Colours of Life

Emotion, in Human and Non-Human Perspective (An Insight to Jakarta Bombing Incident)

2009-07-22T20:25:00.013+07:00

The first alarm that occurred to me was my friend status at Facebook and then I checked it at news channel on television. Yes, it happened.. again.. the bombing incident at Jakarta. So let me send my deepest condolences to every victim and their relatives, friends, and colleagues.

It is very human to feel a surge of emotions at a time like this. My family, my friends, and a lot of people I met that day (Friday, July 17th 2009) felt a strong resentment to the culprit, sadness and pity to all the victims and their families. And for me, the first thing hit my emotion was emptiness, and then I felt a pity for the culprit and victims.

Well.. maybe it didn't happen in front of the door of my house, so I can say that I didn't feel any strong emotion that day. Yes.. I resent this kind of action, because I detest the idea to use destructive approach in solving problems rather than peaceful approach. But I just didn't feel any strong emotion. And maybe that it didn't happen in front of the door of my house, that I can think this incident thoroughly and logically. Well.. to be human maybe everyone is supposed to feel some kind of emotion at this incident. At first, I guess it would be appropriate, but not to dwell in it for all time. Given a bit more time, we should assess the thing that happened more logically, more coldly, not emotionally.

Well, I guess almost everyone detest the culprit.. and naturally we direct our anger and resentment towards them. Is it really good when we do this?? I believe that the culprit have a strong reason behind the action. And because of that, I think it would be unfair if we direct our anger and resentment towards the culprit; to be fair maybe we should direct our emotions to the cause of their action. When everyone get a long and lot of pressure, he/she could be exploded. And at this time, the explosion came true at the incident 5 days ago.

What the cause of their action then?? Given the culprit haven't been identified yet and very little information that I have, it will be safe for me to say that I don't know the cause, though I can conjure 1 or 2 theories about the causes. But I have a good quotation about this, from Watchmen (a really good superhero film), spoken by a favourite character of mine, Rorschach:

God doesn't make the world this way.
We do.

So should we put our anger and resentment to ourselves??

From the news, the victims of this incident are 62 people (including 9 died). Bombing incidents are only occurred once a while (about once a year maybe), but poverty and famine still spread widely around the world.. everyday. And everyday almost 16000 children die from hunger-related causes--one child every five seconds (see this), but strangely we mourn more deeply at the bombing incident rather that the famine problem. Are we, human, a strange and illogical creature?? Or, maybe we just love the drama and want to shut off everything that happened and beyond our comprehension..

So what should we do now?? Remember what Rorschach say:

God doesn't make the world this way.
We do.

Maybe we should do everything we can to make this world a better place. But we also should aware that we treat everyone fairly and equally. But even always put this two things always on our mind, maybe sometime, somehow, we treat someone unfairly and unequally. Maybe we should pray that God will help us with our action.

And last, but not least is a question: "Is logic better then emotion??" In my opinion, no it isn't. Because I believe we always should search for a balance point, a harmony in almost every aspect of our live. So think with our mind, and feel with our heart. And hope that our quest for harmony will bring peace on earth.

May the best thing happen to every victim of the Jakarta bombing and every single person that is suffering in the world.
May every single person that alive works together, for a better place, for a peace on earth.

Side Note:
Image courtesy:

First image from: www.h4x3d.com
Second image from: library.creativecow.net

Saatnya Membuat Pilihan

2009-07-06T17:19:00.004+07:00

Dua hari lagi.. ya dua hari lagi adalah hari rakyat Indonesia membuat pilihan.. pilihan yang menentukan pemimpin negara ini untuk lima tahun ke depan. Sudah siapkah kita memilih?? Mari.. sebelum menjawabnya, mari kita tengok dulu beberapa hal.

Pertama.. mari kita soroti KPU. Lagi-lagi, sebagai lembaga yang bertugas menyelengarakan Pemilu di Indonesia, KPU seperti kehilangan taring dalam menghadapi berbagai macam pelanggaran kampanye yang terjadi. Saya lagi-lagi hanya melihat pelanggaran ini didaftarkan tetapi tidak ada tindak lanjut dari setiap pelanggaran kampanye yang ada. Kemudian DPT pun lagi-lagi bermasalah, karena masih banyak rakyat yang belum terdaftar dan juga ada yang terdaftar ganda.

Mengenai masalah DPT, berita mengenai konferensi pers kemarin malam cukup mengejutkan walaupun telah saya perkirakan juga akan terjadi. Saya kira berita ini cukup mengesalkan juga. Saya heran dengan pihak-pihak yang belum puas dengan DPT, tetapi baru menyampaikan permasalahan DPT ini tiga hari menjelang Pemilu. Seperti yang saya dengar pada siaran langsung konferensi pers tersebut, mereka mengatakan bahwa sudah ada data mengenai pemilih yang belum terdaftar dan pemilih yang terdaftar ganda. Spontan saya bertanya dalam hati.. "Lah.. bagaimana Bapak-Bapak dan Ibu-Ibu ini.. Katanya sudah punya datanya, lalu mengapa baru sekarang melayangkan protesnya?? Bukankah langkah terbaik adalah Anda-Anda sekalian proaktif dalam menyelesaikan masalah DPT ini?? Lagipula bukankah KPU sudah mengeluarkan DPT ini sejak sekitar 1 bulan yang lalu??"

Konferensi pers semalam hanya memperkuat penilaian saya akan satu hal, yaitu sebagian besar rakyat Indonesia belum dewasa dalam berpolitik. Maafkan saya jika saya terkesan melebih-lebihkan dan terlebih lagi penilaian saya ini tidak berdasarkan suatu studi formal, melainkan hanya merupakan perkiraan kasar saja.

Bukankah kita sebagai pemilih selalu dipuja-puji oleh para politikus, atau pengamat politik, atau siapapun.. bahwa kita sudah lebih cerdas dalam menggunakan hak pilih kita?? Seharusnya kita jangan terlena dengan pujian ini dan ada patutnya kita bertanya.. Sudah seberapa cerdaskah kita?? Apa tolok ukurnya?? Dan satu hal yang jangan terluapakan, seperti yang sudah tertulis di atas.. Sudah dewasakah kita dalam berpolitik??

Seperti yang saya singgung dalam tulisan saya sebelumnya.. adalah kita sebagai makhluk sosial sulit melepaskan diri dari kegiatan politik. Menggunakan hak pilih ini menurut saya termasuk pula ke dalam kegiatan politik. Nah untuk saat ini mari kita nilai diri kita sendiri.. Apakah kita sudah dewasa dalam berpolitik?? Maka, menurut saya hal yang perlu kita ingat dalam menggunakan hak pilih kita adalah kita harus cerdas dan dewasa. Menggunakan hak pilih dengan cerdas dan dewasa, menurut saya, berarti menggunakan hak pilih dengan mempunyai pertimbangan dan alasan yang kuat. Tidak memilih pun baik.. asalkan dengan pertimbangan dan alasan yang kuat. Jadi sudah cerdas dan dewasakah kita??

Dan mari kita teropong ke masa depan.. Sebetulnya saya masih kecewa dengan iklim demokrasi Indonesia yang belum cerdas dan belum dewasa. Debat politik terasa hambar.. tidak ada argumentasi.. solusi yang ditawarkan mengambang, tidak konkret.. dan lain sebagainya.. Karena itu, ada baiknya kita terus belajar dan mau memperbaiki diri demi masa depan yang lebih baik. Dan saya kira dengan semakin cerdas dan dewasanya kita, tentunya iklim demokrasi Indonesia pun akan semakin baik. Dan.. bukankah kita masih bisa berharap demi masa depan yang lebih baik??

Maka.. sambutlah pesta demokrasi kita.. sambutlah dua hari mendatang, dengan kecerdasan dan kedewasaan..

Sudah siapkah kita membuat pilihan??

Sudah siapkah kita membuat pilihan dengan cerdas dan dewasa??

