Kayu Gangsa

I first saw Kayu Gangsa as part of last year's "Drop In The Ocean Festival". Strolling into Nottingham City Council House I heard soothing music floating around the building; a real contrast to the hubbub of the Market Square. Heading into the Council House's Ballroom, I was faced by group of people playing weird and wonderful percussion instruments. Thus was my first introduction to Malayan gamelan; a form of ensemble playing from Indonesia (more about this music form can be found on Wikipedia).

This week, I was lucky enough to catch Kayu Gangsa again at the Lakeside Arts Centre in Nottingham, where they played a set of twelve pieces of music that varied from the classical Malay Court gamelan of 'Timang Burung' to 'Marian's Rambles', which was a gamelan version of four English folk tunes. This concert was a stark difference to the previous 'gig' I went to - Steven Seagal. A relaxing 100 minutes was spent letting the music wash over me, while playing the game 'What instrument is making that noise?'

If you ever get a chance to see a gamelan performance, I can't recommend it enough; it's something you have to experience rather than read about.