Summer break..

Hah, I can't believe the next post after my "Spring Break" post is my SUMMER BREAK post.. lol! Sorry lah damn kau busy here in school..

Anyway, I'll be back in Malaysia for the summer again, and I can't wait for it too, in fact. One of the things I'm looking forward to is having the time to practice at home (where I can practice as loud and as long as I want! Muahaha!), hanging out with my family and my friends (who to me are family too!), go running, walking with my dogs, eat GREAT Malaysian food, and of course... PERFORMING! Hehe.. me being the stage whore I am, I've already worked out quite a few shows back in Kuala Lumpur, and also in some other parts of Malaysia too (stay tuned for that one!).

Some of the highlights of my summer break performances will include some really kick-a$$ concerts:

June 2 (Tues) WVC Trio + 1 Live at Pentas 1 (KLPac).

July 2 - 4 (Fri - Sun) Inner Voices Production Presents - "Let's Go Mamak.. AGAIN!".

July 9 - 10 (Thu - Fri) Barry Cooper Sextet @ Alexis Bistro

..and a whole bunch of my favorite musicians at some of the different venues in Kuala Lumpur and other parts of Malaysia.

Most importantly, I look forward to getting together with my closest friends (of whom most of them are musicians too!) and hang out and make some music together.

Do stay tuned here, or join me on Tweeter, where you can keep track of what I'm doing as well.

So, to promote the first big concert I'm playing..

WVC Trio + 1 @ KLPac Pentas 1.

WVC TRiO +1 will present a full concert in KLPac covering varieties of styles and premiering many brand new original compositions penned by members of the group. Experience this vibrant and original concert on June 2nd 2009 Tuesday 8.30pm, at KL Pac only.

WVC Trio + 1 is

Tay Cher Siang - piano
Adam - drums
Vincent Ong - double bass

and + 1 is Julian Chan on saxophones. ;)

Location link:
http://www.klpac.com/Welcome.asp?c=venuelocation

Call or email for concert passes.

Public RM40, Student RM35.

Contact:
Cher Siang 017-3643202 jazzzzaj@gmail.com

Adam 012-6040216

Vincent 012-3909828 vincentgruvavenue@gmail.com

Julian 012-2732378 / jcsax78@yahoo.com (after 28 May).

Note: KLPac is not selling the tickets directly, so call us at the above details to directly get your tickets!

Hope to see you there!

Spring break

Wow... talk about not updating my blog for ages.

Well, my apologies for that, really. That's how much stuff I have going right now, really.. until I really could not find the time to write. And that is a good thing, actually, from my standpoint. There's just so much stuff happening, and stuff I have to work on, that I can't spend time to blog. Anyway, it's spring break right now, so we've got a week and a half off from school. But if you're a music student, you'll know right away it's not really going to be a break at all. That's because a music student's (or a musician, really!) life is really music, music, and more music. For us, well, it's a lot more on trying to finish (or start) working on our assignments more than anything else. Practicing... well, that happens pretty much all the time, irregardless. But that's the life. Dig it, or find a new one.

Anyway, I suppose I should update about what's been happening since my last post.. which was Chinese New Year (lol!).

One of the more significant things that has happened to me is the fact that I have experienced some breakthroughs, where my studies are concerned. All the stuff I've been learning for the past year, I am beginning to comprehend much more, than when I first came here (or even after the first year). I'm not sure how that worked, but I do know now that it did, and I'm so happy and thankful for that. Can't say it was an easy, bed-o-roses process though... been through some emotional and mental pitfalls along the way. To say the least, right now it's mostly down to just practicing the stuff, and getting it in my head and in my fingers. Of course, there's still so much stuff left, even after that... but I believe I'm learning to deal with it better now (I hope!). I feel so much more focused than before, and I basically understand what I have to work on for real, this time. I've got so much information that will basically last me a long while to practice.

For other stuff, well... probably one of the only thing(s) worth mentioning is that I did a gig in a real established jazz bar in NYC called 55 Bar late February. It's a small place (really small), but it's been around for a little bit. I think Mike Stern plays there on a fairly regular basis (I haven't seen him play there, though). I played there with a good friend of mine and Chern Hwei's, Michelle Marie, a guitarist. It was scary, as it was probably my first Manhattan gig, at an established jazz joint. Although for the moment, I don't mind being the sideman, first. LOL! I believe we will have another show there sometime late April... yee haa!!