Catatan:
Gambar diambil dari: www.40kradio.com

More of The Queen Photos

2009-06-16T20:18:00.004+07:00

After posting some photos of Squirrel on my last post, it seems unfair for Yin,The Queen, Yin if I don't post some more photos of her. So, before she become angry and bite me, better I post these photos first :D

What Do You Look At?? - At my House

Comment:
Taken at 11th September 2008

Sleepy - At my House

Comment:
Taken at 11th September 2008

Another Series of "The Queen"

1

Comment:
Taken at 22nd August 2008

Lulu, The Squirrel

2009-06-16T18:27:00.004+07:00

Meet Lulu von Scorpio Lucky Seven, the new family member in my house. She is nicknamed Squirrel by my brother's girlfriend. But, even after almost 5 months stays in my house, I still considers (objectively and subjectively) this nickname is lack of creativity.. no offense *grin* hehe.. Because I consider giving an animal with another animal name is uncreative. But anyway, it's not my place to complain (well.. I am exactly not complaining here..) because her owner is my brother, and Shakespeare once wrote "What's in a name??", right??

Well.. she is a pomeranian, a cute one too (she is cute even when she is barking). But, you know, it's kind of irritating when she make a mess around my house. And that means still a lot of training to do with her.. And now I try to train Squirrel and Yin-Yin "play-dead" trick with, but it's still a long way to go. But when they could do it, I guess it will be hilarious *grin* hehe.. Anyway, I and my family seem can't make Squirrel and Yin-Yin get along together, any idea anyone??

I am Cute, aren't I?? - At my House

Comment:
Taken at 13th June 2009

What am I Doing Here?? - At my House

Comment:
Taken at 13th June 2009
In her mind: "What am I doing here?? Oh it so hot you know.."

Series of "Lulu"

1

Comment:
1-3 Taken at 13th June 2009
4-7 Taken 16th June 2009

A Friend Prayer

2009-05-27T16:43:00.004+07:00

I hope things run more smooth than they were before..

hope you're given the power to think and to dream BIG,
to stay positive,
to maximize your potential..

Reach the dreams!

For I'm sure God has armed you well enough..

It's just a matter of willingness and time :)

Side note:
As the title said, this is not my writing but a friend of mine (for you who wrote it.. and want to be credited in this post, just contact me personally, OK??). I just edited one word and gave some space. Apart from those, I didn't do any correction, so please forgive my friend if there are any mistake (in my opinion though, there is at least one grammatical mistake :D hehe..). And for this certain friend, I'm feeling deeply gratitude to you, and of course you made my day today.

Sub side note:
Anyway, when I was searching for an image for this post, I stumbled on a really cute picture (see here and here). But unfortunately I didn't find any to my liking for this post. But, oh come on, didn't it really cute??

The Things in Flowers

2009-04-30T20:53:00.005+07:00

"There is nothing in which deduction is so necessary as in religion," said he, leaning with his back against the shutters.

"It can be built up as an exact science by the reasoner.

Our highest assurance of the goodness of Providence seems to me to rest in the flowers.

All other things, our powers, our desires, our food, are all really necessary for our existence in the first instance.

But this rose is an extra. Its smell and its colour are an embellishment of life, not a condition of it.

It is only goodness which gives extras, and so I say again that we have much to hope from the flowers."

Quoted from The Adventure of the Naval Treaty, spoken by Sherlock Holmes.

Side note:
The picture is mine.

Obrolan Tentang Politik

2009-04-20T16:00:00.006+07:00

Berhubung suasana politik Indonesia sedang menghangat (bahkan ada yang mengatakan sudah panas), mari kita mengobrol tentang politik. Sekarang mari kita tengok dulu sekilas mengenai keadaan politik Indonesia terkini:

Pertama.. Pemilu Legislatif sudah berlalu dan sekarang sedang dijalankan penghitungan suara. Walaupun begitu, hasil penghitungan cepat dari berbagai lembaga survei mengerucutkan hasil kepada salah satu partai besar sebagai "pemenang".
Walaupun pemilu legislatif telah berlalu, masih banyak PR untuk KPU dan pemerintah. Misalnya pengakuratan DPT dan penyediaan serta penyebaran logistik untuk pemilu presiden.
Berkaca dari hasil penghitungan cepat dan hasil penghitungan sementara, partai-partai mulai menentukan sikap (baca: berkoalisi) untuk menghadapi pemilu presiden mendatang.

Nah, mari sekarang kita tinjau bebarapa hal unik (menurut saya unik atau bahkan aneh) yang sudah dan sedang terjadi:

