Machine Messiah

Bahasa version originally presented and published for Comicbook Discussion: Building Comic Character, at Kinokuniya Bookstore, Pondok Indah Mall 2,

Jakarta

, a joint event by Kinokuniya Bookstore, Akademi Samali and KomikIndonesia.com, March 25^th 2006

Just as in cinema, comic also recognizes leading actors/ actresses in every story. Each one has a role in building and gave the story life. Each role has a unique character, which in the end gave uniqueness in each script.

In the history of world’s comic publishing, billions of comic characters were born (and died). Just like in cinema and other art media, a character will be remembered for eternal, and there are characters that will vanish from our memories. All depended on how the creator/ writer built their characters. Just as the Mighty Creator created this world and its inhabitants, comic writers also wanted to gave ‘life’ to their creations.

Do you still remember those comic characters (and characters originally not in comic format) such as Zorro, Prince Valiant, Mandrake The Magician, Snoopy, Beetle Bailey, Garfield, The Born Loser, Batman, Spiderman, Tintin, Wolverine, Superman, Modesty Blaise, Vampirella, Asterix, Tiger Wong, and this list will never end although we go on to Indonesian comic characters such as Si Buta Dari Gua Hantu, Panji Tengkorak, Gundala Putera Petir, and so on. Almost all those legendary and timeless comic icons were icons that have strong character, of course with strong script as well.

The best example in building strong characters was Mahabharata, originally from

India

. Indonesians know them in the form of ‘pewayangan’ since centuries ago and often played to royal and public in the format of shadow and wooden puppets, paintings, and dance theaters. Strong characters in each leading role blended in many tribal cultures. The values in Mahabharata integrated with some part of Indonesian culture. Some even believed these characters actually existed in life many centuries ago. The virtuosity of the writer in building strong characters was proven.

What is the secret recipe in making a strong comic character? Whatever the answer is, the secret recipe won’t be far different with the formula in literaturem cinema and theater. All have similarity in giving life and uniqueness, plus played an important role in the story. Every writer could be inspired from the society and enivonment. Studying their friends, families, siblings, lovers, and whoever in their life was very useful in building a character. Looking for many references and exploration of imagination were other important variables in establishing the character.

Creativity couldn’t be separated from process learning. Some people might have the ability and extraordinary gift in establishing strong characters since the first time they wrote them. However it was normal when a person passed the learning process and continously improve the work. In time their work will lead to perfection.

In this special event, comicbook discussion Building Comic Character is honoured to to have a legend in national comicscene. Hasmi (which real name is Harya Suraminata) will share his experience in building and establishing an icon in Indonesian comics, Gundala Putera Petir. His experience is a priceless for all of us, comicbook lovers. A wise man once said that experience is the best teacher.

Long Live Indonesian Comics!

Bahasa version originally published in Koran Tempo, February 26th 2006

When PT. Indira (Tintin’s Indonesian language publisher) published Tintin in the Land of Soviet and Tintin in the Congo (both in 1996), most readers were puzzled, “Is this the new Tintin? How come they are in black and white? How come it looked so old?”and so on.

It was common for Indonesian readers, because their main reference was the published coloured books from PT. Indira. Not many knew that Tintin in the Land of Soviet (1929) and Tintin in the Congo (1931) was the first and second book in Tintin’s history. Not many even knew that most Tintin were made by Herge in black and white format, when it was first published. In the following years, Herge revised, redrew, added/ deleted some panels, and coloured them all, except Tintin in the Land of Soviet which was left unchanged. In the end of 2005 for the first time Tintin in the Congo coloured edition was published in English as part of the 75th anniversary of this title.

Released in book format in 1931 (previously in daily Le Petit Vingtieme from June 3rd 1930 to June 11 1931), Tintin in the Congo was full of controversy. Back then the world was still full of colonialism, and with very limited acces to information. Herge was one of the casualities of this condition, where he ‘accepted’ Congo colonialism by his country, Belgium. He even saw wildlife hunting as a normal day activity and recreation.

