Surya Namaskar (MoonJune Records, 2014)
Balinese guitarist Dewa Budjana has been very busy lately, releasing a series of outstanding albums that feature jazz-rock fusion, world music and Indonesian roots. Surya Namaskar (Salute to the Sun, in native Balinese language) is his latest album, an explosive mix of cutting edge fusion, guitar hero progressive rock and Indonesian influences.
Although Dewa Budjana has another career as a pop-rock musician, his status as a leading fusion musician is undeniable. Surya Namaskar was recorded in Los Angeles by Robert Feist during two recording sessions in January and October of 2013. The rhythm section is a powerhouse formed by jazz bassist Jimmy Johnson and rock drummer Vinnie Colaiuta. In addition to the vibrant Budjana-Johnson-Colaiuta fusion trio, several high profile guests also appear briefly on this recording: guitarist Michael Landau, keyboardist Gary Husband, Mang Ayi on vocals, Kang Pupung on tarawangsa (Sundanese fiddle), and Kanh Iya on kacapi (Sundanese harp).
The album is a guitar lover’s delight, with Dewa Budjana demonstrating his admirable skill, with a rich palette of guitar sounds, sometimes familiar within a fusion and rock guitar hero context, other times unrestrained and rich in exotic Southeast Asian inspiration.
“Thank you Dewa for inviting us along for your TRIP, your music is from Jupiter, truly unusual!” said Jimmy Johnson about the experience.
Dewa Budjana’s previous fusion albums include Dawai in Paradise (January, 2013) and Joged Kahyangan (October, 2013).
According to Moonjune’s label manager, Leonardo Pavkovic, in January 2014, Dewa Budjana recorded in New York City material for another studio album to be released by MoonJune Records, in October 2014, featuring some more of the finest jazz musicians in the United States, Antonio Sanchez on drums, Ben Williams on upright bass (both recording and touring with Pat Metheny) and Joe Locke on vibraphone.
Thanks to the Moonjune support, international audiences are getting an opportunity to listen to various new works by one of the most talented guitarists in the current progressive music scene.
Buy Surya Namaskar