Media massa banyak memberitakan mengenai pelanggaran pemilu (katanya sih mencapai ribuan).. ternyata eh ternyata.. sanksi untuk pelanggaran itu kok sepertinya tidak ada ya?? Kalau memang ada yang tahu tentang sanksinya (dan tentu juga pelaksanaannya), tolong terangi ketidaktahuan saya ini. Lalu mengapa saya bertanya tentang sanksi?? Hmm.. karena ketika saya menonton perlombaan "jet darat" F1 bebarapa minggu lalu, tiba-tiba saya teringat bahwa pelanggaran-pelanggaran di F1 biasa diganjar hukuman penalti 10 detik. Untuk saya yang tidak menggilai F1 saja merasakan penalti 10 detik itu sangat berat. Nah kalau itu balapan kelas dunia.. nah kalau yang ini persoalan pemilu, persoalan hidup-matinya pemerintahan suatu negara.. nah loh.. jadi??
Menilik banyak pemberitaan, berbagai media massa menyatakan sebuah partai besar sudah hampir pasti menjadi pemenang pemilu legislatif, atau menyatakan bahwa partai "QWERTY" sudah dipastikan kalah akan berkoalisi dengan partai kalah lainnya untuk pemilu presiden. Penggunaan istilah menang-kalah ini menarik untuk diperhatikan, karena setidaknya bagi saya penggunaannya salah kaprah. Sebenarnya siapa pemenang pemilu ini sesungguhnya?? Bukankah jawabannya seluruh rakyat Indonesia.. Jika begitu, maka siapa yang kalah?? Tidak ada. Jika istilah menang-kalah tetap digunakah, berarti pemilu dipandang sebagai sebuah kontes unjuk kekuatan dan kekuasaan, di mana pemenang jadi penguasa dan yang kalah jadi pecundang. Bukankah konsep demokrasi adalah kekuasaan tertinggi berada di tangan rakyat?? Maka saya usulkan penggunaan istilah "memimpin hasil pemilu."
Setelah beberapa saat ramai dengan pemberitaan hasil penghitungan cepat, dua orang jenderal besar pada zaman orde baru, bertemu untuk membicarakan situasi politik di Indonesia (termasuk kemungkinan koalisi). Kabarnya kedua tokoh ini tidak pernah bertemu setelah peristiwa berdarah di Jakarta (sejak Mei 1998, lihat ini). Dan mari kita ramai-ramai tanyakan kepada tokoh-tokoh terhormat pemegang kekuasaan orde baru, "Bapak dan Ibu, bagaimana proses penyelesaian dosa bangsa dan negara ini yang terjadi pada bulan Mei 1998??" Untuk penyelesaian masalah ini semuanya mengaku tidak bertanggung jawab dan berkata waktu yang akan menjawabnya. Maka saya bertanya, "Kapan??" Untuk dosa besar ini, pihak-pihak terkait hanya beradu argumentasi, misalnya melalui buku atau media massa. Tidak ada pihak yang berbesar hati untuk meminta pihak-pihak terkait duduk bersama, membahas, dan mencari kebenarannya. Tapi untuk kepentingan politik yang katanya untuk kepentingan nasional, bangsa dan negara (mungkin juga hanya untuk kepentingan pribadi dan golongan), mereka bisa bertemu, duduk bersama, berfoto dan bahkan berjabatan tangan. Ada beberapa orang yang berkata kepada saya, "Untuk apa selalu melihat ke masa lalu??" Begini kawan, dosa tahun 1966 dan 1998 masih gelap, dan dosa sepanjang pemerintahan orde baru masih sama gulitanya. Dan saya percaya bahwa suatu saat peristiwa serupa mungkin terjadi lagi. Dan jika di masa depan itu kita korbannya, atau anak kita atau cucu kita atau teman kita atau sanak kita (yang semuanya adalah manusia), apakah pemerintah akan bertanggung jawab?? Apakah pemerintah akan berusaha mencari kebenarannya??
Banyak protes bermunculan sebelum pelaksaan pemilu legislatif, terkait DPT, hukum yang menaungi pemilu, proses pemilu itu sendiri, penyebaran logistik, dan lain sebagainya. Tapi saat itu protes tidak sekeras sekarang setelah pemilu selesai, karena partai-partai beramai-ramai memprotes hasil pemilu, yang untuk saya pribadi semakin menunjukkan sikap tidak ksatria dan pemilu ini hanya untuk kepentingan pribadi serta golongan. Baiknya protes ini dilakukan sesuai dengan jalur hukum yang tersedia, dan untuk kekisruhan DPT seharusnya dilayangkan protes ramai-ramai sebelum pemilu dimulai. Bahkan melalui pemberitaan media massa pun, saya mengetahui ada protes yang dilayangkan karena pada pemilu legislatif telah terjadi kecurangan. Apakah ini hanya indikasi atau sudah ditemukan fakta dan buktinya?? Bukankah di Indonesia berlaku azas praduga tak bersalah, yang ramai-ramai dilayangkan dalam setiap kasus yang diusut KPK?? Jadi teringat iklan sebuah partai politik dengan slogan "Siap Menang" yang langsung menggelitik saya dengan pertanyaan "Siap kalah tidak??"
Tidak heran sebenarnya jika periode mendatang sebagian besar para anggota wakil rakyat tetap malas (tidur, mengantuk, ngobrol, dan merokok saat bekerja), dilihat dari cara berkampanyenya yang saya sebut dilakukan dengan penuh anarki. Misalnya, seberapa banyak para caleg dan kader-kadernya yang meminta izin untuk menempelkan poster kampanye?? Seberapa banyak para caleg yang membersihkan atribut kampanyenya secara mandiri dan sadar diri?? Saya kira jawabannya sebagian besar tidak.
Banyak pihak yang bertanya-tanya tentang apa perlunya berkoalisi, apa gunanya pemilu, untuk apa berpolitik, dan lain sebagainya. Semuanya ini seharusnya membuka mata kita bahwa pendidikan politik di negara kita sangat kurang, walaupun semasa kita bersekolah dari tingkat SD sampai SMA kita dicekoki pendidikan ideologi (yang terkadang memuakkan dan membosankan). Hal ini disebabkan terlupakannya pendidikan politik tertutama politik praktis. Kita sebagai manusia pada hakikatnya adalah makhluk sosial, karena itulah selama kita tidak dapat hidup seorang diri, kita akan selalu berpolitik dan berorganisasi. Guru Sejarah saya semasa SMP pernah berkata bahwa arti politik yang paling sederhana adalah cara yang kita lakukan untuk mencapai sesuatu. Karena itu mengapa harus menghindari sesuatu hal yang tidak bisa kita hindari?? Karena itu pelajari dan lakukanlah politik dengan berpegang pada kebenaran.

Mungkin kita masih bodoh, tidak berpengalaman, dan tidak mengerti, tetapi kita mau belajar dan mau mengerti. Karena itulah saya masih berharap bangsa dan negara kita bisa lebih cerdas lagi dalam menyikapi dan berperan dalam dunia politik. Misalnya: jumlah partai politik yang tidak terlalu banyak (5-7 partai mungkin??), jarak 1 tahun dari pilkada dengan pemilu legislatif, dan jarak 1 tahun lagi untuk pemilu presiden.

Dan akhir kata seperti kata teman saya di sebelah, yang penting adalah semangat.. Mari kita bersemangat menyambut pemilu presiden mendatang.

Tanya Sahabat

2009-03-27T15:36:00.002+07:00

Saat itu aku di belakangmu

tetap anggun parasmu
tetap bersinar putih kulitmu
tetap menawan matamu
tetap hitam semampai rambutmu
tetap lincah gerakmu

Kini waktu tak ada untukku
Kawan,
apakah ini makna kita bersahabat?

Tapi
apakah berhak aku tanyamu?
apakah waktu kusediakan bagimu?
apakah rindu aku padamu?
apakah ada ruangku untukmu?

Kawan,
saat itu aku di belakangmu
dan pergi aku darimu

Bandung
10 Maret 2009 - 02.40

Revisi:
Bandung, 11 Maret 2009 - 14.47

Catatan:
Sudah lama rasanya saya sejak saya menulis dalam bahasa ibu saya sendiri di blog ini :) hehe.. Awalnya saya berencana mengalihbahasakan tulisan ini ke dalam bahasa Inggris, tapi terlalu banyak kesulitan yang menghalangi demi memenuhi keinginan saya terhadap tulisan ini. Karena itu saya menunda proses ini dan tentunya berharap ada teman yang bisa membantu (bantuannya gratis ya.. :P). Kalau bersedia membantu mengalihbahasakan, kontak saya saja atau tulis komentar. Selamat menikmati..

I Dream on A World Without Prejudice

2009-02-27T20:18:00.004+07:00

When there is a sexual harrassment case between a man and a woman..
Whom do you think the victim is?? I daresay that most of us will say the woman..
There is a prejudice..
(I had this question after watched this film)

When a very rich old man/woman married a lot younger woman/man..
What do you think about this?? I daresay there will be a lot of rumors linger around that the younger woman/man after the money in the marriage.
There is a prejudice..

When a criminal, after released from prison, come to you to look for job..
What will you do?? I daresay that most of us will reject the criminal..
There is a prejudice..

When you think about it, there is still a lot of prejudice on this earth. So, is this world without prejudice still a dream?? A dream perhaps and a long journey to achieve it. But, I think prejudice one of human nature way to simplify the way to look into the world; with prejudice, the world seems simpler. So how we can eliminate this prejudice?? With an open mind and heart, I will answer the question.

But is this prejudice a bad thing??

And will a world without prejudice be a better world??

Call Me Old Fashioned

2009-02-20T21:08:00.016+07:00

Have you ever met a person, who still keeps their stuffs from a long time ago (15 or 20 years ago or more perhaps)?? Well I guess I have and moreover I am a kind of person that hard to throw away something. So, believe it or not, till last year I still had my test paper from my first year of elementary school (that's like from 18 years ago, or 17 years for last year). Those papers, books, and everything else from my elementary school was sure bring nostalgia. But I had to discard those for cleaning up my house. Beside that, there is a pencil eraser which I still use till now that was bought in my sixth year of elementary school. My pencil case and ruler have been being with me since 9 and 10 years (respectively) ago. My bicycle is 12 years old, still in a good condition, and my only one vehicle.

Those kind of stuff are oldies, but still can be used perfectly and sometime add something invaluable. But of course, pencil eraser, pencil case, ruler, and bicycle, more or less, stay the same, from 20 years ago till now. But how about this one??

The Oldie Camera - At my Little Studio

Comment:

Taken at 16th February 2009

The camera (maybe around 25-30 years old) once belonged to my mom, and about two weeks ago I suddenly remembered about it and I ask it for me to my mom. Well, when I was a little boy, I had used this camera and now I'm craving to use it. But, to properly use a camera, I have to do some experiments.. and experiments with this kind of camera mean much money. What part is I liked from this camera anyway?? I should say the camera smells old and nostalgic to me. Then I like the sound of the shutter release and when you manually roll your film. And when you use this camera, it sure bring magic and mystery that were eliminated by digital camera. When you capture a picture by this camera, you wouldn't know the result until you print it, whereas with digital one, you could see the result right away from the LCD screen. This magic and mystery bring a new excitement in using this camera, but this doesn't mean I hate digicam, I love both. But now, other than a really good DSLR, I'm really craving to use this camera.