Another interesting thing I managed to do was to watch Phil Woods play at Dizzy's Club Coca-cola at Jazz @ Lincoln Center. For those who don't know, Phil Woods is a legendary saxophone player, who in all our books, is considered up there along with the rest of the jazz legends. Mr. Woods is known by many to be a Charlie Parker "disciple" on the alto sax, and with what he has experienced, he may very well be. To cut the story short, Phil has met AND hung out with Bird in his younger days (and even let Bird play his horn). Of course, Mr.Woods' sound and approach to playing is a cumulative development of studying the various masters (Johnny Hodges, Benny Carter, etc) as well as an extension of his own personality.

Anyway, as for other stuff, well.. there's nothing really much happening, other than me just being in school practicing and working on some of the work, really. NY is too expensive to make it hip and happening for me. My life here (socially, at least) is probably less interesting than back home in Malaysia. Here, I'm just interested to study and work on my sh*t and expose myself to great music, and great musicians.. and make sure I learn my stuff, real good! I'll probably worry about the rest later.

Still miss Malaysian food, though.. the real deal, that is. Still prefer my share of banana leaf, thosai, and even good chinese (vegetarian) food, without busting a giant hole in my small wallet.

I've started running a lot more now, and since I've already registered for the Standard Chartered KL Marathon 2009 for half distance (that's happening at the end of June), I've definitely started to train for it. So I can't wait till Spring clears up well, and good, and I'd get my butt out there running!

I think that's it for now... will try to update more a little later, when I can.

By the way, I'm back in KL from 28th May for summer holidays, and gigs galore! Can't wait...

THOSAI!!!!!

Ciao.

Better late..

.. than never!

So..

To everyone, Chinese and non-Chinese alike...

新年快樂！！！

HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!!

Gong Xi Gong Xi!

I hope that this year will be a productive one, despite the predictions and all, in more ways than one. I also hope that above all else, health and family be the top priority on your list.. not just this year, but all the time.. and also the quest for spiritual enlightenment!

This will probably be my second CNY that I won't be home with family and friends, and it's this time I'm really feeling the pinch of not being there. But I feel my heart is closer now to those back home now, than it ever was.

Have a good one everyone!!

Congratulations PRESIDENT OBAMA!

As I'm writing this, I'm logged into CNN.com watching what was the Inauguration of the 44th President of the USA, President Barack Hussein Obama.

This has been quite a historic moment for the US, as well as the world, as President Obama is the first ever African-American President of the United States. The moments leading to his success in the election was long and hard, but all worth it. Unfortunately I missed the announcement of the presidential election (I was stuck in the 7 train on the way back home). But of course, notice of his success in the election did not fall short to my ears...one of the train supervisors, a black lady, was basically screaming in happiness while making train stop announcements on the PA in the train! But one thing was certain, I felt thankful that I am in the US during this historical moment in world history.

But thanks to CNN.com along with Facebook, a lot of people in the US, as well as all over the world was given the opportunity to watch the Inauguration, so it was quite a blast. At the same time, you've got friends on FB logged in watching the inauguration, and leaving comments on status updates, etc. Quite something I tell ya.. if you missed it.. SOOOO too bad for ya. LOL! By the way, you can check out President Obama's inauguration speech at CNN.com, so do check it out if you missed it. It was really inspiring.

Anyway, on a more serious note, we just have to pray this will bring some change to the US as well as the world, with President Obama on the helm. God knows, they need it! When you learn about some of the problems here in the US, you can't help thinking how difficult it is being here, and trying to survive here. It's not easy. All the points that President Obama mentioned in his speech, problems in key areas in the social level in America, such as poor medical care, welfare, etc, are all real. In New York, it's even more apparent. Unless you have money to afford medical insurance, one cannot afford to get sick here, or else you'd pay a bomb for getting medical treatment. And something as simple as just a little jab for cold could cost you hundreds of dollars!

In many ways, I'm actually pretty grateful about my own country Malaysia, despite whatever is happening now on the political front. It has been relatively peaceful and stable (well, not so much now anyway), but one knows that it would not last for long. But however, I choose to remain practical and optimistic about Malaysia's future, and I pray that the sea of change will be for good!

And lastly,

CONGRATULATIONS, PRESIDENT OBAMA!!!!

US Boycott?

I just read the news today about Malaysian Muslims boycotting US products to protest the US involvement in the Israel attacks on Gaza.

What's the point?

I mean, I don't disagree with the Malaysian Muslims' point of view on it. But I don't see how boycotting US products will help. For one thing, the rest of the country probably wouldn't follow suit. We're so hooked to all these US-based products in our daily lives.

Boycott Starbucks? Hah.. very unlikely.