Many countries expressed their negative response for Tintin in the Congo. After stopped its circulation for a very long time, Herge made huge revision in 1946. Although now it was a revised and coloured edition, still foreign publisher withdrawal their interests to buy the translation rights. Herge and his publisher stopped all translation rights. Long after Herge died in 1983, the publisher Casterman opened their door. In the beginning of 1990 foreign publishers were offered and it was limited to the original black and white Tintin in the Congo edition. This was the edition PT. Indira published. When will we see the coloured Indonesian edition? Let’s just hope.

In the original version, Herge made it in a 112 pages book format, where each page was 6 panels in average. The format (6 panels in a page) was adapted by many Indonesian cartoonists in the 1950s, for example RA Kosasih’s Mahabharata. The coloured version was shortened into 62 pages, with various panels in each page. The 62 pages became the standard in all Herge’s books.

Differ from Tintin, Snowy’s character was much stronger in the original version. He was expressive and emotional. Tintin was almost expressless and it was represented only by balloon text and visual effects. At this period Tintin’s has only eyes and nose. It was plain and no emotion.

Major changes happened in the first panel on the first page. In the original edition, two train station officers were talking about Tintin’s departure to Congo. In the coloured revised edition, these officers were replaced with the detectives Thompson and Thomson, who happened to be there. Another Herge’s character from other books, Quick and Flupke, were still among the crowd. But another figure appeared: Herge himself as a reporter that covered Tintin’s departure.

Another principal change was the revised Tintin’s monologue to the Congo students. In the past he told them that their country was Belgium (back then Congo wa soccpied by Belgium), and now it was replaced with mathematics. Important revision was the ommision of rhino explosion. Now Tintin just made the rhino ran away.

Most Tintin’s cruelty was left unchanged. He still shot antelopes many times (he needed only one for dinner) and accidently killed 15 antelopes. Tintin still killed a big monkey and took its skin to save Snowy. The dog still bit a lion’s tail and injured the poor wild animal. Slain crocodiles and snakes were still there, although Tintin did it as self protection. Tintin gave sponge to the panther, and killed an elephant and took its ivory.

Tintin in the Congo was among the darkest history in Herge’s life and Tintin. For the readers, at least we could learn that even a legend made mistakes.

Friday night, March 17^th 2006, was a special night. After dissapeared a couple of years from music scene, I finally returned home. Back to the family where I belonged. That night again I sat behind a microphone in a radioshow. Yes, I’m back in the radio world, although this time only as a guest host. Still in progressive rock scene, the genre I’ve been in love since 25 years ago.

Producing and hosting radioshows were special to me. In 1999 together with Andy Julias (my mentor and one of my best friends) we made a show called Progressive Rock on M97FM. It was a three-hours show, playing any kinds of progressive rock. You name it, we’ve played them all. I can tell you it was the most comprehensive progressive rock show ever. Perhaps one of the best in the world. I’ve compared our playlists to other similar shows around the world. I’m proud to say we’re on par to our colleagues in other parts of the globe.

We were open-minded. We didn’t just play songs from progressive rock artists, but also songs that fall in the progressive rock atmosphere. It was a journey of exploration and widening our horizon. It was more like a neverending study. Together with Andy, and later several friends, we were the pioneers in explorating newly and fresh worldwide progressive rock. No radioshow in Indonesia ever had a program as comprehensive as ours. We even hunted new recording from unknown foreign bands, without proper references. We just followed our instincts. I don’t remember how much money I spent during those years. I could buy a new car, perhaps.

Music has always been in my blood, heart and soul. I’ve been listening to music since I was very little. I was raised with music (highest gratitude to my parents for raising me that way). My exploration has gone very far with widest range, and I almost stranded in all genres. Being in many genres didn’t alert me for being multi-musical taste. I can talk forever talking about many genres. Even my closest friends asked what music I really like. It is hard to answer only one.

