Piringanhitam

Ellya Khadam: The Echoes from Gangga River

pabrikbunyi — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 08:37:29 +0000

Ellya Khadam, Indonesian singer who passed away on November 2, 2009 in Jakarta, has her important contribution in early development of Melayu music in Indonesia. As we know that, Melayu music that later in 1980-ies become confused with the so-called dangdut music, was rooted from two influences; Indian music in one side, and Arabian music in other side. Ellya Khadam was a prominent singer in popularizing Melayu music with Indian influence. Her signature song Boneka dari India was Melayu music which closed to Indian music.

We have data as written in a back cover of album Pernjataan by orchestra El-Hurriya under direction M. Harris (produced by Remaco Jakarta, released est. 1970-ies) that Melayu music in 1968 was such breaktrough in music business since pop music made public feel booring. B. Djapar Hashim, who wrote that notes, said that El-Hurriya music with popular singer Ellya Khadam (alias Ellya M. Harris) and Muchsin was the echoes from Gangga river (Gema tepian sungai Gangga). Gangga is a name of river in India, which means that their music was closed to Indian music.

Also it is important to be noted that in this album they still used the term Orkes Melayu, not Orkes Dangdut. Meaning that their music was Melayu music which influenced by Indian music. We know also from this album that Ellya Khadam ever engaged in El-Hurriya Melayu Orchestra under direction M. Harris, a man who supposed to be her husband, that’s why Ellya used name Harris after her name.

Ellya Khadam was also ever engaged in Candralela Melayu Orchestra under direction Husin Bawafie. In one album by various Melayu artists produced by Remaco, Ellya Khadam interpretated 6 songs which composed by Ellya, Husin Bawafie and so on. There are two memorable songs in this album: Pengertian and Kau Pergi tanpa Pesan. These two songs were to be mentioned as her hits beside Boneka dari India. In an other album entitled Tetap Menanti by Candralela under direction Husin Bawafie (produced by Remaco, estimated 1970-ies), Olan Sitompul who wrote the notes in the back cover said also that Ellya Khadam was closed to Indian music.

Ellya Khadam (1932-2009) who lived in Jakarta was singer, song writer, and actress. We have no data about the amount of her songs and albums. But she played in 21 movies since 1959-1978. One of her movies is Benjamin Biang Kerok. Her surename as mentioned by Wikipedia is Siti Alya Husnah. *

The Distinguished Marini

pabrikbunyi — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 12:23:03 +0000

Marini's Album and OST Cinta Pertama

Marini has an album which likely made him distinguished from other woman singers. This album entitled Cinta Pertama (produced by Pertiwi, distributed by PT Perina Utama Indonesia, on early 1980-ies). Some songs are taken from soundtrack movie Cinta Pertama and Pengantin Remaja. There are some prominent musicians engaged in this album, such as Idris Sardi (arranger), Kiboud Maulana (guitar), Gatot Sunyoto (conga), Jimmi Manoppo (drum). Although Marini’s voice was not powerful as Anna Mantovani, the first singer who interpretated song Cinta Pertama, but this album is valuable and collectable. The songs were well selected and music was ehm so far okey and nice. *

The Identity of Atik CB

pabrikbunyi — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 12:17:25 +0000

Two of Atik CB' albums

Atik CB is one of Indonesian singers who has an unique character. Because of that, listeners will easily recognize her voice. But that character was not suddenly recognized in her albums which released in her early carrier. Look at this album Nusantara 7 (produced by Yulia, and distributed under label Asia record, on early 80-ies estimated). Interpretated the songs composed by A Riyanto, Atik CB in her early carrier did not yet find her identity. The songs in this album are poor pop (pop cengeng). It is very different from her albums later in 1990-ies. Such as album Kekang (distributed by Blackboard record, on August 1990). This album should be categorized as progressive pop. And this such genre was closed to Atik CB identity until now.*

OOT: Surprised to Be Nominated

pabrikbunyi — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 13:00:40 +0000

Sorry for posting semething out of topic for piringanhitam.wordpress.com. To day when I come to the office in Mayestik Jakarta, my closed friend shakes my hand and congratulates to me — initially for this blog — for being nominated as one of selected blogs in category: entertainment. The competition is held under event Pesta Blogger 2009 which be held in Smesco Building, Jakarta on 24 October 2009. Of course, I am very glad hearing that such appreciation. Thank to the comittee of Pesta Blogger 2009 for your appreciation. God bless you. *

The Season of Idul Fitri

pabrikbunyi — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 11:23:42 +0000

The season of Idul Fitri is actually also a moment for party and festival. So it is also a moment for musical celebration. In this season, it is a smart idea to release an album with Idul Fitri as a subject. This was what have done by Elfa Singers with an album entitled Lebaran (Team record, 1990), Dwiki Dharmawan with an album Tembang Lebaran (Sony Music, 1999), and a group called Samba Sunda with an album Takbiran (Gema Nada Pertiwi, 2000).

