Impact Of A Soul To A Soul From A Soul

When I saw her name in the email from that I got from Alexis, I know that my weekend would be spent there. Eventually I booked a table on both Friday and Saturday, to see her perform, but then I only managed to go on Saturday only. She released her album earlier in February entitled “For Real” and of coz I can’t miss this chance to grab her album and pestered for a signature on the CD like I did the last time.

It was her first full performance since the launch of her album and like always, it was a blast. This time I sat real close right in front, the first row from the stage. It was the ordinary two set performance with her powerful vocals and meaningful lyrics.

The song that was performed was from both her previous and latest album as well as some other songs by other artists. Those songs are “Destiny’s Calling”, “Ordinary World”, “Beautiful Lies”, “Mencintaimu”, “Only In The Dark”, “Desperado”, “For Once In My Life”, “Leading Change”, “All This Time”, “Because Of You”, “Walking Again”, “Teman Sejati”, “What’s On Your Mind”, “Walk Away”, “I Feel The Earth Move” and few more which I could not recall the name. Oh, and there was birthday dedications too and when she sang the birthday song, I over heard a remark that it sounds so beautiful when she sings it, no doubt about it.

The band consist of the Alena Tan on piano, Mozad on base, Wagner on drums, Andrew Lau on Guitar and another guitarist which I could not remember his name for he is new to the band, well at least from the last performance that I went to. A remarkable band and of coz Juwita is very friendly. However I did not stay till late which I normally do, one reason being gulping a bottle of wine alone does not really make me any less drowsy as sleeping time draws near.

It was a really great performance and well, my dear waiter cut his hair short, he used to have very long hair, longer than mine. Well, thanks Ted, it’s nice to see you again and your service and other are always good. Next week is Sharizan Borhan, a jazz and swing singer, on the 20th and 21st. I wonder if I’d be there again.

Well, I did not go for Sharizan’s gig, which I’m sure it’s a good one. Dinners on both day so that’s why I did not manage to go.

I love music
My soul loves music

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The weekend was great, or so I think. Caught a movie entitled Casino Royale and then music as well. Then end of my first week at work was somewhat on the rising side, where work is a bit more apparent rather than hidden under the sheets. That’s a good sign for me.

Casino Royale was in a way a great movie, but then when I think back of all the kissing and making out scenes in the movie, it made me want to just throw stinky eggs at the either the censorship board or the cinema management. I know it’s a U rated movie for all and of coz I see that there was great family moments where you can see the whole family from toddlers and parents up to grandparents there watching the movie. However I still feel cheated as the film seems to have a big flaw whenever the inconsistency flashed before my eyes. Another problem was sitting in between two family circuses as my friend puts it. These are reasons why cinema does not appeal to me that much other than the big screen and the company.

Alright, a little bit more about Casino Royale. No spoilers though. The thing about this movie is that it’s so different from the previous bond movies and its James Bond movie for you. All I can say it that, there movie is twisted and you will not really be able to anticipate the story line or even if you do, you are most likely to get it wrong in the end, so why do it. The hunk of coz has great eyes, but then to me he does not portray the exquisite bond face heritage. The women are as always charming and beautiful. That’s it from me, so if you want to know more, go and watch it. The medium is up to you, be it DVD or the cinema.

Alexis of coz is not strange place for me and I caught the same gig twice this week, the same place and the same performer. It’s none other than Farid Ali and he plays the gambus. It’s a traditional instrument of our heritage here and his is a custom made one for him. I noticed his name etched on his gambus. I totally enjoyed both nights with music from his strumming fingers and vocals of the band which comprises of Farid Ali on gambus, guitar and vocals, Albert on guitar and vocals, Andy Peterson on Bass and Bada on percussions and vocals.

On a side note… I have been real off the whole weekend. I have been hot tempered and annoyed at a number of things. Don’t bother asking why as I don’t even know why. But the small little things here and there made me feel infuriated, though I know I should not. This week will be better no doubt, but then my heart’s not feeling so good.

You would have noticed that I’ve not been around for a while and the gig was short written. I might be away for a while, might.

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Well, I’m not really in a hiatus, or whatever you call it. But then again sleeping for merely 2 to 3 hours daily did not do justice to my mind, body and soul, seriously. And it’s no joke when I tell you driving with your brain half asleep is so hard to do, least to say dangerous. Then again, we sometimes like to live dangerously don’t we, as for me I’d like to live dangerously every minute, if I can, definitely.

Now yesterday night was another live gig night for me, the destination was Alexis Bistro, Great Eastern Mall. But then before that, it was marijuana rice aka nasi ganja in Glenmarie for lunch. The addictive meal was really incredible and some of us were still high on it even when we arrived at Alexis. Now that is why they call it nasi ganja or marijuana rice if translated. You will not only get hooked, but the feeling will last long, if you know what I mean. For more details of nasi ganja, you can refer here…

The gig in Alexis yesterday was of Jordan River and he plays the electric guitar, and of coz he does sing as well. In the band yesterday was Willy Rebano on the piano, Steve Jordan on the drums, Halim on the bass and a vocal that I have mentioned before, Maria Angela. The group was great and they hit it off with the song “just the two of us” sung by Jordan and then “God bless the child” sung by the lovely Maria Angela.

