I have been listening to a guitarist who is one of the very finest guitarists in the Indonesia area. Man, this boy can play! He just shreds in a fusion-jazz-prog kind of way, and he's got great tone and the music has very cool arrangements. His name is Tohpati Ario Hutomo.
The album Riot shows that Tohpati has studied jazz, rock and funk, and he's also incorporating Indonesian and Balinese ethnic styles. I can also hear some Allan Holdsworth, Eric Johnson, Jimi Hendrix, Jeff Beck, and Stevie Ray Vaughan influences. In other words, he's got his own style.
There is a lot of blues and groove on this album, and it's not just showing off shred and chops. It's cool tunes and hip grooves too.
The other members are also very strong musicians. Very impressive and inspiring to hear them interact with each other.
The album is full of artistry and humour - they are clearly having a lot of fun. Riot is a nice breath of fresh air, filled with inspiring bluesy grooves that smells jazzy and Indonesian at the same time.
Track Listing: Upload; I Feel Great; Riot; Middle East; Pay Attention; Rock Camp; Absurd; Disco Robot; Lost In Space; Bertiga.
Dolphinstreet rating: 4.5 out of 5.
You can order this album from Amazon.
By Robert Renman - www.dolphinstreet.com
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