Elfa Singer’s album is an other success of Lebaran song, as preceded by Oslan Hussein and Ismail Marzuki. Song Selamat Hari Lebaran by Elfa is truly as melodious as Oslan Husein’s and Ismail Marzuki’s version. But off course, Elfa’s song is sounded modern. Please play these abums in this season. Happy Idul Fitri, all dear moslems. *

Lebaran, Oslan Husein and M. Jusuf

pabrikbunyi — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 11:35:39 +0000

Detail information on musical album is important for history. Look at this album entitled Tahu Tempe by singer Oslan Husein which published by Irama record on 1960-ies. This album attached a note written by Sjahrul Nawas on it’s back cover. Sjahrul Nawas said that this album presented songs concerning about basic need of the Indonesian people in era 1960-ies.

This album responded toward speech of Presiden Soekarno who said that Indonesian people will never been hungry, because Indonesia is a rich country. So that this album presented songs entitled Tahu Tempe (a traditional food made of soya-bean), Nasi Djagung (rice made of corn), Sepiring Nasi (A Plate of Rice).

But what made this album special is a song entitled Lebaran, which became national anthem and sung every Idul Fitri season. Also finally, we know that the composer of this classic song is M. Jusuf, a leader of Orkes Widjaja Kusuma, a band for this album. Who has any information about M. Jusuf? Please share your information to us. *

Ten Best Islamic Religious Albums

pabrikbunyi — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 12:45:00 +0000

Ramadan is a month of fasting. This ritual is for moslems. Usually, moslem artists released Islamic religious album in this month. We try to inform you 10 Best Islamic Religious Albums (all time), as we have in our library.

1.Irama Kasidah, by artists Iin and Bimbo, Remaco, 1970-ies. Hits: Tuhan, and Rindu Kami Padamu, Ya Rasul.

2. Pop Religius, Damai BersamaMu, by various artists (Musica, 2008). Hits: almost all songs are hits such as Damai BersamaMu, Ketika Tangan dan Kaki Berkata, Thala’al badru ‘Alaina, Shalawar Badar – all intrepretated by Chrisye.

3. Istighfar, by artist Opick (Nada Hijrah, 2005). Hits: Bila waktu Telah Berakhir, and Tombo Ati.

4. Love for The Messenger, by artist Haddad Alwi and Sulis, arrangement orchestra by Dwiki Dharmawan (M Record, 2005). Hits: Madinatul ‘Ilmi and I’tiraf.

5. Tembang Lebaran, by various artists such as Sinergi, and Rida-Sita (Sony music, 1999). Hits: Pagi Ramadan, and Segala Puji BagiMu.

6. Azza Wa Jalla, by artst Dian Pramana Poetra (RPM record, 2006).

7. Dengan Menyebut Nama Allah, by various artists such as Novia Kolopaking, music by Dwiki Dharmawan (Musica, 1990). Hits: Dengan Menyebut Nama Allah.

8. Kado Muhammad, by artist Emha Ainun Nadjib and Gamelan Kiai Kanjeng, (Kalijogo record, 1988). Hits: Tombo Ati.

9. Cinta Ilahi, by artist Snada, (Studio Kita record, 1980-ies). Hits: Pagi Ramadhan.

10. Festival Nasyid Indonesia, (Forte Entertainment, 2004). Hits: Cinta Saja (Zuhruf) *

Ten Songs for Indonesia’s Anniversary

pabrikbunyi — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 09:39:48 +0000

August is a month of Indonesia anniversary. What music should be presented for public thru mass media? We have list of ten Indonesian songs composed by prominent musicians which we suggest to be performed and replayed for public.

1. Kebyar-kebyar, song composed by Gombloh, from album entitled Kebyar-kebyar, artist Lemon Tress Anno ’69 (Golden Hand, 1979). This very popular song sounded heroic and enthusiastic, with it’s poetic lyric: merah darahku, putih tulangku, bersatu dalam jiwa (my red blood, my white bone, united in my soul).

2. Bendera-bendera, song composed by Gombloh, from album entitled Kebyar-kebyar, artist Lemon Tress Anno ’69 (Golden Hand, 1979). This song was not popular but actually melodious and catchy, and public should be memorized to this beautiful song. Part of it’s lyric talk about heroic moment in Surabaya city on November, 19, 1945.

3. Jangan menangis, Indonesia, song composed by Harry Roesli, from album entitled LTO Volume 2, artist Harry Roesli, (Musica, 1981). This song was actually rebel music for New Order politics, but with positive approach. Beside all it’s sadness, Harry Roesli tell to Indonesians that he will stand forever for keeping great Indonesia.

4. B.K., song composed by Gombloh, from album entitled Pesan Buat Negeriku (A Message for My Country), artist Lemon Trees Anno 1969 (Golden Hand, 1989). This song was melodious, cacthy, and thematic for memorizing Bung Karno, a former Indonesia President and founding father.

5. Nyanyian Tanah Merdeka, song composed by Leo Imam Soekarno from album entitled Nyanyian Tanah Merdeka, artist Konser Rakyat Leo Kristi (Irama Tara, no date of releasing). This song was heroic, catchy, enthusiastic, with it’s suggestic lyric for Indonesia freedom and liberty.

