Dharmawan, Dwiki: So Far So Close

Indonesian keyboardist Dwiki Dharmawan started his musical career in 1985 when he joined the band Krakatau which subsequently released eight albums within the next twenty years. Dharmawan also has some solo albums to his credit having released Nuansa in 2000 and World Peace Orchestra in 2009.

On his new album So Far So Close Dharmawan teams with fellow Indonesian musicians Dewa Budjana and Tohpati both on electric guitar as well as progressive and jazz rock greats Jimmy Haslip (bass guitar), Chad Wackerman (drums) and Jerry Goodman (electric violin on track 1). Rounding out the sextet is I Nyoman Windha adding gamelan jegog, Balinese kendang, bamboo flute and vocals (track 6).

Dharmawan and his bandmates have crafted a superb jazz fusion album filled with excellent musicianship to go along with some tunefully melodic moments as well. The first track "Arafura" is a case in point. The tempo is fast with an outstanding bass line and fine violin work from Goodman. It all leads into mind blowing synth and guitar solos with Dharmawan's melodic sensibility always close at hand. A very well thought out piece indeed. Next up is "Bromo", another excellent track with more tuneful moments as Dharmawan adds some fabulous analog synths and keys and another fantastic guitar solo from Budjana. The title track is another scintilating tune with its funky bass, guitar and synthesizer fills. The playing is both melodic and virtuosic. More stand out tracks include the melodic jazz fusion of "NYC 2050" and its funky bass grooves and the slightly more poignant "Whale Dance" where Dharmawan is at his melodic best and Jimmy Haslip's bass runs will certainly turn some heads.

For melodic jazz fusion it does not get much better than this. So Far So Close is a rewarding and enriching listen from some of the best fusion musicians this planet has to offer. Another fine offering from MoonJune Records.

Track Listing:
1. Arafura (7:09)
2. Bromo (5:33)
3. So Far So Close (4:31)
4. Whale Dance (5:25)
5. The Dark Of The Light (3:46)
6. Jembrana's Fantasy (9:28)
7. NYC 2050 (5:00)
8. The Return Of Lamafa (5:36)

Added: January 26th 2016
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Artist's Official Site
Hits: 1318
Language: english

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