That night I played Porcupine Tree exclusively for 2 hours. Radio RRI Pro 2 Jakarta 105 FM allowed me to choose any theme I’d like. I asked their past themes, and I offered to make a variation. “What about a band profile?” And they said yes. Cool! Currently my fave band is Porcupine Tree, so I easily chose this band. You should try them. If you like Pink Floyd, Keane or Coldplay, I’m certain you’ll love Porcupine Tree.

A close friend just asked me on the phone,”Is it going to be your regular show?” And I answered, “No. Although I loved being a radio host and my love for music never dies, I can’t make a commitment. It’s fun to do it once awhile. But I don’t know if I can make a long term commitment. Perhaps only time will tell.”

Together with regular hosts (Yanti & Iwan) we introduced Porcupine Tree to the audience. It was a risk, since that night was the first time the show exclusively played only one artist. Song by song aired, while I explained Porcupine Tree’s background. In the first 30 minutes Yanti & Iwan asked me many questions around progressive rock in general. Interesting when I said Dream Theater for not being progressive these days. There were pros and cons from listeners, of course. I was aware I was in the lion’s den. But I knew what I was talking about and I stood still. Some calls said they’re enjoying Porcupine Tree and they loved to hear more. Some of them heard of Porcupine Tree, but haven’t got the chance to listen. They even asked many questions, including progressive rock in general, and I was very happy to answer each one.

Yanti and Iwan also expressed their opinion, and I was happy to hear. It was the first time for them, and they enjoyed the songs. Iwan for example wasn’t into space/ psychadelic, but he was enjoying some moments in each song. We often exchanged jokes and the show was very entertaining. I was very happy the show ran smoothly, with no need to icebreaking. From 9 songs I prepared, we played 8 of them. We played some non-Porcupine Tree song requests from listeners, and for me it wasn’t a problem.

When a listener requested Lazarus, I was surprised. That song was actually the next to be played and I told them this was a favourite of mine. Yanti and Iwan asked why, and I said the lyric was beautiful. It was about facing many problems in this world. The singer (it can be assumed us, listeners) told the other person not to be worried. I am here to help you journey this world. Oh it was very beautiful! Lazarus has only around 4 paragraphs and the last paragraph left us thinking. I played Lazarus to 4 friends (3 of them were girls) and they all loved it. Here are the lyrics:

As the cheerless towns pass my window I can see a washed out moon through the fog And then a voice inside my head breaks the analogue And says "Follow me down to the valley below You know Moonlight is bleeding from out of your soul" I survived against the will of my twisted folk But in the deafness of my world the silence broke And said "Follow me down to the valley below You know Moonlight is bleeding from out of your soul" "My love don’t you worry This cold world is not for you So rest your head upon me I have strength to carry you"

I wanted to thank many good friends for giving me support throughout the show. They kept sending sms and it was nice to read their response. My highest gratitude has to go to: Onny, Yani, Joga, Tauhid, Sigit, Giri, Windy, Liza, Dina and Syam. Thanks for supporting me and the spirit to explore Porcupine Tree=). You’ll grow to love them. I couldn’t forget the faith Bintang, Yanti and Iwan (all from RRI Pro 2 FM) have in me. It is an honour being invited to their show.

For those who are curious, here is that night’s tracklist:

1. Blackest Eyes (In Absentia, 2003)

2. Shallow (Deadwing, 2005)

3. Waiting phase 1 (Signify, 1996)

4. Heart Attack on a Lay By (In Absentia, 2003)

5. The Sky Moves Sideways (The Sky Moves Sideways, 1993)

6. Piano Lessons (Stupid Dream, 1999)

7. Lazarus (Deadwing, 2005)

8. Dislocated Day (Coma Divine, 1997)

It’s good to be back

DIAN PRAMANA POETRA-Live in Concert: I Like Monday, Hard Rock Café Jakarta, 9 August 2004

Finally after all these years the legendary vocalist/ composer/ musician Dian Pramana Poetra appeared in live performance in front of his loyal fans. Along with well-respected session musicians and several guest stars, Dian delivered us many new-arranged songs with new and fresh atmosphere. It started around 11 pm and Dian PP played Kubawa Kau Serta. My favourite and this song is always perfect as the opening track! The newly jazzy-arrangement really made me wanna cried out loud! It was very beautiful!!!

