BIOGRAPHY
Born in March 28th, 1966,
Indra Lesmana is a pianist, keyboardist, singer, composer/songwriter, arranger,
sound engineer and producer.
His late father, Jack Lesmana known as one of the Indonesian jazz great legends.
Indra’s musical talent was discovered by his father when he was at very young age. He started his musical career with keyboard instrument at age 10 and released his first debut solo album at age 12. His playing has influenced by John Coltrane, Miles Davis and Charlie Parker. He won scholarship and complete his studies in music at New South Wales Conservatorium of Music in Sydney, Australia.
His recognition is not only as the Indonesian jazz icon, but also a great music motivator in Indonesia. He is one of the limited number of prominent musicians who made their successful career in jazz and pop area. His vision in music has influenced and made significant changes in Indonesian pop industry.
He was selected as the head of the judges of a famous TV program “Indonesian Idol” from the first season in 2003 until year 2007. He was also chosen to be one of the Asian Idol judges that held in Jakarta, Indonesia in year 2007.
Until 2015, Indra Lesmana has released more than 75 produced records including 40 solo/group albums and appeared in numerous albums as producer / composers / arrangers / soloists. The highlights of his recording career are albums “No Standing” and “For Earth and Heaven” that were recorded with musicians Vinnie Colaiuta, Michael Landau, Charlie Haden, Jimmy Haslip, Airto Moreira, Bobby Shew, Tootie Heath and released in USA by MCA Records 1985, and 2 singles became hit and listed in the Billboard chart for Jazz.
His other albums such as Aku Ingin, Reborn, Silver, Tree of Life, Joy Joy Joy, Love Life Wisdom and Stars are also made the highlights of his musical career. Some of his original compositions has been favorably recognized as the standards for Indonesian musicians.
He has been touring in many venues, events and international festivals with his formed groups and collaborations with many artists such as Maurice Brown, Everette Harp, Gordon Cambell, Larry Kimpell, Simon Grey, Gerald Albright, Ira Coleman, etc.
In year 2010 he produced jazz program called “Mostly Jazz” with his wife, Hon Lesmana before they run a jazz club “RedWhite Jazz” in Kemang, Jakarta that last until 2014.
After he resides in Bali, he starts building Sanggar Music Indra Lesmana and activating Mostly Jazz program in Sanur.