Samba Sunda is an Indonesian ensemble. The lineup varies from quintet to a 17-piece ensemble, bringing together a pan-Indonesian array of instruments and influences to create a new style Gamelan orchestra, throwing together anything from thundering percussion to shimmering sweet vocals with inimitable gusto. The classic sounds and shapes of the traditional instruments evoke not only the past but also the bustling, urban energy of Bandung today.
Sambasunda come from Bandung, the capital and cultural center of Western Java, more commonly known as Sunda. The Sundanese are the second largest ethnic group in Indonesia with a unique language and culture.
The group updates the lilting sounds of Sundanese gamelan degung and bamboo gamelan by adding elements of Jakarta’s gambang kromong, Sunda’s jaipong, Balinese kebyar and the Brazilian rhythm of samba.
The classic sounds of the traditional instruments evoke not only the past but also the bustling, urban energy of Bandung today, featuring a full sound palette from the deep resonance of the mighty gongs to the silvery eloquence of the bamboo flute. The result is a mesmerizing mix that manages, strangely, to be both relentlessly exciting and passively tranquil.
Sambasunda are led by composer and multi-instrumentalist Ismet Ruchimat, who started his career in 1989 in Gugum Gumbira’s famous Jugala Orchestra and has appeared on a number of international recording projects: with Spanish percussionist Vidal Paz (“Sunda-Africa”, Globestyle); Indian flutist, Hariprasad Chaurasia (“Moon Magic”, BMG India); the Malagasy group Tarika (“Soul Makassar”, Sakay); and on the Kartini label with Sabah Habas Mustapha & the Jugala Allstars (“Jalan Kopo” and “So La Li”).
Discography:
Rahwana’s Cry (Network)
Java (Riverboat)
Sunda Music (Rice)
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.
