Ever since the success of the debut of the most prestigious jazz festival on the island, which was launched last year; this time of the year (read: March) has somehow become some kind of a jazz themed month for us here. And in that very spirit, we have chosen to feature a young rising star in Indonesia’s jazz scene as our Artist of the Week!

Meet Ricad Hutapea! In case the opening made you wonder, no, he is not one of the performers of Bali Live Festival’s stage. However you are not exactly wrong to have guessed into that direction; as he is indeed one of the well-respected talents on the incredible line up of Jakarta International Java Jazz Festival!  Through many spectacular years this festival has become one of the world’s biggest annual jazz festivals, which also says a lot about Mr Hutapea here!

Ricad Hutapea is one of those gifted musicians who discovered his passion for music since a very early age. He was 8 years old when he joined the church choir. The way he stood out in the choir blessed with his talent in exploring notes and melodies, directed him closer to music, and more specific in his musical exploration as a child.

When he was 12 years old, his parents encouraged him to learn to play the keyboard at one of the capital’s music school. Being in a family that obviously appreciates music a lot, his achievements in playing the keyboard once again led his parents to suggest him exploring more music instruments.

During his teenage years in senior high school, Ricad’s curiosity expanded to the classical piano, and he didn’t stop there, as later on he started playing the saxophone. He enjoyed playing the saxophone even more than the music instruments he got introduced to before, and he never stopped playing this instrument ever since.

In the further years, he became one of the names featured on various jazz festivals throughout Indonesia, such as Java Jazz Festival (2010-2014), Jak Jazz (2013), Indonesian Jazz Festival (2013), Jazz Goes to Campus (2011 and 2013), Jazz Gunung (2014), Jazz Buzz Salihara (2014) as well as Serambi Jazz (2013-2014).

He is also known for sharing a stage with well-known Indonesian Jazz musicians and legends, such as Indra Lesmana Group, Tohpati & Friends, Monita Tahalea & The Nightingales and Art of Tree, to mention a few.

To top off the on stage collaborations, Ricad was also involved in the making of albums of several of the big names above, such as Song of Praise by Monita Tahalea & The Nightingales, which was produced by national Jazz legend Indra Lesmana and Hanny Lesmana. He also took part in Chaka Priambudi’s solo album. Aside from that, Ricad also played saxophone for the tracks Tohpati’s solo album, for Yoseph Sitompul, as well as for Indonesia’s senior jazz singer Jenny De Fretes. He also recorded two singles with DJ Andezzz.

Saxophone has become a huge part of Ricad Hutapea’s life and soul. His initial step in the church choir has brought him here, to this point of his life, where he succeeded to give birth to his debut album “Jalan Pertama” which translates into “The First Road”. In this album, he poured his stories and passion, hoping to share his music and creativity with a wide audience.

Make sure not to miss the stories shared during our exclusive radio interview on Sunday, March 14, 2024 at 10 PM Bali Time!

And in the mean time, check out the singles from “Jalan Pertama” every day for the whole week at 7 AM, 12 PM and 7 PM Bali Time! Enjoy!!!

For more information about Ricad Hutapea, check out:

https://www.facebook.com/RicadHutapeaFanPage
https://soundcloud.com/ricad-hutapea