Music of Indonesia, Vol. 1: Songs Before Dawn: Gandrung Banyuwangi

In the Banyuwangi region, located in the eastern end of Java, a vibrant and earthy musical genre called gandrung is performed. Never before issued on any recordings in the West, this tradition begins sometime around 9 p.m. and ends just before dawn. An unmarried female singer performs a beautiful suite of songs backed by a small ensemble of musicians who play violins, drums, and metal percussion. The male guests at this dance party pay money for the privilege of dancing with this mesmerizing songstress. The suite is recorded here in a full performance by one of the music's finest living singers, Gadrung Temu. "...[S]low-boil gamelan grooves...ticktocking drum and gong rhythms stretch and recoil..." — The Village Voice

The published liner notes, along with corrections and supplementary materials, are available here.

Track Listing

101	Delimoan	Gandrung ensemble from Banyuwangi	09:10
102	Candra Dewi	Gandrung ensemble from Banyuwangi	18:00
103	Seblang Lokento	Gandrung ensemble from Banyuwangi	09:49
104	Padha Nonton	Gandrung ensemble from Banyuwangi	03:25
105	Jaran Dhawuk	Gandrung ensemble from Banyuwangi	02:43
106	Layar Kumendhung (Sails on a mast)	Gandrung ensemble from Banyuwangi	06:42
107	Sekar Jenang	Gandrung ensemble from Banyuwangi	01:03
108	Erang-erang Subuh	Gandrung ensemble from Banyuwangi	02:04
109	Sawung Galing	Gandrung ensemble from Banyuwangi	05:46
110	Opak Apem	Gandrung ensemble from Banyuwangi	05:51
111	Giro	Gandrung ensemble from Banyuwangi	00:40