Bali Lounge

Bali Lounge was the vision of Gita Wirjawan, a professional banker originally trained as a pianist, who wanted to promote musicians in his native Indonesia. He was introduced to Singapore-based American guitarist Rick Smith by their mutual friend noted photographer Russel Wong.

The idea was to give Indonesian players a chance to work with international players and produce a kind of world music as unique as its varied roots.

Rick introduced Bruno Le Flanchec from France, a talented pianist and flutist who graduated from Berklee School of Music Suma Cum Laude in arranging and composition and Lewis Pragasam the Malaysian-born Indian drummer considered widely to be the finest in South East Asia. Gita recruited Tompi and Harry on vocals and bass respectively from Jakarta to complete the group.

A period of intense interaction followed with songs and ideas from all of the members. The gifted sound engineer Nicolas Rastoul was brought in to mix and oversee production. Thus, Bali Lounge was born.