Brimming with adventurous compositions, ingenious arrangements and superlative performances, “Rumah Batu” (meaning “the stone house” in Indonesian Bahasa language) almost defies categorization – eclipsing both progressive jazz and world music genres. While a score of diverse ethnic flavors abounds throughout, within its nucleus resides the free-spirited, unpretentious essence that epitomizes the greatest jazz.

Augmented by a stellar cast of players, vastly international in scope, including the enigmatic French virtuoso, of Vietnamese descent, Nguyên Lê, on guitar; legendary flamenco fretless bassist, Spain’s Carles Benavent; the extraordinary flutist, also from Indonesia, Sa’at Syah, and; the proven progressive backbone of fellow Israeli-born, UK transplants, Yaron Stavi [on upright bass (yes: the album features twin basses!)] and (supreme drummer) Asaf Sirkis – this landmark recording offers an intimate glimpse into Dwiki’s unparalleled genius as player, arranger, and songwriter.

The album chronicles yet another magical session created and captured at the already-infamous La Casa Murada / The Stone House (Rumah Batu!). Situated in the tranquil, picturesque setting of the Catalan wine region of Penedès, Spain, the studio’s recordings seem to take on a life of their own; and Rumah Batu is certainly no exception: articulating jazz’s continuing evolution in the 21st century.

For those who wondered what jazz messenger Dwiki Dharmawan could possibly conjure as a follow-up to Rumah Batu’s unanimously praised predecessor, prepare to be amazed and perplexed — and escorted on a musical sojourn unlike any the genre has ever witnessed!