6. Bung Karno, song composed by Bram Makahekum, from album entitled Kelompok Kampungan Mencari Tuhan, artist Kelompok Kampungan, (Akurama, 1979), or it’s re-arrangement version Bung Karno Miliki Rakyat Indonesia, artist Bram Kampungan (Musica, 1999). This song was heroic, enthusiastic, melodious, memorizing founding father Bung Karno and it’s message with quotation from his speech about Utara Kuru, alias Indonesia).

7. Melati Suci, song composed by Guruh Soekarnoputra, arranged by Chandra Darusman, interpretated by Tika Bisono, from album entitled Untukmu Indonesiaku, Pergelaran Karya Cipta Guruh Seokarnoputra II, artist Swara Mahardhika (Musica, 1974). This song was melodious, slow tempo, sad, and memorizing toward Ibu Fatmawati, the first first lady of Indonesia, wife of first Indonesian President Soekarno).

8. Kharisma Indonesia, song composed by Budiman and IG Ngurah Gede, arranged by Adie MS, interpretated by Louise Hutauruk, from album entitled Dasa tembang Tercantik ’79, Lomba Cipta Lagu Remaja Prambors Rasisonia (Prambors, 1979). This song was energic, praising Indonesia’s beauty, catchy, bringing new sound of Indonesian pop-progressive music.

9. Wawasan Nusantara, song composed by AA Adhigotama, arranged by Adie MS, from album entitled Dasa Tembang Tercantik ’80, Lomba Cipta Lagu Prambors Rasisonia, (Prambors, 1980). This song was melodious, more like ballad, with simple arrangement based on “juicy unpluged guitar”. The Indonesian listener can imagine this song if they are aware a song Sempurna by Andra and The Backbone band.

10. Merah Putih (Red and White), song composed by Gombloh, interpretated by various artists of Musica recording Jakarta, from album Terima Kasih Indonesia, 50 Tahun Indonesia Merdeka (Musica, 1996). This song was purely pop and interpretated by dozen artists as the way song “We Are the World” interpretated. The lyric talking about praising toward Indonesia. Actualy, if the song interpretated by Lemon Trees, may be the impression will be strong, like any other Gombloh-progressive-rock version. *

A Witness of Rendra

pabrikbunyi — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 09:20:28 +0000

Some poetries of Indonesian prominent poet Rendra were also interpretated thru musical expression. At least there are 3 albums to be mentioned: Kelompok Kampungan “Mencari Tuhan” (Akurama record, 1979), Bung Karno Milik Rakyat Indonesia, Bram Kampungan (Musica, 1999), and Kantata Takwa (Royal Prima Musikindo, Airo, 1992).

The first two albums of Kelompok Kampungan are same matter, but with different arrangement. The first was the original one, and the second was the re-arrangement version. Unfortunately that the second version was bad in recording, and not completely presenting all songs. Song entitled Kesaksian was excluded from the second version, may be because the tape is not enough to record all songs.

Talking about this song Kesaksian (A Witness) is important. This poet and this lyric is very poetic, powerful, and has strong message.

Orang-orang harus dibangunkan

Kesaksian harus diberikan

Agar kehidupan tetap terjaga

(People should be awaken

A witness should be given

In order the live to be watched over.)

This song was interpretated by both Kelompok Kampungan and Kantata Takwa. The differerence is Kampungan’s interpretation closed to Rendra’s character or rebel spirit, meanwhile Kantata’s interpretation is closed to musician Yockie’s character or soft, melodious and touching. *

Rendra’s Poetry Reading

pabrikbunyi — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 08:46:29 +0000

Willibrordus Surendra Broto Rendra, a.k.a. Rendra (1935-2009) who passed away on August, 5, was a poet, playwright (dramatist), actor, director, cultural critic, and social activist. May God bless him. For Indonesians, Rendra was a such charismatic artist, most likely Tawfiq al-Hakim for Egygtians. The way Rendra reads poetry in front of audience is amazing and influencing. Rendra was truly a maestro in poetry and drama.

His books are about 10 books, such as Potret Pembangunan dalam Puisi (1980), and Blues untuk Bonnie (1970). His drama performances such as Bipbop and Kasidah Barzanji. Rendra also played on movie such as Titian Serambi Dibelah Tujuh. His drama performance may be recorded but not sale commercially. Thank God that his poetry readings were recorded, although not many as Emha Ainun Nadjib’s poetry reading records.

This cassette “Kumpulan Puisi dan Sajak Bersama Rendra” was released by Blackboard record Jakarta on August, 1998. This album is such poetry reading (solo and duet with guest star Lies Hady Shandy), and ambience music by Shandy ASW for it’s background. The poetries are Sajak Joki Tobing untuk Widuri, Paman Doblang, Sajak Rajawali, and so on. My review: this album is okey and collectable. But the concept of album is bad, because the music is not designed for the poetry. *