In the past few years, Indonesia has become one of the favorite destination for jazz music festivals or performances in South East Asia. The cities like Jakarta, Bandung, Bali, Yogyakarta, or Batam are the mainstay for ever-growing of jazz music entertainment. Just from Bandung city, this capital of West Java is hosting regularly-at least three jazz events and jam sessions per week. The mainstream jazz is particularly popular among jazz-lovers and jam session-goers; making a serious way for various stakeholders to hype their venues up. It is an opportunity to gather enthusiasts while serving special foods and places.
In a breezy evening of Sunday, 23rd February 2025, Gareng kitchen which is located in the heart of Dago, Bandung; had hosted a passionate jazz music performance that presented numerous of popular standard jazz repertoires.
As a newly-found restaurant Gareng Kitchen bravely offers a building architecture with hand made wooden-carved furniture to complete your jazz night in an fully aesthetic place. Not only providing you with a beautiful fully-furnished venue, it also serves you with their specialities on grilled and smoked Indonesian and Western delicacies. Some of the chef recommendation include “Iga Asap Bang Kasep” the signature smoked beef ribs dish, slow-cooked to perfection and served with a flavorful sauce. And also, the classic “Nasi Goreng Gareng” with an unique take on Indonesia’s beloved fried rice that infused with a smoky flavor that sets it apart.
Afterwards, the evening began with a soft walking bassline, setting the groove as the drummer lightly tapped his cymbals, creating a gentle swing. The guitarist, with the eyes closed, let the melody flow naturally, his fingers dancing effortlessly over the fretboard. Their chemistry was undeniable, and from the first note, it was clear that this performance would be something special. The drummer “Alman Naufal” was a force of nature, orchestrating the energy of the performance with finesse and power. Sticking on the snare whispered delicate textures, while the ride cymbal provided the signature swing feel. When the moment called for it, he unleashed thunderous rolls and polyrhythmic accents, pushing the improvisation to exhilarating heights. His dynamic control, shifting seamlessly from soft, understated comping to explosive solos, kept the audience on the edge of their seats. The guitarist “Kanggep Kusuma”, fingers effortlessly gliding across the fretboard, was the trio’s melodic architect. With a rich, warm tone, his hollow-body guitar sang with soulful modern jazz lines, intricate bebop phrases, and lush chord voicings. Whether comping behind the bass solo or launching into a fiery lead, his playing showcased a deep understanding of jazz harmony and phrasing. Using techniques like octaves, chromatic passing tones, and chord-melody interplay, he painted sonic landscapes that were both elegant and unpredictable. The bassist’s “Balqi Lesmana” fingers danced over the thick strings, effortlessly walking through complex chord changes while maintaining a steady pulse. His solos were a blend of rhythmic ingenuity and melodic exploration, drawing gasps from the crowd with rapid runs and syncopated motifs. Whether using a plucking the strings technique for a hauntingly beautiful arco passage for a driving swing groove, he was the glue holding the trio together.
To complete the jazz performing present the vocalist “Mamay Sumantri” , He push the boundaries of traditional jazz singing, incorporating jazz harmonies, advanced rhythmic phrasing, and cross-genre influences. He used his voices as dynamic instruments, blending scat singing technical with expressive tone. As the final coverage, this stage explored the magic of live jazz in spontaneity, expression, and connection. The jazz band builds to a final crescendo, then gently resolves, leaving a lingering harmony in the air. A breath. A pause. And then, resounding applause. The music may have ended, but the melody will echo in the hearts of the audience long after the night is over.
In short, when you plan to visit Bandung one day, you might want to try to experiencre this very Gareng Kitchen. Breezy venue, high quality jazz performance, and their signature smoky dishes with a selection of wines and beers are something that you will get once you are touching down to this aesthetic wood-crafted building. Hope to see you very soon!
iroquistore 