After greeting the audience Dian continued with his first single hit, Melati Di Atas Bukit. Again with new arrangement made us astonished that Dian has never run out of fresh and brilliant ideas. The crowd never stop singing and this also amazed Dian as well. No wonder since most crowd were youngsters, that probably was a child when Melati Di Atas Bukit was a major success.

Dian invited his sister, Ika Ratih Poespa, to duet their latest single Tak Kuasa. The acid-jazz atmosphere became more alive with the band’s performance: Adi Darmawan (bass), Edi Kemput (guitar), Rita Silalahi (keys), Ari (sax), Azirau (percussions), Denny Chasmala (guitar) and Gerry (drums). Dian took a break and let a young singer Gia (Doddy Soekasah’s daughter) to sing one of Dian’s composition Melayang (it was a major hit by January Christy). Personnaly I wasn’t impressed with Gia’s new arrangement of Melayang. Perhaps I was more attached with the classic style of January Christy. She was unreplacable. Dian appeared again and invited one of his best friend, Malyda. The crowd went hysterical when together they sang Semua Jadi Satu, another major hit in 1987. I even still can remember my highschool days with this anthem. Their performance was outstanding. Couldn’t believe that they never played this song for almost 15 years!

Dian took us for a relaxing session playing guitar solo. He played two songs from The Beatles, Blackbird and Here There and Everywhere. Oh how his voice was magical. Blackbird’s arrangement was close to the original. But Here, There and Everywhere was very different and Dian made improvisation during the whole song. The last song he played solo was a new song, Selamanya. He said he’ll include this one in his forthcoming new album. The song was verrrryyyyy beautiful! Can’t wait for the new CD!

The stage curtain closed for a moment and reopened with Dian and Deddy Dhukun sitting on a couch. They sang another legendary song, Bohong, originally by Dian, Deddy and Bagoes AA (K3S) in 1987. Apparently Dian forgot some lyrics and he brought a piece of paper and occasionally read it. The crowd again sang along this monumental song. The lyric was popular and became an anthem back then. They continued with Keraguan. After this Dian gave his legendary 30 years old guitar to Hard Rock Café as a gift.

Dian and Deddy invited another singer who appeared among the crowd, Glenn Fredly, to join them on stage. Glenn sang a couple lines of Bohong with his own style. He was marvellous! Melly took the stage to sing 5 Menit Lagi with her/ Potret style, but with a jazzy arrangement. It was very unique. Pongky from Jikustik sang Sebelum Aku Pergi, but it wasn’t that good. The arrangement was slow, Pongky delivered it with enthusiastic. It just didn’t match. Dian and Pongky duet with Jikustik’s song, Setia, then Malyda duet again with another legendary hit, Biru. Malyda replaced Syaharani, who I thought fit properly better than Malyda. The show ended with Masih Ada.

I’m still amazed with that show. Dian and co. was very entertaining and professional. I hope Dian Pramana Poetra continue to enrich our music scene with his marvellous works.

It was the first day of Java Jazz Festival 2006 and I was very anxious to see this Iceland band, Mezzoforte. Back in early 80’s their single hit, Garden Party, was an anthem for many boys. I was one of them, and the catchy tunes from that saxophone were always fun to hear. Some years ago I finally got their remastered CD. I bought two of them, which were special to me: Surprise Surprise (1983, with the song Garden Party), and No Limit (1985).

I’ve prepared myself with the CD sleeves, in case I could ask their autograph in person. In an event like this, it’s not easy to meet the musicians. In my experience, it was much easier at a single concert. Anyway, here goes…

With some of my best friends, including Liza, I rushed to the Exhibition Hall and the crowd filled every single space to the main event. Luckily we arrived on time, and Ello (an Indonesian artist) was still performing. Thank God, we weren’t late. Ello’s performance was good, although the sound mixing was not. It worried me, as I was here to see Mezzoforte. Sound mixing for me was very important. I had many troubled times listening to poor sound mixing.

