js There was a time in the late 70s when the worlds of jazz fusion and progressive rock edged closer to each other, much of the resultant music still carries a strong international fan base, and those fans now have reason to rejoice over Dwiki Dharmawan’s “So Far So Close”, an album that recalls the heyday of orchestrated fusion without sounding a bit nostalgic or dated. This is jazz/prog rock fusion for the new century with lots of fresh modern elements. Although this is Dharmawan’s first release for a large international label (MoonJune), it is quickly apparent from listening to these sophisticated arrangements, that Dharmawan is a veteran of the music business with over 30 years under his belt.

As mentioned earlier, this is orchestrated electro-acoustic fusion that will may recall classic albums by Return to Forever, Weather Report and Bill Bruford, but Dharmawan also adds his own subtle Indonesian influences, both melodically and harmonically. “So Far So Close” opens strong with the aggressive fusion energy of “Arafura”, this one, and the other up-tempo numbers are nice, but the main album highlights are the two beautifully orchestrated ballades, “Bruno” and “Whale Dance”. One other cut that stands out is the avant-garde leaning “Jembrana’s Fantasy”, a track that mixes Indonesian gamelan with free jazz. Its an interesting cut, but it may seem at odds with the other tracks on the album. It might be nice if Dwiki, on future albums, mixed some of these avant-garde and fusion elements together on some cuts, instead of isolating those elements to separate tracks.

The keyboard list on here will bring back some very fond memories for many, its great to see brand names like Fender Rhodes, Hammond, Mini Moog and Hohner Clavinet all together on an album again. Along with Dharmawan’s excellent keyboard work, “So Far So Close” also features the top notch rhythm section of Jimmy Haslip and Chad Wackerman, as well as guest solo spots for Jerry Goodman, Dewa Budjana and Tohpati.

kev rowland

Dwiki Dharmwan is one of Indonesia’s most prominent musicians – a cultural icon in his homeland. Dwiki is an accomplished pianist, keyboardist, composer, arranger, performer, peace activist, and a true cultural ambassador of his beloved country. He has forged a very successful career (one that already spans more than 30 years), performing in over 60 countries with both solo and collective projects. (Dwiki's band, Krakatoa, remains one of Indonesia's most famous bands ever.) This 2015 release was his first on a major Western label, Moonjune, and he has found a home that really suits him. Not only has this given Dwiki the opportunity to have his work heard by a far wider audience, but has allowed him access to some incredible musicians. So, while he contents himself by providing Fender Rhodes Electric Piano, Mini Moog, Hohner Clavinet, Hammond Organ, Korg Synth, Acoustic Piano and vocals (the album is mostly instrumental), he is joined by Jimmy Haslip (bass), Chad Wackerman (drums), Dewa Budjana and Tohpati share guitar duties (although not on the same songs) plus Jerry Goodman provides electric violin on one song. It is often a very Western sounding album, but I Nyoman Windha (Gamelan Jegog, Balinese Kendang, Suling vocals) also has an important part to play/

This just doesn’t sound like an album that has been released in the last few years, but sounds as if it is a lost gem from the Seventies, bringing forth influences and touches of bands such as Weather Report and John McLaughlin. While some of the songs sound highly rehearsed and tight, there are others such as “Jembrana’s Fantasy” that are far more free and improvisational and style, and it is here where the guys move away from classic fusion into an area far move Gamelan influenced.

The sound is warm throughout, aided by the incredible warmth of Jimmy’s bass, and his partnership with Chad cannot be understated, as they seem to always know exactly where each needs to be to provide the support for what is happening above. Highly recommended for anyone who loves classic fusion