Yesterday as I was sitting there, listening and enjoying the performance, I notice Willy’s finger works. His fingers were like mean for playing the piano, the bond is like a fusion that was meant to be. I’m neither a musician nor someone that reviews music, but then the way he played was incredible. The speed of his fingers yet tender gesture couple with his expressions, it was really an eye opener and I guess I missed this part of his talent when I was in No Black Tie the last time.

Apart from the great performance, two special guests appeared. One was Razak Rahman and the other was Sharizan Borhan. I am still new in the jazz scene so it was my first time listening to Razak and he plays the saxophone. Well, what can I say, he’s good at it, if you are a saxophone lover, you’ve got to listen to him play.

Then Sharizan was invited to sing a song and he sang “It had to be you”. Sharizan sings very well and I missed his performances and yesterday’s one song was actually not enough, but then again I guess his compact disc will have to do until I catch his next performance. Trust me, his performance is really great, but then if you simple dislike Frank Sinatra for no reason, then it’s a different story, as his performs a lot of his songs.

Yesterday’s gig was really something and with Razak and Sharizan it was really one that was different and interesting. Well, just one word will do justice… great!

Apart from that, I know I have not been around of late so I just want to say that I’m back. The lack of sleep was the culprit, go spank them. Well I hope I will get the rest needed before my new adventure next week.

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The working weekdays were bad. I had so many things that I need to do to prepare my so called predecessor to take over my job is hectic. On top of that some urgent matter came up and it’s just annoying that things suddenly seemed to pile up all of a sudden. It does seem that things get worse as I am leaving.

I decided to relax and a drink was needed as I was totally stressed with everything around me, and I mean everything. I normally does not go out alone, no particular reason at all, so don’t need to guess. I had some trouble looking for the place but thanks to Brian, I was able to find the place in a jiffy.

The place, No Black Tie, is like a double storey link house. It has three parts, downstairs and the stage, upstairs and also the bar at the entrance. It’s renovated with wood and the stage was nice. It has a black backdrop and there were candles and stuff.

The gig comprise of Maria Angela’s vocals, Willy Rebano on piano as well as vocals, Adriane Palikat on drums and Joseph Ernesto on bass. Maria’s vocal was great and captured the atmosphere and the crowd. She performed songs such as My Angel Eyes, Honey Suckle Rose, A Time For Love, Black Coffee, For All We Know, Like A Lover and a few more numbers. Her voice is great and the songs that she sang… captured the moment for me or in me.

Maria came to me after the second set and started a conversation with me. It was a first time, normally I’d be the one who would start a conversation with them. She was really nice and we chatted for a while before I joined them at the bar for some more chatting. I found out more about her and caught up with Adriane.

Apart from the gig I sort of witness some to be arsonist. There were two girls and a guy, I think. I was listening to the band play and then suddenly I was nudged by an unknown force to look up. These girls were somehow playing with fire I guess and got the menu or the pamphlets burned. I could see fire and the chaos in their face and movements. They quickly threw the pamphlet on the floor and stepped on it to prevent and outbreak of fire. I could not help it but smiled as I could not laugh loudly, it would be so obvious. The ashes from the burning pamphlet actually flew down and cause the waiter to change the drink for a patron sitting right below them. Some people just do not know what danger means. I was lucky I was not in the papers telling some reporter what I saw.

It was a great night and to think I doubted my decisions to go. I had a great night out and it was just great to just sit down and listen to beautiful music. I was glad that I took time to go despite the tiredness that has been burdening my shoulders. A great applause to the musicians out there, making life so much better for us non musicians.

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I found a new hang out place and it was great. It’s this restaurant called Mezza Notte at the Asian Heritage Row. I’ve never been there before, but it was introduced to me by some one I just met previously in Bangkok Jazz. She mentioned that it is a nice place and I told myself I have to try it out.

I was there with a few friends and of coz, normally we frequent places which features some musical show. This time it was Greg Lyons, a saxophone player. The place is really cozy and nice. The ambience in the restaurant is really nice and spacious. It’s not like the normal crammed up restaurant where you can hit other people just by moving your chair in mere inches. Another thing to note is that the staffs are very professional. Thanks to them we got seated right in front of the band.

The night was filled with music by the musician which comprises of Greg Lyons on saxophone, Adriane Palikat on drums, Ch’ng Wee Lern on keyboards, Joseph Arnesto on bass and vocals by Lydia Chew. The music that were played was jazzy, nice and soothing and a very good combination. But then the only things I find a little disturbing is that the vocals was not strong enough. I could barely hear her vocals most of the time, but overall it was a good gig and I was glad I went.

It was really a night to remember and of coz the place is great. Thanks Adriane for telling me about the place. I’m really glad you told me about it. You‘re a good musicians and it was great to have been chatting with you. Hope to catch you again soon…

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I first listened to Mia Palencia when she sang during the Starbucks Music Series which I posted a while ago at The Curve. She has a beautiful voice that entertained the crowd then and this time she did just the same thing with the crowd in Bangkok Jazz.

