Home » Exposé Online Reviews Dwiki Dharmawan — Anagnorisis

Over the past ten years or so, we have reviewed several releases by Indonesian keyboardist Dwiki Dharmawan, and every one is a real treat for the ears, with (for me) Pasar Klewer (2016) and Rumah Batu (2018) being two that stand out most in my memory, but all are very special endeavors that combine elements of jazz with other traditional elements in a way that’s very natural and spiritual, never forced. This time out, he has assembled an outstanding group of players, for the most part it’s the Athens-based Potamos ensemble, featuring Gilad Atzmon on clarinet and saxes, Harris Lambrakis on ney flute, Vironas Ntolas on electric guitar, and drummer Nikos Sidirokastritis, who we documented on their 2025 self-titled release. It also features Kimon Karoutzos on upright bass — an outstanding group of players all. The chemistry between Dharmawan and the support players is undeniable, as one listen to Anagnorisis will reveal, though further listens will  reveal details that work together in a way that is nothing short of magical and transcendental. “Jazz for Freeport” sticks close to the Western bebop keyboard-based jazz idiom, although it wanders freely with Lambrakis, Atzmon, Ntolas, and Dharmawan trading solos while Sidirokastritis and  Karoutzos maintain a busy yet supportive bottom end. A more traditional feel is evoked with “Timun Mas” which seems to wander freely as if improvised — but is it really, or just the skill of a master arranger? Likewise the opener “Gambang Ney” and closing title track offer an immense helping of Indonesian traditional sounds, which when blended with the elements of jazz offer a subtle yet spectral intensity that resonates with shimmering beauty. Similarly, though in a different way, “Pacu Javi” seems to be based on a traditional Indonesian folk song, though Dharmawan and this group of players easily make it their own. With a grand entrance, “Toledo Trane” guides the listener through seven minutes of amazing jazz, with Atzmon leading the way. Each new spin of Anagnorisis reveals new secrets that the listener may have not heard before, making it all that much more powerful, satisfying and lasting.

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