Last no least in Jazz Buzz Salihara

Imanissimo ended jazz event with noise with the final show entitled 15 in Teater Salihara

Imanissimo made a closing show of Jazz Buzz Salihara on 26 February, the same day they announced the launch of their latest album Enigma. Citing the term chaotic jazz, after a brief theatrical overture, the progressive rock band introduced one of the songs from Enigma high pitches and deafening  noise, of which they were relieved to see that right after kicking it off nobody left Teater Salihara. 

But the following song Kampretos was similarly thrown to the audience with impunity, making them nervously expect the smallest hints of jazz presence in this final show. 

Staying true to musical identity is important. But one wonders would it hurt to rearrange pieces to the audience who had expected improvisation and surprises more than the use of flute, kendang, or angklung just to be considered jazz enough? Fifteen years of experience in the niche market contributed to the generally positive reception of the show. The nearly two-hour raucous concert extended with an extra song at audience wish.       

Trace of jazz was clearer as the concert went further in Tembang Ambarawa, one of their latest songs. There was traditional vocal and composition, and lead guitarist Jordan exhibitis his ability to play flute. Later he would play saxophone to prove he has a knack for wind instruments. This is one of the things that convinced him to introduce jazz element besides the typical metal nature of the 15 year old band. 

It was a night of collaboration, as promised by Jordan that the progressive path of Imanissimo offers a variety of elements to make the best album ever. For instance, Indonesian senior soprano Siti Chairani Proehoeman offered vocal in Death of Love. 

The contemplative song Echo in the Distances had two vocalists sang in two different languages simultaneously. It was as if the bilingual vocals translated one another. There were saxophone and kendang to provide light rhythm instead of drum, making us contemplate on the current national situation of deception and pretense. They could elaborate more with the use gamelan as is what originally present in the recorded version. Perhaps technical difficulty in the venue was unresolved.    

Iman took the turn as the vocalist in another new song Impromptu Visit, talking about a traveler who is eager to get to know people of all social class. 

The last two songs of the same title Simponi Indonesia has rock, jazz, and a feel of orchestra. It described classic feud between Indonesian and neighboring country Malaysia in claims of cultural identity. Agung said that the song aims at raising awareness of the things the Indonesians take for granted. It was a magnanimous musical approach of introspection. One wonders if this had suggested organizer's particular agenda.

Imanissimo now comprise keyboardist Raden Agung, guitarist Johanes Jordan, drummer Marcellus Putra and the indispensable figure Iman Ismar. It is the same formation since 2013, the year that marked the end of long hiatus.