The Oldie Typewriter - At my Little Studio

Comment:
Taken at 16th February 2009

This 14 years old manual typewriter is belonged to my brother. In my last year of elementary school and my junior high school time I sometime used it to type some school assignment or just for some fun (in that time I felt that typing with this typewriter was fun, and the material I typed were some short stories or articles from magazines). And it is still fun to use it now, cause I like the mechanical sound when the machine hammering the paper when we type something. And the sound will keep us to type more and more for the sake of continuing the sound. But recently, when I tried to use it, I found more discomfort than excitement, because I type too fast for this typewriter now, so the typebars were sometime entangled in the middle, and the typing had to stop a while to fix this. And of course it is still pained my little finger a lot.

Heap of Letters - At my Little Studio

Comment:
Taken at 16th February 2009

In my high school time, cell phone, computer, and internet have been a common sight among the students. But at that time, I didn't have any cell phone and internet connection but a computer. When it became common to text someone with cell phone or sending e-mail and chatting via internet, I still found enjoyment with writing and sending a letter. Well, writing is more time consuming than typing, but when you can't compensate the pleasure feeling when you read someone handwriting, because it feels more human. I still like writing letters or cards, but now I find it hard to find someone who like this also. But maybe when I have a girlfriend, I can send her heap of letters *grin*

I still find enjoyment with some things that lack of recent technologies because those things sometime had an intangible and invaluable value within it. That intangible and invaluable value just can't be exchanged with any technology at all. And this doesn't mean I don't like a high tech stuff.

Well.. are you "old fashioned" too??

Unfinished Answer

2008-12-19T21:29:00.007+07:00

If about incarnation this lingering sensation, I am asked
a daylong singing melodies, as an answer will not be sufficed

It is not heavy, as not light
It is not dark, as not bright
It is not lament, as not joyful
It is not empty, as not full
It is not crowded, as not abandoned
It is not smooth, as not rippled
It is not vast, as not tiny
It is not fragile, as not sturdy

I am just from nowhere pierced
and now already round the circle trapped

Very grateful somewhat
that your job has been done
Very misearable somewhat
that your job has been done

Maybe would be sufficed that one answer
which the beautiful voice of yours could be heard no longer

But maybe will not be sufficed that one answer

Bandung
31th January 2008 - 04.21

Revised:
Bandung, 16th December 2008 - 18.55
Bandung, 19th December 2008 - 14.43

Side note:
I wrote this poem almost one year ago (but recently revised it twice). I read it three days ago, after it stayed for a long time in my pile of papers. After finished read it, I realized that I need to bring a writing tool (paper and pen) and a camera anywhere I go, so that I could record any events or idea I like. And those two things can be summed up in a laptop.. so the conclusion is I need a laptop.. just joking. Anyway, the idea that was struck to my mind was I need always be ready to capture any flashing events or ideas, for we can't turn back time (or precisely, we haven't had any means to turn back time yet). There are people say "history repeats itself", but I believe that every history is never be the same, although maybe that certain history is considered to be repeating.

Three days ago, when I read it, the first thing flashed in my mind was "what is this melancholy feeling". After a thorough reading, I realized that I was lamenting someone, an artist that died on my birthday a year ago. Her works not that superb and I am not really a fan of her, but somehow when listening her last album a strong sense of melancholy came to me, and then I wrote it. Although very well known in her country, she lived modestly and mostly out of public, which sometime led some people to think that she was never existed. But, I believe that she just have a very shy personality, because I really like a humble and modest artist and that's why I respect her. For the first time I wrote it, this poem was especially dedicated to her. But after some revising, I thought that this poem was made because of her and dedicated to everyone who feels the same as I am, when losing someone.

Yes, this poem made because of her. So thanks a lot Izumi Sakai-san.

be human

2008-09-24T16:48:00.004+07:00

As I stated in previous post, I love Kanno Yoko music very much. Well in this post I want to share the lyric from "be human" song, which is so good and inspiring for me. Take a note that this song is about Tachikoma, and sung also by a Tachikoma (hmm.. I tell you that tachikoma is robot with splendid AI). Read.. and tell me what do you think about the lyric. For me, as I have said above, this is really inspiring.

Title: be human
Vocal: Scott Matthew
Music: Yoko Kanno

I analyze and I verify and I quantify enough
100 percentile no errors no miss
I synchronize and I specialize and I classify so much
Don't worry 'bout dreaming because I don't sleep --

I wish I could at least 30 percent
Maybe 50 for pleasure then skip all the rest

If I only was more human
I would count every single second the rest of my life
If I just could be more human
I'd have so many little babies and maybe a wife

I'd roll around in mud and have lots of fun then when I was done
Build bubblebath towers and swim in the tub
Sand Castles on the beach, frolick in the sea, get a broken knee
Be scared of the dark and I'd sing out of key

Curse when I lost a fight, kiss and reunite, scratch a spider's bite
Be happy with wrinkles I got when I smile
Pet kittens 'till they purred, maybe keep a bird, always keep my word
I'd cry at sad movies and laugh 'till it hurt

I'd buy a big bike, I'd ride by the lake
And I'd have lots of friends and I'd stay out too late

If I could just be more human
I would see every little thing with a gleam in my eye
If only I was more human
I'd embrace every single feeling that came in my life

Would I care and be forgiving?
Would I be sentimental and would I feel loneliness?

Would I doubt and have misgivings?
Would I cause someone sorrow too? Would I know what to do?

Will I cry when its all over?

When I die will I see Heaven?

Fasten Your Seatbelts

2008-09-23T16:07:00.004+07:00

Imagine you were in a car, then looked to your left or right. There you would see some kind of cloth material, with width around 7 cm, hanging limply. For your own safety, you should take that material, pull it from your left or right shoulder across to your hip and then fasten it. This material is known around the world with the term seatbelt. But rest easy, since I won't write anything about car or "100 things you should know for safe driving", but something entirely different, which is music.

You have seen where the red thread would end, or have you not?? If you still haven't grasped what is I want to write about, you should know about 3 things first. The thing that I want write is a band that play really diverse music styles from jazz, blues, rock, country, electronic, and hip hop. The second one is the mastermind behind this great band is Kanno Yoko, a very accomplished composer, arranger, and musician. I love Kanno-san music very much, and I think she is one of the best composers in the world. The music genre she has composed ranging from jazz, rock, orchestra, electronic, to pop. The great thing of Kanno-san is whatever genre she composed or arranged turn out to be good or even great. Her music is usually used for many anime soundtracks. The last is the band performed whole soundtrack of Cowboy Bebop anime series. The story of this anime revolved around bounty hunters in the near future when interplanetary travel could be done very easy and fast.

The band name is The Seatbelts. So why is the band have that particular name?? See in your mind's eye that we lived in the era that humans already made many colonies in outer space, that in some place had lower gravity than earth. So if a band would perform a jam session, they should wear seatbelts for their own safety. Anyway.. The Seatbelts have no lead singer, because they are mainly focused on instrumental work.

A jazz, blues, rock, or country music seems a perfect companion for a cowboy or bounty hunter film, doesn't it?? Well, I can't tell exactly because I haven't watch all the episodes, but very few of those. But I really enjoy all of their works, because I am a jazz lover and love to listen to many music styles such as blues, rock, classic country, pop, and many others (don't give me dangdut please.. :D). All their albums definitely could be enjoyed without watching the film, moreover in my opinion The Seatbelts is the best work of Kanno-san (the second best is Ghost in The Shell - Stand Alone Complex soundtrack). Unfortunately I couldn't find any of their albums of any music store that I have visited. Well of course those can be found at Amazon, but it still too expensive for me to buy online.