Boycotting US products in Malaysia also would not probably make any difference in thought on American soil. Hell, most Americans don't even know where Malaysia is. I've even been asked, "Is Malaysia like a swamp area?". Shows you how ignorant they are. And the thing is, most US made products are locally made, too! Boycott Coca-Cola? Are you guys nuts? Coke in Malaysia is manufactured in Malaysia.. the brand is American.. but their products are made local for locals. So if you're boycotting them, you're only crippling our local industry. Correct me if I'm wrong. Do you think they'd actually import the drink from America?? If so, you won't be paying RM1.50 for a can of Coke (is that the going price now?). Even if you're successful in boycotting a particular US product, how much of that will cripple the business in the US, that comes from Malaysia.

Not much I gather. It'd probably be like an ant bite. Or a mozzie bite.

I think there are ways to get our opinions heard. Boycotting US goods is not one of them. You'd find you might be hurting our local businesses more than sending a message across (which probably won't reach, anyway!).

Get real, people! Look at the bigger picture!

Steamboat & Black Church!

There's no relationship between the two, in case you were wondering. Just two things I was gonna blog about today.

Steamboat

Well, over here in America they call it hotpot, we at home call it steamboat. But I'll call it steamboat here, because there were some friends on Facebook who thought I had a POT party.. hahah.. that was hilarious. But you know, with that many Malaysians around like what we had on Christmas night, it might actually look as though it was one! LOL!

We had our party on Christmas night, and we invited quite a few friends over, some Japanese, Taiwanese, and of course, Malaysians who are based in NY at the moment. But it turned out that we had SEVEN Malaysians who came by, and it was quite a rowdy one, too! I mean, Chern Hwei and myself are rowdy as it is, but with the others it was like... oh well.. we Malaysians know what it's like when we hang out at the mamak for late nights, right? So we had Eugene Pook who came down from Rochester (that is another story, which I might or might not tell), Chee Shen (a tenor singer studying at Mannes), Wen Onn (a composer studying in NYU), Nicholas Ong (an amazing pianist based here in NY), Adriane Palikat (a drummer from Kota Kinabalu), and the two of us. Hah... all musicians. And it was a riot.. it was like home-styled mamak session! But best thing was, everyone was nuts in their own right, and I think it probably surprised the other non-Malaysian guests. We even had our M'sian styled drink cheer.. the yam seng!

Quite a good night I might add. It was a first time for some of us to have met each other for the first time ever, being in New York. But at least it's comforting to know we have more Malaysian friends here.

Black Church

I played a gig at a black church in Jamaica, Queens, last night for Leon Lacey's Day After Christmas concert. It was a part concert, part worship, kind of thing, so I got to experience first-hand, the African-American church culture. It's something I do want to experience at least once, as it is highly related to what I'm studying here in the first place, ie. Jazz. I mean, those who have read about or studied the historical roots of jazz would know that one of the major influences in the development of jazz as a distinct musical form comes from the African-American church culture.

For one thing, there was ALWAYS singing, and music at the background. Someone would always be playing the organ, or a keyboard (usually with a church organ sound) and accompanying the on-stage speaker or preacher. Then while making a testimony or preaching about something, they would build up the intensity and then would launch into a worship song (which could be either one which everyone knows, or sometimes improvised!), and just keep singing and the whole congregation would sing along, or even shout in response to a call (hence the call-and-response) or a statement. And this would go on for hours and hours, and I was there for about four hours, so it was pretty long. But the music never stops, someone would always be playing. Me and another saxophone player that night would also be playing some lines or just improvising at the back, reacting to the call-and-response of the singing, during the worship session. This was in between the short sets of which we would be playing Leon's tunes.

It was quite an energetic, uplifting, and very interesting experience for me. And I count myself blessed that I got to play and attend and experience one of this kind of church services.

Before I sign off, I'll just say that I'll post some pictures soon (when I get my off my lazy butt to upload them off the camera), so stay tuned.

Happy New Year, y'all!

Merry Christmas!

My first Christmas away from home. Well, I don't celebrate Christmas as much as most Westerners do anyway, but still, it's always a time where we get to spend it with some company, whether with family or friends. This time Xmas eve was pretty much alone, most of the housemates were out playing Xmas eve shows, mass, etc. I was chilling out watching Buffy episodes online and drinking egg-nog (too bad the non-alcoholic one). But today we're doing a nice dinner session, where hotpot (or steamboat in Malaysia) is the main theme! We're getting some Malaysians and some Japanese and Taiwanese people to come over, and most of them.. no, ALL of them are musicians. So we're gonna have some fun tonight.

And too bad (or good, depends how you look at it), it has stopped snowing. It was pretty sunny today, so it was kinda nice! Snow maybe interesting for the first day or two, after that it can get rather depressing! Hahaha..

Well.. whatever it is..

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!!