Samba Sunda

Indonesia hasn't been the happiest of places in recent years as it struggles to keep its vast multi-ethnic territory unified and looking something like a nation, whilst grappling with the often painful clashes between traditional values and modern life that are part and parcel of any rapidly developing society. Samba Sunda are a group from Bandung, the capital of Western Java, who face the challenges of modernity with relish, imagination and more than a splash of courage. The aim of this 17-piece outfit is to update the venerable sound of a fully featured gamelan orchestra, that revered and mesmerising showpiece of Indonesia's rich musical traditions, by adding flavours from other parts of the Indonesian archipelago and from as far a field as Brazil too hence the 'Samba' in the name. Clashing gongs, lilting drums, sparkling flutes and cantering vibes all somehow manage to create a sound which is unique, modern and imaginatively faithful in its portrayal of the hustle and bustle of a 21st century Indonesian metropolis. The group is lead by composer and instrumental wizard Ismet Ruchimat, who started his career in the famous Jugala Orchestra and has since recorded with wide variety of international stars like Indian flautist Hariprasad Chaurasia and Madagascan combo Tarika. Every country and every traditional style of music needs musical pioneers to alleviate those unavoidable growing pains and blaze a path to modernity. Fortunately for Indonesia, Samba Sunda have taken up the challenge with style and gusto.

http://surf.to/sambasunda