Dewa Budjana ~ Surya Namaskar

Dewa Budjana – Surya Namaskar

A rich vein of qualitative progressive jazz/rock/fusion can always be found over at MoonJune Records and across many years now I’ve discovered a fair few gems there. One of the more recent is Indonesian guitarist Dewa Budjana who I have no doubt will be a relatively unknown name to many, although within his native country he is well established in his ‘day job’ with commercial rockers Gigi.  A band who have enjoyed a twenty year career releasing albums annually, with impressive five figure unit sales. The focus of this review however is on Dewa’s solo works and in particular his 2014 release, Surya Namaskar (Salute To Sun).

Along with his output with Gigi, Dewa Budjana has released seven solo albums, with the latest three appearing within the last eighteen months, or so, on the MoonJune Records label.  With such a relatively short time frame between releases there may be a tendency to recycle material or ideas, but this certainly isn’t the case here, as each of the three albums has a flavour and style of its own. Dawai In Paradise (2013) reflected differing stylistic moods, perhaps a reflection that the material had be culled over a number of years, but still, an absorbing album. A nice illustration is the track below, recorded here at Gedung Kesenian (Jakarta) in December 2007.  Kromatik Lagi and can be found on Dawai In Paradise album.

The same year saw Dewa follow up Dawai In Paradise with the equally impressive Joged Kahyangan, which once again looked into his back catalogue. An impressive cast of top notch musicians appeared on the album including world renowned drummer Peter Erskine and the incomparable Jimmy Johnson on bass. The album also featured are Larry Goldings (piano & Hammond) and Bob Mintzer (saxophones & clarinet).

And now, here we are in 2014 with Surya Namaskar which features the returning Jimmy Johnson on bass and this time around the drum seat is taken by the wonderful Vinnie Colaiuta. With such an awesome rhythm section there’s very little that could go wrong? And it doesn’t, in fact this pared down, power trio line-up, gives Surya Namaskar the edge on the two previous releases and there’s more spontaneity to proceedings – well certainly to these ears…

The album opens with Fifty, a celebration of a landmark age recently reached by Dewa. A spiralling little piece with an infectious melody and nicely complemented by Gary Husband on synth. Duaji & Guruji on the other hand has a rockier edge to it, whilst still retaining a vigorous intensity within a jazz fusion mould. Again immensely infectious and icing on the cake with Jimmy Johnson turning in a splendid melodic bass solo. A track that is electrifying from start to finish. Capistrano Road on the surface is a more laid back affair allowing Dewa freedom to play some sweet guitar. Great fretless work from Jimmy and I have no idea what Vinnie is playing here, but I’m not complaining.

Lamboya is currently the favoured tune, receiving slightly more repeats than the other tracks and to be honest I’m not entirely sure why – perhaps just the way the guitar floats effortlessly across the 11/8 rhythm. Now there’s no denying the influence of Dewa’s ethnic and cultural background on these recordings and it certainly comes to the fore in the albums sprawling epic Kalingga. The pallet is expanded here with the Eastern flavoured guitar sounds, the guest musicians Kangiya (Kacapi ~ Sundanese harp) & Kang Pupung (Tarawangsa ~ Sundanese violin) and vocalisations from Mang Ayi.

The strangely haunting Campuhan Hill is a one of the lighter tunes on the CD and Dewa focuses his attentions on the ‘acoustic’ guitar. This relaxed vibe continues through into the title track, which also features the second of the guest musicians, Michael Landau and his bluesier feel sits comfortably within the more serene setting. A guitarist’s paradise with a series of absorbing, melodic and well thought out solos drift in and out. Fantastic stuff. Closing tune Dalem Waturenggong is another contender for the ‘repeat button’ stakes. A great track to finish off a great album – and that infectious riff. Repeat…

I’ve refrained from offering any comparators within the review but certainly the influences of guitar legends Allan Holdsworth, John McLaughlin, Pat Metheny and to certain extent Al Di Meola are present, but testament to Dewa’s skills that these remain as influences. The material throughout is well written and constructed and with Jimmy Johnson and Vinnie Colaiuta forming the rhythm section this was always going to be a winner.

Surya Namaskar was recorded during two sessions in 2013 and the production values throughout are top notch – as one might be expected from engineer Robert Feist (who was worked with Allan Holdsworth on numerous albums). Comprehensive sleeve notes in a great gatefold cover complete this great package.

And if all this is not enough the next studio album is underway drummer Antonio Sanchez (drums), Joe Locke (vibes) and Ben Williams (bass). The yet to be named album is scheduled for release circa October 2014.

TRACK LISTING
01. Fifty (7:24)
02. Duaji & Guruji (6:56)
03. Capistrano Road (5:27)
04. Lamboya (9:10)
05. Kalingga (9:10)
06. Campuhan Hill (5:27)
07. Surya Namaskar (7:42)
08. Dalem Waturenggong (7:19)

Total Time 55:42

MUSICIANS
Dewa Budjana – Electric & Acoustic Guitars
Jimmy Johnson – Bass
Vinnie Colaiuta – Drums

GUEST MUSICIANS
Gary Husband – Synthesizers (1)
Michael Landau – Electric Guitar (7)
Mang Ayi – Vocals (5)
Kangiya – Kacapi [Sundanese harp] (5)
Kang Pupung – Tarawangsa [Sundanese violin] (5)

ADDITIONAL INFO
Record Label: Moonjune Records
Catalogue#: MJR063
Year Of Release: 2014

LINKS
Main Website: Dewa Budjana
Audio: Bandcamp

ALBUM RELEASES
Surya Namaskar (2014)
Joged Kahyangan (2013)
Dawai In Paradise (2013)
Home (2005)
Samsara (2003)
Gitarku (2000)
Nusa Damai (1997)