DEWA BUDJANA

I Dewa Gede Budjana (born 30 August 1963) is an Indonesian guitarist, songwriter, and composer. He is the lead guitarist and songwriter of the band Gigi. Budjana's style shifted towards jazz after he became acquainted with musicians such as John McLaughlin, Pat Metheny, Jeff Beck, John Abercrombie, Chick Corea, and Weather Report. In his early career, he formed a band called Squirrell, which was popular in his local community. Throughout his musical career in Indonesia, he collaborated with numerous Indonesian guitarists including Tohpati, Balawan, Ridho, and Abdee Negara. He also worked with international musicians such as Vinnie Colaiuta, John Frusciante, Peter Erskine, Jimmy Johnson, Antonio Sanchez, Joe Locke, Gary Husband, Jack DeJohnette, Tony Levin, Jordan Rudess, Bob Mintzer, and Guthrie Govan. His ability to blend jazz, rock, and traditional Balinese styles has established him as a prominent figure among Indonesian guitarists.