Gandrung ensemble from Banyuwangi - 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