Well, enough talking and let me recommends you some great tracks from The Seatbelts. My personal favorite track is "What Planet is This?!", a groovy, up beat, jazz tune with a great solo sax. "Tank!", an instrumental, up beat, big band style jazz, also with a great solo sax, is the opening theme for Cowboy Bebop. Two tracks with a magnificent vocalist, Mai Yamane, are "The Real Folk Blues" (ending theme for Cowboy Bebop with blues tune) and "Gotta knock a little harder" (another track with blues tune and splendid lyric). "Adieu", a rather sad and soft jazz track, is another vocal track with Emily Bindiger as vocalist. You can expect Indonesia in "Mushroom Hunting", a song with simple lyric and catchy beat. Kanno-san wouldn't complete without cat as you could find in a mild blues tune "Cat Blues" or funny tune "Cats on Mars".

With loads of great tracks, I still could write some more, but let me finish it, before go too long. So where could we find these songs from The Seatbelts?? Well, I should say, we should buy it (yes.. I will buy all of their albums). But if you want to try the samples, those could be easily found with a little googling on the Internet. Last advice before you listening The Seatbelts: "Fasten Your Seatbets!!"

Side note:
Image courtesy:

First image from: en.wikipedia.org
Second image from: www.last.fm

A Listener

2008-09-05T20:54:00.006+07:00

What was the first thing that crosses your mind when you read the title above?? Mine is a socket. What is this socket anyway?? Of course it is not about socket wrench, eye socket, or an electrical socket, but an internet socket one. Well, to put it simple, I can say that a socket is like a mouth that can talk (send message) and an ear that can hear (receive message) between two programs in an IP based network (e.g.: the Internet). Don't put your hope to high or run away when you read this Internet socket, because I won't write about this particular socket, but something really different, at the same time have something common too.

So.. what is the relation between listener and a socket?? Well, there is a term in computer network that a socket which has a function to listen and ready accept every connection intended for that socket is called a listener socket. This is a lousy definition, but don't argue with me about this cause I won't write about this topic anyway. Okay now.. this particular function is often called listening, the same term for our ear function, isn't it?? But it is a voice that is listened by our ear. A socket too can drop the connection that has been built before, the same as the ear can be closed so that any voice will not reach it. See the similarities now?? But, once again, I won't write about socket :D

Almost every human on this earth have the ear to listen every voice in this world. And recently I have two questions about this particular function. The questions are "When do you close you ear??", "When do you choose not to listen??"

A socket drop connection after it has received packet data from the other side. Well.. to build a connection, the program that wants to initiate the communication must send a message first to the other program. The causes for the dropping are various, whether the sender is banned, the data is invalid, the other side closes the connection, or anything else. You can see that every connection may be dropped after there is one message listened by the socket. Mark the word after here.

So how about our life with the ear?? We often close it even before the reached it right?? Well.. I have seen so many times, the talking continued on and on without anybody listened. And many of the eyes sent messages to stop the talking. Isn't it kind of sad thing, that the messages of hatred were permeated, even before the talking started?? So then what is the function of the ear, if not to listen??

I guess in this time when the world filled with so many voices, it is not strange anymore that we want to shut our ears off to some voices that we don't want to hear. I think this isn't wrong, but judging before listening is. We have a mouth and two ears, so it is natural that talking and listening become our need. When we are talking, we give a privilege to somebody to listen, otherwise when somebody is talking to us, that certain somebody gives us privilege to listen. I think this privilege is priceless, even when a son gave it to his father, a daughter to her mother, a brother to his sister, a student to the teacher, a stranger to a stranger. But sometimes our judge hammer knocks this privilege down before it is given to us.

I realized that I had been playing this hammer ruthlessly. The more I felt that I despised this kind of person, the more I realized that I had become this kind person. The more I did it, the more I realized it, the more reasons I had to not do it again in the future. When I tried it, I got more than I had imagined, but it didn't matter whether it was more sadness or more happiness. And know this, sometime when somebody is talking to you, that somebody maybe just want you to listen, not to judge or evaluate anything. So lending our ears to listen doesn't seem hard, does it??

So let's keep an open mind with a listening heart and ears to listen more. Because I really believe when we listen, we get something as well we give something. And maybe we could really safe a life just with listening, who knows right?? Oh anyway.. if you have someone that you can talk to, someone that would listen to you no matter what, cherish it. It is one of the God greatest gifts for us in this world.

Side note:
Image courtesy: www.funnychill.com

The Queen

2008-06-06T18:52:00.003+07:00

There is a new kid on the block.. and she has been around here for 5 months. She is a queen, a queen that is very demanding and wants all things for herself. She is still a kid and she live in my house. Meet Queeny von Caustri (nickname: Yin-Yin).

It is impolite to ask for a lady age, moreover for a queen, but I can tell that she is around 7 months old.. hehehe.. This is my revenge for the earlier time she stayed in my house (it was a hell of time). Raising a puppy has a lot of similarities with raising a human baby but fewer complexes.. it has been confirmed to my mother. Not to tell that owning a Shih Tzu means a lot of time used for grooming everyday, but it is paid with her cuteness anyway.

She is cute, she sometimes becomes a disturbance with her barking late at night, she sometimes becomes angry with some unknown reasons, and she is a good companion. Well.. what can I tell more?? I love her so much and so do my family. Let's enjoy the time we stay together, Yin.

FYI: Yin-Yin owner is my brother :)

Lazy Day - At my House

Comment:
Taken at 13th May 2008
After grooming session at a pet shop

Series of "The Queen"

1

Comment:
Taken at 23th May 2008

After grooming session at my house

Jak Jazz Festival 2007 Saga: Chapter Nine - And so The End Came..

2008-01-08T18:37:00.000+07:00

Monday Michiru show, that ended at November 25, Sunday, around 1.00, marked the end of my rush journey to Jak Jazz Festival 2007. It was an exhausting trip, but very pleasant. The dream to watch a Jazz concert had come true. But this won't be the last one.

Anyway, at least there were two drawbacks from Jak Jazz 2007. The first one was some of the Jak Jazz on-field comittee members didn't have a lot of information, such as schedule, stage location, etc. And when I asked one of them, he didn't give any info, didn't have motivation to seek the info, and didn't point to whom I should ask the question. The other drawback was there were two versions of the show schedule distributed among the audience.

And there are, of course, some lessons learned from this trip. So I will write some tips if you want to go to this kind of concert (a music festival):
1. Bring some snack and drink (of course I brought it).
2. Bring mat, paper, or anything that can be used to sit on.
3. If you want to get some autographs, bring some related merchandises and a waterproof marker.
4. Prepare yourself with rest, eat well, etc because it will be exhausting.
5. If you want to take some photos, bring a good camera (yeah, I will bring DSLR next time). Anyway, if you want to test your camera is good enough or not to be brought, try to test it in low light condition (maybe like the light condition in a cinema). If you satisfied with the result, you can bring it. If not, use a better one. Maybe I will write more tips and trics in using digicam in other occassion.

So this is the end. Whew.. these are the most related posts I've ever wrote anyway. Quite a accomplishment I guess.

Jazz is.. One of life's greatest gifts: fun found within surprise.

Fast link:

Jak Jazz Festival 2007 Saga: Chapter Eight - Main-Course: Monday Michiru

2008-01-08T18:15:00.001+07:00

After Parkdrive show was over, we headed to Big Stage 1 again where Monday Michiru would perform. I was exhausted at that time and a sleepy sensation struct me. We had to wait for another 15 minutes till the show started. Anyway there were many persons decided to sit on the ground, in front of the front seat to watch this show, so we decided to follow it too. And sitting there made my sleepiness became worse.

Monday Michiru from Jak Jazz 2007 Official Program Book

Born August 19, 1963 in Tokyo, Japan, Monday Michiru was named but her parents, jazz pianist Toshiko Akiyoshi and jazz saxophonist Charlie Mariano, to reflect both her Japanese and American heritage. With music obviously in her blood, Monday showed interest in the arts from an early age, studying modern dance and ballet from the age of 8, and classical flute from 11 years of age.

