Tohpati Ethnomission
Moonjune, 2010, CD
Instrument: Guitar
Issue: 16.3
Jazz Ruler Type: Fusion
Performance: 4
Sound: 4
Score: 
O’s Notes: We didn’t quite know what to expect from this Indonesian band but were pleasantly surprised with the opening title track, a funky, earthy fusion track with a lot of punch. The leader is guitarist Tohpati who also arranged, produced and composed all of the music. His band is a quintet with Niki Suwarjiki (fl), Demas Narawangsa (d, perc), Indro Hardjodikoro (b) and Endang Ramdan (perc). The music is varied in tempo with the peaceful “Bedhaya Ketawang” (Sacred Dance) a reflective piece in contrast with the racy “Drama”. “Ethno Funk” lives up to its name with Tohpati excelling on a lengthy solo. We liked the percussive work on “Hutan Hujan” (Rain Forest). The theme of the CD comes through in the music, a fresh take on world jazz-fusion that we found very appealing!
Publicist: Moonjune Records
