It was late 2007 when saxophonist Doni Koeswinarno from Yogyakarta came with a plan. He gathered some of his fellow musician friends and discussed the idea of setting up a new Jazz Big Band. A 17 piece jazz orchestra, playing original music and new arrangements. An ambitious plan indeed, but with the support, idealism and enthusiasm of some of Indonesia's finest young professional jazz musicians it should be possible.
What followed is a great example of dedication, effort, sweat and probably also quite a bit of headache and a few tears (whoever tried to organize a rehearsal for a 'normal' size band knows most likely what i mean).
Besides organizing and managing the band he started writing originals and arranging traditional indonesian songs like 'Ondel-Ondel. Some other arrangements are contributed by Ricky Lionardi.
It turned out to be a gap in the market. In a short time Pitoelas Big Band grew into solid figure in the indonesian jazz scene. They performed at the 'European Bussiness Chamber Of Commerce (Eurocham)' Gala Dinner in october 2008, followed by numerous concerts on events and festivals in and outside Jakarta.
After two years Pitoelas Big Band now can be considered the hottest professional jazz big band with the widest range of repertoire in Indonesia, fresh sounding, and good looking, and swinging hard.
Pitoelas Big Band celebrates its 2nd anniversary with a free concert at Jajan Jazz on friday 16th of april.
Opening act of the night is "Empat Orang" Quartet which is:
Dony Koeswinarno - Saxophone
Indrawan Tjhin - Contra Bass
Sandy Winarta - Drums
Robert Mulya Rahardja - Guitar
Keep on swinging Pitoelas !!!
more info about Pitoelas Big Band on...
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