After winning first place in several local flute competitions in Los Angeles, she attended the National Music Camp in Interlochen, Michigan and was recognized for her talent and awarded a scholarship from both the Armstrong Flute Association and Interlochen Arts Academy.

After graduating IAA, Monday shifted her studies from the classical flute and began concentrating on the voice more seriously. It was in 1991 that she finally had the opportunity to reroute her endeavors back to her roots in music and released her debut solo album. By 1993, Monday steadily began recording and releasing albums in Japan and later in Europe, Australia, and South America.

First Experience with Monday Michiru

I knew Monday Michiru for the first time at the recorded Jak Jazz 2006 show and stunned by her voice. Since then I had became her fan.

More Experiences with Monday Michiru

I knew more of her music through Optimista album. She has been known as an artist that combine many genre to form her own music style. It is ranging from jazz, dance, pop, and soul. And from this album I learnt more in her style. She combine samba tune in some tracks of this album. Other than that, I'm really amazed by the depth and the meaning of her lyric. Her music is simply beautiful, and sometime energetic and groovy, and the lyric has a lot of messages. Such combination made me love her music more.

Monday Michiru's Jak Jazz Show

Monday Michiru walked to the stage with a red gown to the knee, she looked very beautiful and sexy also. Accompanied by Alexandre Sipiagin (trumpet), Seamus Blake (saxophone and guitar), Gene Jackson (drum), Henry Hey (keyboard), and Fima Ephron (bass), she was ready to begin her show. Some of her songs were romantic and some other more were groovy and energetic. But I guessed the audience was already tired, so they didn't want to get up from the seat. I wanted to stand up rather than sat down also, but I was also tired and feared to be shouted by other audience (in the previous shows, everyone that stood up in front of the stage, mainly because wanted to take some pictures, was always shouted by other audience to get down).

Anyway, I recognized at least two of her songs, those were "Oasis" and "Play It By Ear". And it was really an honour for Jak Jazz 2007, because she especially sang one song that she had never sung before live, unfortunately I forgot the title :( sigh.. Anyway, other than singing, in some of her song, she played flute too. At the end of the show after she got off the stage, the audience shout "we want more" over and over, and she appeared again. Anyway she stated that she prepared to come to the stage, and said it would be really silly if the audience didn't call her back. So I guess it didn't count as an encore anyway. One song more to go and the show was really over.

After the show was over, we left the stage, but to see she reappeared to give autograph and a little photo session to her fans. So we rushed back to the stage, but I didn't prepare anything to get her autograph. So I took a bag that was left behind on the ground by its owner, clean it up, and got her autograph. Wow.. she is a really kind person. Anyway.. what I really disappointed about is.. I should get her photo with me.. sigh.. I was too shy to ask that :P

Photos

All these photos taken at Jak Jazz 2007 festival, 24th November 2007

Comment:
Alexandre Sipiagin on trumpet and Seamus Blake on saxophone

Comment:
The beautiful Monday Michiru

Comment:
Alexandre Sipiagin on trumpet and Seamus Blake on guitar

Comment:
Fima Ephron on bass

Comment:
Gene Jackson on drum

Comment:
Monday Michiru

Comment:
Henry Hey on keyboard

Fast link:

Jak Jazz Festival 2007 Saga: Chapter Seven - Side-Dish: Parkdrive

2008-01-08T18:07:00.001+07:00

Really satisfied with Bill Sharpe & Geography show, we have one more "main-course" at 23.15, and it was around 30 minutes more to the designated hours. We went to stage immediately to get the best spot but only to find the front chair already full occupied. With nothing to lose spot, we decided to watch Parkdrive on Frestea Garden Stage.

Parkdrive from Jak Jazz 2007 Official Program Book

Parkdrive launched their self-titled debut album on the 11th of August 2005, with their first hit-single Sekedar Cerita. They received an immediate warm welcome from Indonesian music lovers and the media alike, with their CD sales reaching up to 3,000 copies in just 3 months. Quite impressive noting that their release was under an indie-label.

Although the group has never performed live prior to their release, just five days after they finished producing their first clip, they were instantly made MTV Exclusive artist of August 2005. Their hit-single Sekedar Cinta soon became a popular request and climbed up the charts in several national radio stations.

Made up of two Berklee College of Music graduates, Rayendra Sunito and Juno Adhi, teamed with Mikuni's unique vocals, Parkdrive continued to make various appearances and interviews in press formats, radio, and television. Their fresh and new sound in the Indonesian music industry led them to collaborate with well known local musicians of the same genre. One of their works with Glen, Selalu Tersenyum, can be found in the movie Cinta Silver's OST.

First Experience with Parkdrive

The very first experience with Parkdrive was with their first album and Mikuni was still the vocalist.

More Experiences with Parkdrive

The most notable experience after the first one, maybe from watching they live at Paskal Hyper Square. When they performed at Paskal Hyper Square, the vocalist already changed to Olive. Personally I prefer Olive as the vocalist, because her voice can bring Parkdrive more energetic and groovy.

Parkdrive's Jak Jazz Show

I didn't know why that I felt this show not too good. I felt it had not much difference when I saw them live the last time. But I guess it was still a good performance, judging from the audience response.

Fast link:

Jak Jazz Festival 2007 Saga: Chapter Six - Main-Course: Bill Sharpe & Geography

2008-01-08T17:45:00.000+07:00

Nine was approaching, and we had arrived at Dji Sam Soe Super Premium Stage around 10 minutes to nine. Well, this show enlisted in my "main-course" list because I wanted to see Tetsuo Sakurai. I amazed with Tetsuo style in playing bass guitar. He shows that a bass guitar is not only played as the rhythm section, but also can be played as a melodic bass and becoming like a lead guitar. Other than Tetsuo, I also had known Shakatak, Bill Sharpe's old band, but just learnt that Bills Sharpe was one of Shakatak personnel.

In the Jak Jazz 2007 schedule, it was just stated that there would be Bill Sharpe (keybard and piano) & Geography, band from Japan, consist of Tetsuo Sakurai (bass), Masato Honda (saxophone and flute), and Hiroyuki Noritake (drum). But there were still two more musicians, they are Don Grusin (keyboard and piano) and Carlos Rios (guitar)

Bill Sharpe from Jak Jazz 2007 Official Program Book

Bill Sharpe is widely known as one of the Shakatak personnel. He formed Shakatak in 1980, along with Keith and Roger and Producer Nigel Wright. They toured the UK extensively during the early eighties. In 1982 they had their first top 20 hit with Easier Said Than Done. Others include Night Birds, Invitations, Dark in the Night, Down on the Street, and Sister Cool. In 1983, international success began for the band where Night Birds became one of the biggest selling international albums of all time.

As the band's success continued through the 80's, Sharpe released his first solo album Famous People in 1985. One song in the album featured Gary Numan called Change your Mind, became a top 20 hit and also heralded the start of a successful collaboration with Gary under the name of Sharpe and Numan.

In 1997, he had the time and opportunity to record his second solo album. This enabled him to work with some of his favourite American musicians including Alex Acuna, Paulinho da Costa, as well the great soul singer Jeffrey Osborne.

Don Grusin from Jak Jazz 2007 Official Program Book

Don Grusin (born April 22, 1941, in Denver, Colorado), is an American songwriter, producer, and keyboardist. He holds a Master Degree in Economics from the University of Colorado and for a period of his life taught at the National Autonomous University of Mexico as well as at Foothill College, California before deciding to enter the music business full-time.

The younger brother of producer/composer Dave Grusin, Don Grusin is an excellent keyboardist who has had his own solo career. He originally avoided music (not wanting to be in his brother's shadow), becoming an economics professor and not becoming full-time musician untui 1975. At that time, he put together a band to tour Japan with Quincy Jones, freelanced in Los Angeles, and headed the group Friendship which recorded for Elektra 1978.

