grunge rock and jazz-rock motifs with soaring solo escapades, all nicely contrasted by the keyboardist’s memorably melodic harmonics. Arshad’s ostinato during “Worthseeing,” is augmented by spiraling movements, where the group dishes out regal choruses amid a multilayered soundstage. And when you think you’ve heard it all, as in jazz-fusion ensemble’s engaging in technical gymnastics sans any substance, then this unit should serve as the antidote for the ho hum onslaught of characterless fuzoid outings. Don’t let this gem pass you by.” (Glenn Astarita, Jazz Reviews, USA)

“This is top-end, killer sound quality and beautiful music! Every musician in that band is top notch, with guitarist Tohpati who is in the vein of the John Scofield and Scott Henderson.... it's really difficult these days to come across recordings that have the fusion mojo, and SimakDialog definitely has the mojo! Truly, this is a wonderful convincing record.” (Eric Paulos, 21st Century Guitar, USA)

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