She was dressed more formally than the last meet, well all of the musicians did dressed more formally. May be it’s the location and the event. The event was one that I have not seen before until now. It was a big group.

Mia was flanked by a big band of 8 musicians which includes Fly on bass and Adriane on drums. It the normal routine where the band played 2 sessions with a break in between. Mia’s latest album was there on sold and it’s title was called “Sayang”. In between the break I met up with Eugene from alldatjazz.com and chat a bit with the musicians.

The night was wonderful and it was filled with the vocals of Mia with her choices of English and Malay songs. As she ended the last song a big encore was being thrown at her, leading to another song before the end of the night.

After the show, I was still mingling around and congratulated Mia and spoke to the drummer before I left for home. The night drive was serene as I listened to my CDs of Juwita and Pete. That was another night of pleasure to the musical side of my ears. A great applause to Mia for a show that amazed me with the amount of musician and a great one at it too.

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It was another night out with some friends to Alexis, a place that I have been visiting quite frequently of the last few months. I’ve been to several gigs and met some really nice people around.

This time at Alexis was Noryn Aziz, flanked by some great musician like John Thomas on drums, Tok Khon on Keyboards and Julian Chan on saxophones. We had our dinner there in Alexis that night and then waited for the performance to start.

It was really an awesome start as Noryn starts singing and the crowd just hyped up. The vocals that she presented were just astounding and somewhat different from those that I’ve been listening to. A powerful voice, with authority, which in term make up for the lack of sweetness.

The night ended with the last song sung by Noryn. Another night of live gig around town. I’m just glad to have good company and also knowing so many new friends as I venture out. I’m just glad I have the chance to enjoy all these, with the company that I want to.

8 Expressions »

I normally would just come back and sleeps like a baby. But I don’t know why, I just don’t feel like it now.

I was out for some shabby shack food, Pandan Indah fish head noodle that is. Good food, you can search in my site as I posted it up sometime ago. Then it was the moonshine gig in Laundry, The Curve. After that was McDonalds. What a night.

The fish head noodle is like one of the best around and this time we had added fish some more. Cannot be denied, it’s just so good … at least to me. Though it’s just a small stall by the little road inside, the taste surpasses so many that I have tasted, even restaurants.

The moonshine gig was a first to me. I did not know what to expect but it has been reputed as one of the best around town. It’s actually being coordinated and put together by Reza Salleh, a song writer and singer too. Tonight the band that I know was Tempered Mental with Melina Williams as the bassist. She’s just so good with the bass, she rocks. Another favourite which I had just got to know is Pete Teo. I was so excited to see him there and more excited as he told me he would be playing. If you like the song Jesselton Tonight which I posted a while ago, you’d definitely love it when he plays solo and acoustic. It was a bomb.

Then one of the late night activities that I have picked up of late is McDonalds. I never imagined people going to this fast food restaurant in the middle of the night until now, when I do it myself. We had nuggets, shakes, sundaes and fries. I did not even know why we were eating so much, but it was fun.

The night was fun and entertaining. I just had the faintest of idea why I keep running into police road blocks of late. I think this is like the 3rd time in like 2 or 3 weeks. I guess the shakes kind of eliminated the beer effects in my system so I was not stopped.

Ah yes, apologies as my driving today was bad, real bad… will try not to do it again

Moonshine done, tomorrow Noryn Aziz in Alexis…

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Troubaganger is one of the events that have been going on around town for a year, but too bad I got to know about it a little too late. The gig that I went to last weekend was actually the finale as La Bodega, the branch in Tengkat Tongshin will be closed on 10th September 2006 if I am not mistaken. This show actually gathers some of the local artist as well as an open mic session where anyone can go and sing or recite a poem.

The night was great as we saw some of the great talents performing. Some of them that performed that night were Estrella, Reza Salleh, Singletrackmind, Kevin brokenscar, Jason Lo, and Pete Teo. Their performances actually captured the audiences and it was just electrifying.

There was a cake specially made for the occasion of the finale and it reads “Real People Real Music”. It was truly a night which I had fun. The local music industry has definitely bloomed.

I’d like to thank Jaz and Nikki for the invitation if not I wouldn’t have known. I’ll be looking forward to more gigs soon.

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The night was filled with games and music. The featured artists were The Sofa Sessions, Reza Salleh, Tempered Mental, Qings and Kueens, Pete Teo, Mia Palencia, Madison Flynt and Nice Stupid Playground.

Music filled the air that night and I can still feel the vibe until today as I saw our own local bands and artists entertained the crowd with their compositions and music. Some of the rock songs that were featured captured my senses as I do like rock, in fact I like all sort of music, no matter what genres they are in.

The series actually causes awareness to our own local performers, which is very much needed and thanks to Digi and Starbucks, I think more and more of our citizens will get to know more about our local entertainers. The recognition is definitely needed to grow our music industry and I bet that they will make it big.

I am supporting our local entertainers and performers because they are good at what they are doing and I like it.

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