Grusin recorded a few albums for JVC in the early '80s; and in 1988, with Sticks and Stones (a collaboration with brother Dave), Don Grusin began recording regularly for GRP, playing music that (although influenced by pop) is also somewhat adventurous within the crossover genre.

Tetsuo Sakurai from Jak Jazz 2007 Official Program Book

Tetsuo Sakurai (born November 13, 1957 in Tokyo) is a Japanese bassist. He started playing bass when he was 13 years old.

He was a member of the jazz fusion band Casiopea in 1976-1989 and Jimsaku with Akira Jimbo in 1990-1998. He has released a total 37 albums as members of Casiopea and Jimsaku as well as solo. He also made 3 instructional videos. Now, he is composing and playing his own music as solo artist with domestic and foreign musicians. The 3rd solo album TLM20, released in 2000, was recorded live concert with Casiopea members, Issei Noro and Minoru Mukaiya. Akira Jimbo also performed on drums. Kazuki Katsuta of Dimension was the lead on sax. The 4th solo album Gentle Hearts released in 2001, was recorded with Greg Howe & Dennis Chambers. The 5th solo albums Cartas do Brasil, released in 2003, as the self cover vocal ballad album recorded in Rio de Janeiro with Djavan, Ivan Lins, Rosa Passos, and so on. In 2004, Tetsuo toured with Greg & Dennis. The following year, the tour live performances was released on DVD titled Gentle Hearts Tour 2004.

First Experience with Bill Sharpe & Geography

As I stated above I had known Bill Sharpe music through Shakatak before Jak Jazz 2007. As for Tetsuo Sakurai, I know him at the Java Jazz 2006 warm-up event, and since then I love his bass playing. After Java Jazz 2006, I browse YouTube to find some of Tetsuo's video clip, and then I saw Masato Honda performance in collaboration with Tetsuo. For the rest three musicians, I've only known them in Jak Jazz 2007

More Experiences with Bill Sharpe & Geography

More experiences with Bill Sharpe were done through Shakatak, but only a few songs. And for Tetsuo Sakurai and Masato Honda, I've heard and watched some more of their performances in YouTube. Anyway, I had heard some of Casiopea tracks, but before Jak Jazz 2007, I hadn't known that Tetsuo was the former bassist.

Bill Sharpe & Geography's Jak Jazz Show

It was a really awesome performance. During the show, Don Grusin and Bill Sharpe, that sometime changed their position on piano or keyboard, the lefty guitarist Carlos Rios, Hiroyuki Noritake, the virtuoso Masato Honda, and the most popular in the stage Tetsuo Sakurai brought song one by one magnificently and then lead to big applause from the audience. Along the show, they perform improvisation one by one very smoothly, and it was done very well and not too much (sometime in a jazz show, the musicians perform improvisations too much, in my opinion resulting in too long and boring show). I really like how they communicated with the audience. And for Tetsuo Sakurai as the most popular musician on the stage, he sure really know how to satisfy the audience with his skill and improvisation on the 6-strings bass.

The first song I knew in this show was "My Funny Valentine". They invited vocalist from Indonesia, Anna Andrea, to sing this song. The next one was "Fire Water", a piece for bass and drum. Tetsuo and Hiroyuki play this piece amazingly. Tetsuo showed various skills with the bass, and Hiroyuki also play the solo drum energetically. And then the most familiar song and maybe most awaited by the audience, "Night Bird" from Shakatak played. Near the end of the show, one string of Carlos' guitar was snapped, I guessed it was the 6th string. But it didn't matter anymore, because the show was going to end soon. And when the show ended, the applause echoed really hard and long.

Photos

All these photos taken at Jak Jazz 2007 festival, 24th November 2007

Comment:
Masato Honda on saxophone and Tetsuo Sakurai on bass

Comment:
Don Grusin on piano

Comment:
The featured Indonesian vocalist, Anna Andrea was singing "My Funny Valentine"

Comment:
Hiroyuki Noritake on drum, together with Tetsuo Sakurai were playing "Fire Water" piece

Comment:
Bill Sharpe on piano

Comment:
Bill Sharpe & Geography on stage

Comment:
Tetsuo Sakurai did some improvisations

Comment:
Tetsuo-san, the most popular musician on stage

Comment:
The lefty guitarist, Carlos Rios

Comment:
Hiroyuki Noritake the energetic drummer

Fast link:

Jak Jazz Festival 2007 Saga: Chapter Five - Side-Dish: Lou G and The Galaxy Big Band

2008-01-08T17:26:00.000+07:00

It was still an hour to go to nine, the next "main-course" performance, so we decided to take a walk around the venue and look at some merchandise stores. Then music from a stage attracted us, there was Lou G (from Netherlands) performed on the stage.

First Experience with Lou G

Their performance at Jak Jazz 2007 was my very first time knowing the band.

Lou G's Jak Jazz Show

There was another great performance, but then again I rarely knew their song, but one was recognized as "Roots". I'm really familiar with Incognito's version of this song. Anyway I was really enchanted by the beautiful voice of their gorgeous vocalist, Marlayne.

After Lou G performance ended, there was still some time till nine, so we got to the nearest stage. And there was Galaxy Big Band performed on the Frestea Garden Stage.

The Galaxy Big Band from Jak Jazz 2007 Official Program Book

It would appear that jazz tradition has advanced quite a lot in Japanese society. Such that expatriates from Japan living in Jakarta has the mens to form their own jazz band. This group called The Galaxy Big Band often plays swing jazz. They have also performed in numerous national events.

Even though they are not professional musicians, their performances cannot be underestimated. They play with such coordination and control that each elements of the band acts as one and never get in each other's way.

This band was formed in 1992 and is also supported by musicians from Indonesia and non Japanese expatriates. During that time, some of their members came and went because of various reasons, such as having to return to their own countries. Last year, they made an appearance at the ITB Big Band Concert in Bandung, West Java, and received a very enthusiastic welcome.

First Experience with The Galaxy Big Band

Well this time too was my first experience with The Galaxy Big Band.

The Galaxy Big Band's Jak Jazz Show

Wow, I was amazed by their performances, noting that they are not professional musicians. And.. actually I'm ashamed writing this again and again.. sigh.. yes I didn't know the songs they were performed, but the swing tune somewhat familiar.

Photos

All these photos taken at Jak Jazz 2007 festival, 24th November 2007

Comment:
Lou G performance at Jak Jazz 2007

Comment:
The gorgeous Lou G vocalist, Marlayne
I couldn't get nearer to the stage, so I took her photo at the big screen just behind me

Comment:
The Galaxy Big Band performance at Jak Jazz 2007

Fast link:

Jak Jazz Festival 2007 Saga: Chapter Four - Main-Course: PIG

2008-01-08T16:35:00.000+07:00

Around 19.00, the Super Premium Stage had filled with people that was waiting for PIG performance. And we arrived just in time. About 10 minutes after we arrived, the PIG show began. Well, to my surprise, everyone seemed to like sitting on floor to watch the live music show, on the other hand, in my opinion, it is normal to stand for watching this kind live show.

PIG from Jak Jazz 2007 Official Program Book

Pra Budidarma, Indra Lesmana, and Gilang Ramadhan were once part of a music group called Krakatau along with Trie Utami and Dewa Budjana. But these three also developed an experimental form of music far different from Krakatau's style.

According to Pra, PIG's style is free jazz. A style that focuses on the exploration of each of the individual's performance. In 1996, PIG released an album, though not many knew about it because of lack of promotion and their somewhat complicated music style.

They were also considered successful in combining Indonesian ethnic music and be-bop Jazz. They were able to integrate both style in such a way that neither one overpowered the other.

An example would be the composition named "Little Jakarta". Characteristic sounds from the musical style Gambang Kromong were presented within an envelope of Jazz nuances without seeming overly-forced. Both sound merged beautifully as if they were born from a single cultural community.

