Dwiki Dharmawan

Dwiki Dharmawan is one of Indonesia’s most gifted and celebrated music personalities: a multi-genre keyboardist, composer, producer, peace activist and cultural icon. With a career spanning over 30 years and performances in more than 70 countries, Dwiki remains one of his country’s most popular and respected industry stalwarts.

On his debut for MoonJune, listeners were treated to an exotic musical mélange of the highest order — featuring fusion, jazz and progressive rock luminaries, Chad Wackerman and Jimmy Haslip, as well the legendary violinist, Jerry Goodman. “So Far, So Close” featured adventurous compositions, augmented by sleek arrangements and performances.

His follow-up release, “Pasar Klewer,” cruised at even higher altitudes — earning Dwiki a coveted 5-star review in the iconic Downbeat magazine, the widely read and highly respected All About Jazz, as well as equally exalted praise from respected music critics across the globe. The double album boasted a stellar cast of progressive music’s rising stars, including some otherworldly guitar work from UK transplants Mark Wingfield and Nicolas Meier, and some incredible woodwind work by renowned international artist, Gilad Atzmon (also a member of Dwiki’s World Peace Trio).

His most recent work, “Rumah Batu,” surpasses any progressive jazz/world music hybrid in recent memory – continuing to draw high praise from respected music critics, worldwide. Featuring the textural, inventive guitar work of Nguyên Lê, legendary flamenco bassist, Carles Benavent, the extraordinary Indonesian flutist, Sa'at Syah, and the noted core of Yaron Stavi, on upright bass, paired with supreme drummer, Asaf Sirkis, the album soars to incredible heights while retaining its sensitivity and intimacy.

Noted musical entrepreneur and sonic thrillseeker, Leonardo “MoonJune” Pavkovic – owner of MoonJune Records, NYC – had this to say about Dwiki’s most recent effort:

“As great an album as Pasar Klewer unquestionably was, I think Dwiki as gone even further into the unexplored recesses of jazz with the new album (‘Rumah Batu‘). I’ve been a huge fan of jazz for the bulk of my life – having listened to literally thousands and thousands of albums … this is one of the greatest, most innovative jazz albums I’ve ever heard – by ANY artist!”

Despite a long, storied musical career which has been marked by large-scale successes and critical acclaim worldwide, Dwiki remains constantly in search of new musical ground. His Band, Krakatau, has a 30-plus-year pedigree of excellence (gaining them a global legion of staunch supporters) and his one of his pet musical projects, the World Peace Orchestra, aims to bring social harmony and raise consciousness around the world.

Growing up in Bandung West Java, Dwiki’s home was situated behind the Bandung Conservatory of Music. Regularly, he’d drop in to see students dancing to gamelan music and Angklung. Dwiki studied classical music for two years before beginning to pursue jazz at the age of 13, a transition that exposed him to jazz greats ranging from John Coltrane, Miles Davis and Charlie Parker, to Weather Report and Return To Forever.

Dwiki ethic roots stem from the ancient gamelan tonal system, which is the basis for the traditional music of Sunda, Bali, and Java. The music of Krakatau adapts the slendro scale to western diatonic scales by fusing its rhythms and unique melodies with jazz, rock, and funk — making for an enticing combination of cultures, and a captivating listening experience.

In 2005, Dwiki co-directed the spectacular musical event, “Megalithicum Quantum”: a musical event which emphasized the progress of man, through our ascent into the ‘quantum age.’

A tireless ambassador of his country, Dwiki continues traveling throughout the vast, diverse territories of Indonesia – exploring, documenting and celebrating the cultural diversity of Indonesia, while crusading on behalf of its revitalization and further exposure to rest of the world. He embraces many regional area causes, bringing attention where needed and working selflessly on many peoples’ behalf.

His involvement in promoting Indonesian Cultural and Tourism around the world reflects his support for his nation. He also served as a member of the Jakarta Arts Council (2003-2009), Chairman of AMI Awards (Indonesian Music Awards) and Chairman of PAPPRI Collecting Society (LMK PAPPRI).

An ardent supporter of Indonesian’s next generation of musical prodigies, Dwiki owns and operates the Farabi Music Education Center. Serving as director, role model and mentor, he is helping to promote the continuing evolution of jazz in the 21st century and molding some of its most promising young practioners.

Dwiki’s association with NYC-based MoonJune Records – a label with a pedigree of producing progressive, adventurous-minded music of the highest caliber – continues, with even more exciting, ground-breaking albums on the horizon … stay tuned!

www.dwiki.com

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