Only around 10 minutes, Ello finally end his gig and some of the crowd went outside. I took a perfect place near the middle and no less than 10 minutes Mezzoforte opened their night. From the very beginning they were very entertaining! I didn’t recall the songs, as I was never a die-hard fan, although I recognize one or two familiar songs. Beyond my expectations, the sound mixing was superb! It was very different than Ello, and I was glad the engineer finally found the perfect balance for each instrument. You could hear everything from a distance. The mixing was perfect, but I couldn’t hear the details of the percussions. The percussionist, Thomas Dyani, was very good. I could tell from his variations in using many kinds of percussion.

The crowd cheered when the bassist and drummer showed off. Johann Asmundsson (bass) held his bass and played the notes on its fret, while Gulli Briem (drums) hit every bassstrings with his drumsticks. It was very entertaining! These guys really knew how to make the audience astonished. I noticed that Briem was definitely an experienced drummer, when he made various combinations during each song. I really loved his show.

Exhibition Hall was getting crowded, and I moved a bit to the back. Suddenly some recognizable notes were played and I knew what song they’re going to play. Garden Party! The audience was very excited and I almost jumped with happiness! It brought back those ol’happy days in the early 80’s! Garden Party was everybody’s anthem! What else could you ask from these guys from Iceland? Liza mentioned something funny, “I know this song!” Oskar Gudjonsson (saxophone) and Sebastian Studnitzky (trumpet) blended perfectly with Eythor Gunnarsson (keys), Bruno Mueller (guitars), bass, percussions and drums. I was brought to seventh heaven!

Mezzoforte returned for encore, as the crowd asked for more. They played many songs in medley and I recognized some of them. After around an hour and half, Mezzoforte ended their remarkable performance. Whew! Too bad they didn’t play No Limit. But that’s understandable since they didn’t bring any vocalist. That night was definitely one of my best musical nights. Ever.

After Mezzoforte, I went to see some other jazz performances. Too many to be mentioned, as I didn’t know who they were. I took a short visit to see Harvey Malaihollo at Assembly Hall 1. I wasn’t impressed, actually. Yes, I admitted he was very good. But I’ve seen him like this many times. For me his performance that night was as good as usual. I was expecting something different from him.

Then I moved to the Plenary Hall main entrance gate to see Patti Austin (with Dave Koz). This legendary jazz diva was the main reason I wanted to see Java Jazz on the first day, March 3rd 2006. Of course I wanted to see the three days event, but my budget was only enough for a day. And I chose the first night only to see Patti Austin, among others.

It was late, as I heard they were working on some technical problems inside. I just waited patiently, while scanning around to see if other friends were also there. I met Iszur Muchtar, and we exchanged smiles as he was quite far. Then the door opened and everyone rushed in. We tried to find a better view and found a nice spot near center stage. That’d be the place for Patti Austin.

Patti Austin opened the show with one of my favourite song, Razzamatazz. Oh again it brought me back to my younger days! I remember it was 1981 when the song, and the whole Quincy Jones’ The Dude album, was a-must-have. I could never forget Razzamatazz. Patti continued with In and Out of Love. Then the famous saxophonist Dave Koz joined her on stage, with the legendary song Smoke Gets in Your Eyes. It was very romantic! I sang along with most of the crowd. Patti’s voice wasn’t as beautiful as in her early days. But it was understandable. At her age, her quality was still outstanding!

Dave Koz took the stage and he played Honey Dipped, and Ruth Sahanaya’s song, Keliru. I really loved the purple cloth he wore. He surely knew how to entertain people visually. Dave closed his solo with his single hit, You Make Me Smile. I noticed my friend Yeary was really enjoying this show. He took several pictures.

When Patti Austin delivered Baby, Come To Me, it really made me shivering as it reminded those days when I almost everyday went to music shops. It was 1982 I think. She ran the night with How Do You Keep The Music Playing, Mr. Paganini and How High The Moon (the latter two were dedicated to Ella Fitzgerald). I almost forgot Patti Austin once covered Stephen Bishop’s famous tune from 1983, It Might Be You. When she sang this I was really astonished! It was my favourite song and I almost sang it everytime back then. I knew every single lyric and I wasn’t ashamed to sing out loud.

When Patti Austin closed the show with Dave Koz, Test of Time, it seemed she could sing all night long. She had to end that beautiful evening. Unfortunately she didn’t play several favourite songs of mine, Honey For The Bees (1985), It’s Gonna Be Special (1984), and my ultimate fave, Say You Love Me (1977)

The last show I attended that night was Eric Benet. Truthfully I don’t know any songs from this artist. I knew him, and I’ve seen several videoclips, but still I didn’t remember. It was Liza who insisted me to join her. From what she described, there was a big chance I’d like this singer. Thankfully to the wide range of genre I listened to since childhood days, and the demand to follow today’s music, made me confident I’d give this singer a shot. At least I could say he’s that good, if not liking his music.

Again at the Exhibition Hall, where Mezzoforte , Incognito, and Ello played, we entered the venue. I was very tired actually. It’s almost 10 hours I’ve been watching various performances in Java Jazz Festival and it has been the most exhausted night I ever had. Couldn’t remember when was the last time I felt this tired. I almost couldn’t stand straight. I really need to sit, but apparently Liza was too excited to sit down. So I just followed her and expect the unexpectable. She gave me some backgrounds of Eric Benet’s music and still I couldn’t imagine. She said Eric Benet was more R&B. Ok, but what kind of R&B? If we talked about late 70’s or early 80’s R&B, I’d understand what she’s talking. But we’re in the 21st century, and R&B had evolved since then. So I just set all open ears.

Eric Benet appeared with a pianist, a keyboardist, a guitarist, a drummer, a bassist and, a back vox. The sound mixing wasn’t that good and I wasn’t surprised. It was Ello’s stage before, and Mezzoforte played on the other stage (with better sound). I couldn’t hear the bass and keyboards. The technician kept fixing cables and he was on stage till Eric Benet almost finished his songs.

The first two songs didn’t ignite me. I didn’t know if they were big hits or not, but I thought it was a bad choice. The third song was better and I was beginning to enjoy it. Liza agreed that the first two wasn’t enjoyable. I told her that Eric should rearrange this third song and replace the keyboard with brass sections. It’d be more interesting. After some enjoyful tunes, I gave up and really need to sit. Apprently I chose the wrong timing, as Eric started to sing several classical R&B in medley that influnced him: After The Love Has Gone (Earth, Wind & Fire), Through The Fire (Chaka Khan) and September (Earth, Wind & Fire). I almost jumped from the floor hearing September! It was my anthem! I know Liza also loved this song very much and she looked at me, sending the sign that I really should join her now and share the excitement.

I really enjoyed some Eric Benet songs and planning to get his albums including his latest, Hurricane, which several songs were also played. His falsetto technique was magnificent! I like this guy, and I can see why Liza loves his songs.

After the show, I noticed that Eric Benet and band were going out. I rushed to call Liza and told her to get a picture with Eric. She was very shy, dazed and confused, and wondering if it’d be a dream come true. I asked Yeary to take a picture of her and Eric, as I didn’t have one. Luckily they found a great moment and I could say the pictures were very good. Couldn’t ask for more on any other occasions. I could see Liza’s eyes were glowing with excitement and happiness. I knew that feeling, since I’ve been there many times with my idols (Rick Wakeman, for example).

The first day of Java Jazz Festival was definitely one of my best nights in 2006. Can’t wait to see Jon Anderson in April. Let’s hope everything will be as planned.

Aug 21st 2003 I went to Jakarta Convention Center concert alone, as my friends from the office cancelled our plan. Even my friends from mailing lists didn’t respon. I’ve made up my mind since day one to see my idol. The show must go on, with our without you! The last time I saw Fariz RM live was in Pasaraya, 1989. It was a long time ago. Back then he was still with Superdigi and Neno Warisman was the guest appearance.

While I was waiting I met Seno M. Hardjo, my mentor and one of my best friends. He’s the top man in Target Pop label recording company. While I waited at the Festival door, he was at the VVIP. Well, I couldn’t pity myself as he really was an important person. His name was even printed in the programmed concert book along with other fame: Bens Leo and Remy Soetansyah. We talked and laughed for awhile. As I entered the floor, I rushed to the stage, in front of Fariz keyboard set. I’d definitely choose that set, instead of other instruments. I also didn’t miss the beautiful view in front of me. Many young girls were anxious to see the legendary Fariz RM.

As the stage was preparing, I look around and apparently I was the only one in their 30’s. Everyone around me was 20 or something. Seno sat in front row, next to Bens Leo. Not far from there I saw Fariz RM’s family. Legendary singer, Chrisye, was also on sight. I teased Seno through sms. I knew his mind was somewhere else. You knew newlyweds. They got married last Sunday.

As usual the show started late. 30 minutes. It was 20:30 WIB when Fariz opened the show with Selangkah ke Seberang. The crowd cheered and sang along with him, and Fariz continued with one of my most fave song, Kurnia dan Pesona. Oh I was definitely back to the 80’s! Fariz made some chit-chat with the crowd, and Reza entered the stage. Alone she sang Hasrat Cinta (another fave of mine and was a hit of Andi Meriam Mattalatta) dan duet with Fariz RM on Nada Kasih. Reza was an outstanding performer, although she couldn’t cope some of Fariz’ falsetto. But never mind, Reza was really the queen of that night.

Now some tributes to Fariz RM. /rif played some hits from Fariz’ Symphony from their 1st album Trapesium (1982). All three in a row, Astoria, Sirkus Optik and Video Game, and Interlokal with totally new arrangements from /rif. Unfortunately /rif’s performance was not that good, especially Andy (the lead singer) often read the lyrics and it was really disturbing to saw. I really love the arrangements. Astoria was my fave in that album. Very progressive pop/ new wave. The song Sirkus Optik and Video Game was also used in many new wave competition. As I guessed before, I was the only person who sang along with /rif. I memorized all the lyrics, while nobody around me knew the song (except Interlokal).

Next….Wow! on stage with the latest formation Fariz (drums), Eet Syahrani (guitar), Musya Yunus (guitar, and he’s still on top form), and Ary Syafriadi (vox, with that Peter Gabriel style). They only plaed one song, Lapangan Merah (from the album Rasio and Materi, 1990). While the band was preparing, I instantly shouted, “Lapangan Merah!”Arry pointed at me and smile. Eet’s solo guitar at the end was outstanding! Unfortunately they only played one song, and other progrock tunes from Wow! Was still kept in the trunk.

Since then many artist participated. Sherina, Fariz’s niece and the most promising young talent this day, contributed two songs. The first was so beautiful. It was about peace. Sherina now a teenage and her vocals were marvellous. In the second song, the quartet vocal group Warna joined Sherina and sang Sundown At Midnight. It was very lovely and romantic.

Katon Bagaskara sang Diantara Kata. Syaharani duets with Fariz sang Renungan. When Titi DJ joined Fariz and Syaharani, they sang Sungguh. Titi DJ should’ve sing this song alone. Then Fariz sang Suzie Bhelel, Penari etc until the last song and his masterpiece, Sakura. Started with ethnic percussions, Sakura appeared with new arrangement. Even Mus Mujiono played the outstanding guitar playing that night. It was very beautiful!!!!

As for encore, Fariz sang his 1988 smash hit Barcelona. The original flamenco guitar played by Eet Syahrani was replaced by Mus Mujiono. It sounded different, but Mus Mujiono’s styles fitted very well. In the middle, Barcelona mutated into a jazzy tune with solo saxophone. Henri Lamiri closed the composition with his magical violin playing.

For two hours Fariz RM entertained us. After the show I was having a long chat with Deeny Sakrie, Remy Soetansyah, Sam Alatas, Arry Safriadi, etc. In the end I finally got Fariz’signature on my Dua Dekade CD! Cool!!!