First Experience with PIG

As a group, it was my first time heard their music at Jak Jazz 2007 but for Indra and Gilang.

More Experiences with PIG

There is only one album from Indra that I like so much, which is "Rumah ke-7" soundtrack. The album is filled with swing-jazz track, a brand new sensation for me the first time I heard it. But I couldn't appreciate it well, provided I became intimate with Jazz genre in 2004. As for Gilang, I have heard him before and also have heard his music, but I can't recall what and when.

PIG's Jak Jazz Show

Great, really great, their performance was. None of the song they performed was known by me, but somewhat really familiar. I really like their style that combining jazz with Indonesian ethnic music. Just with Indra's pianika and piano, Pra's bass, and Gilang's drum, they could bring a beautiful performance. Every aspect of the performance was great, however they didn't communicate often with the audience and the performance was really short, about 40 minutes. When I felt they had done warmed up the audience, just a little after that the show ended. Well, I guess I will buy PIG next album. I already fall in love with their music style.

Photos

All these photos taken at Jak Jazz 2007 festival, 24th November 2007

Comment:
Indra Lesmana on pianika

Comment:

Gilang Ramadhan on drum

Comment:

Pra Budidarma at bass

Comment:

Indra Lesmana on piano

Fast link:

Jak Jazz Festival 2007 Saga: Chapter Three - Side-Dish: The Doctor, Dinner, and Some Other Dishes

2008-01-08T16:25:00.000+07:00

First thing first.. that was buying the official program book. And then straight to the nearest stage, that was Garden Stage with The Doctor performance.

First Experience with The Doctor

Well, that was my first time to know about The Doctor band and their performance as well and nothing too special about the very first experience.

The Doctor's Jak Jazz Show

Good, but not impressive, that was my first impression about The Doctor. In the show it seemed they brought other jazz artist song. I couldn't remember every song, but still could enjoy their show. The biggest drawback was their vocalist didn't remember the song lyric very well. So all the three vocalist always read their note when they were singing. Personally, I don't like this kind of performance, because the vocalists seemed ignoring the audience when they were singing.

Dinner and Some Other Dishes

After The Doctor show, there was still more or less 1 hour till one of the main target shows. After, took a look around all of the stages, we decided to have dinner early. Other than dinner, we just took a glimpse at other shows that had begun on other stages.

Fast link:

Jak Jazz Festival 2007 Saga: Chapter Two - Departure and Arrival

2008-01-08T15:58:00.000+07:00

I was 15 minutes late, but there was still enough time. So I'm rushed to my Angkot (Angkutan Kota, the English translation, literally is City Transportation; it is one kind of public transportation; the vehicle is minivan) and there was a story happened back there. My Angkot's driver caught on a dispute with another Angkot driver. A silly dispute and I guessed the other driver was drunk, even he drew a middle size single-edged sword. And I sat behind the driver, and the sword pointed to the driver, and the sword was only approximately 30 cm away from my face. Gosh.. at that single moment, I just feel fear and did not know how to react. Fortunately, a police pass by and the driver with sword ran away. Feels like my hometown become more and more dangerous.

Anyway, a little bit information, a Japanese style single-edged sword is called katana. I have heard a usual mistake to call this kind of sword samurai. Well, for more information about katana follow this link and concerning samurai can be viewed at this link.

And then, I arrived around 13.40 at the shuttle departure point. Wasted some time and 14.00 came, and so my shuttle was ready to go to Jakarta. Well, I rarely can sleep to spend time on road trip like this. So I played with my new phone a little bit, and then tried to take a nap. I did have a little nap around 15.20, just for 15 minutes, then woke up for realized that the shuttle had been caught on traffic jam on the freeway. It should be a freeway, but all the vehicles moved very slowly. The shuttle trapped in the jam for about 30 minutes. After that, the shuttle rode smoothly till arrived at the arrival point, at Blora, Jakarta.

After asking the people around, I took a bus-way (a weird term.. because it is a public transportation but doesn't signify that), arrived at Gelora Bung Karno, headed to Istora Senayan, and the music already echoed on the air. Then I met Unggul at Istora's gate.

"Jak Jazz here I come.."

The White Bed - At Cipularang Freeway (maybe around KM 25)

Comment:

Taken at 24th November 2007
I just want to jump to that "white bed".. hm.. take a nap there seems tempting.

Fast link:

Jak Jazz Festival 2007 Saga: Chapter One - The Plan

2007-11-30T19:31:00.000+07:00

Well, going to a jazz festival is my dream since the first one Java Jazz Festival. Around that first Java Jazz Festival (2004) too that I became like to Jazz genre. And the Jak Jazz Festival 2007 is my very first experience.

The first plan was started about 1 month ago. One of my friends, Ridwan, raised the plan about going to this festival. I accepted quickly because there was student ticket which is very cheap. The time went by and we know too late about the term and condition to buy this kind of tickets. About three weeks ago (one week before the last day to buy student ticket), I just knew that to buy these tickets, we have to go to Jakarta. And everyone already had a plan for the week. A week passed and I burrowed the plan. I apologize to everyone that I asked to join the trip that I didn't tell about the failed plan. That time I was too disappointed.

The time paced up again to Thursday, November 22nd. As usual I went to campus with a plan googling cell-phone. Then I saw Unggul's status at Yahoo Messenger that he asked whether anyone would go to Jak Jazz. And it turn out that he had one spare student ticket. The story behind this one spare ticket is another story and I won't write it to protect some parties *grin* (You go Unggul!!). Anyway, I asked this ticket without any real intention to go, because I didn't like this kind of rush plan. Suddenly an offer to watch Beowulf surfaced from Tania and I took it. Well Thursday ended after watched Beowulf and I arrived home. My status was I still had not a good plan about the trip.

The next day came; it was Friday, the first day of Jak Jazz Festival 2007. Woke up with a stomach-ache because the day before dinner (the food was hot, or in Indonesian "pedas"); I cancelled again to go to the festival. Well, I cancelled it because I would be homeless at Jakarta after the festival. Everyday the festival ended around two o'clock in the morning. About two hours after I cancelled it, Unggul called me and provide me with some good ideas. And after asking my parents permission, I made my mind, "I'm going to Jak Jazz tomorrow". The next hours of the day was spent by booking a seat on shuttle going to Jakarta, going to campus to get the ticket, and buying my new cell phone. Buying new cell phone was necessary because my old one didn't reliable anymore (read this post). After exploring a little my new phone, Saturday came.

The Ticket - At my House

Comment:
Taken at 24th November 2007
Well.. I succeeded in applying the shallow DOF in this picture with my digicam. I thought it impossible to do this with a pocket digicam, but not anymore.

Saturday morning, at eight, I woke up with empty stomach. After filled with instant noodles and bread, I'm going to sleep again, because my mom promised me to help me preparing all my belongings. At twelve I woke up again, took a shower, packed all my belongings, had my lunch, and I'm ready to go at 1.15. I was late 15 minutes from my plan.

Fast link:

Jak Jazz Festival 2007 Saga: Chapter Zero - The Beginning

2007-11-30T19:12:00.000+07:00

This is the starting point of all posts related to my experience in Jak Jazz Festival 2007. I'll try to write all my experience, maybe in 7-8 posts.

I have said in the previous post that this festival was my worst nightmare in my photography experience. Well, I used my pocket digicam and I can't expect a really good picture in low light condition. So I must reduce the quality greatly to get a somewhat sharp photo. It was quite a torture for me to capture the picture and knowing that it would turn out bad. And I was so stupid that I forget borrow my brother's digicam, though it is a pocket digicam but a better one than mine. Yes, regret always comes late.

The title of all the posts will have a common pattern as this post title. If there is a "Side-Dish" phrase in the title, it means the story occurred in-between the main target shows of the festival. And if there is a "Main-Course" phrase, it means the post told about the main target shows I watched.

The curtain rolls up and the show begins..

Fast link: