Dog-tired

Groan.... am glad it is the weekend. Am tired out from the week... I need a break... a looooong break.... SOON!!!

The other day, had to do homework for my group's music rehearsal, and as I was plonking away on the keyboard trying to pitch my notes, my eyes were literally closing. Nodded off a couple of times, and finally decided to gather my various music sheets before they scatter on the ground, and to sight read instead for rehearsal. Thank goodness I can still get away with sight reading at this initial stage, otherwise will surely "kena" from the group's music directors.

On another note, was home for dinner the other day, and as I was supping, my elder sister was watching "Brothers and Sisters", a TV series currently showing in the US. I watched for a bit, and oh no... I got hooked! Would normally avoid protracted drama series, but this one is pretty interesting. Damn! Now I have to start watching again...

Bizzzeeeeee Ramblings

Been a hectic week for me at the office. The holiday shortened week didn't help, what with various reports due, bankers knocking on the door asking for meet ups to present something or rather, and other unending things to clear. For the unit, having about a quarter of the team resigned, dampened working spirits somewhat, and I am sure my other colleagues who are left holding the work, are even more stressed. A few bonds undergoing restructuring, some primary issuances, reviews due, issues with a convertible bond, and my colleagues sure have it up to their necks! I can't imagine how smaller companies with only a staff force of one or two in the team can cope. But then again, they may not be as stringent as us. As a friend would say it, "HAIZ"! enough bitching about work... Have to look on the positive side, at least I still have a job in a market which is short of manpower. Economics theory at work... demand vs supply.

Other than that, had a gig or two, be it with WP, or singing at church weddings and getting a bit of extra pocket money, and then, blow it all away shopping! Bought a tie at RAOUL in KLCC. "A bit" overpriced at RM199, but had a 30% discount voucher. How to resist? Sigh... To make myself feel better, I checked out other ties at Parkson, with differing price ranges, and I saw one at about RM235 for a freaking tie! Nice though, but not within my budget at the moment. Think I need to upgrade some of my workshirts. Some are kind of wornout looking but comfy, so hard to recycle, or heavens forbid, throw away. Then, after all these, I read in the newspapers about some families living at the fringe of society, barely scraping by, malnourished, and living in a one-room apartment, and I feel truely blessed indeed.

Actually, was conducting interviews (hiring staff) with my boss, and once after an interview session, my boss commented, "We are very blessed and lucky", and I couldn't agree more. Why? Some candidates are struggling to look for a suitable job, we wish to help, but alas, does not match our criteria. We put an ad out about 2 weeks ago, and within 5 days, there were a lot of applicants. What does that say about the job market out there? How can I say that there's a shortage of supply? Well, I need to rephrase it by saying, shortage of supply of people with the relevant experience. Sure, we are willing to hire "fresher" staff and train them, but the immediate contribution to the team in already a short-handed position, will be slower in coming. Ok, ok! I digressed, and am bitching about work again... but seriously, that's not the point. The point is being THANKFUL. Being thankful that we still draw a pay cheque, being thankful that we have a roof over our heads, being thankful we are still alive (especially after reading about the terror attacks where over 130 people were killed in Pakistan).

Being thankful also for friends and family, and of course, the almighty. Talking about friends, finally signed on to Facebook, and managed to find a few lost college/university mates, and even some family members who I hardly contact. Still have my friendster account, but hardly utilise nowadays. Didn't play around with Multiply, too many'lah of such networking sites! Tiring'leh, having to keep track of so many community accounts.

Oh, found out I have another nephew this month, Jayden. My cousin Rufina gave birth to a baby boy. Family tree is expanding and hard to keep track, especially given that I have so many cousins. I think another cousin set up an online family tree mapped out somewhere, so that will be good for a name refresher course given the ever expanding next generation, and ever critical in the various family functions. That is, of course, provided I can find the link somewhere...

Finished reading "Fall of Kings", by David and Stella Gemmell, and thus ended the TROY trilogy. Will start on book 3 of "The Malazan Book of the Fallen" saga, entitled "Memories of Ice" soon, by Steven Erikson. Another friend recommended me to read Haruki Murakami's books, and lent me "Norwegian Wood". Hmmm, will get round to it soon I hope. Oh, am also "stuck" on the Essentials of Dr. Strange Volume 1 (comic book), but it is not holding my interest. Will somehow also plow through.

In between all these, I run around meeting friends (and bankers!) for lunch, dinner, raya gatherings, etc. So, am reminding myself to exercise. Alas, this running around doesn't count as exercise though, a pity really. Eat, eat and eat even more. How? Yeah, I have heard it before, eat in moderation, make sure I take my medication, yadayadayada...

Was singing for a church wedding this morning, after having taken my car in for a service. You know ah, the service centre officially opens at 8:30am, but luckily, I recall the sales lady informing me that I can come at 8:00am (sadly, they don't take service bookings). I got there about 8:10am (groan, have to wake up early on a Saturday morning! but at least I have Sunday to sleep in - have sunday plans all mapped out though from 2:30pm onwards until the evening! bizzzeeeeeee - weekend, oh weekend, why do you pass so fast?), and I was already like in queue at number 6! I noted that by 8:30am, the queue number got to 16! Wah!... Ok, back to topic - or some semblance of it (singing in church for a wedding), one tune keeps humming in my head. It's a new hymn/song, but beautiful music if sung well. Of course out of the 5 singers, some were miked up, while one or two didn't require a mic - those who can project their voices'lah and sing with proper support, given the good acoustic design of the church. Oh how I wish can sing in four-part harmony in such a location... but that will have to be with a different choir group. Sigh... But, on the bright side, have started learning our jingles and what nots, in preparation for December gigs. Yay! Hopefully more pocket money, and in time for christmas pressies.. :P

To the beat of the drums

Having attended a Waidako concert a few years back, with a guest artist from Japan at the Malaysian Philharmonic Concert Hall, my eyes opened to the myriad thumpety thumps of a single drum, and how those drumbeats could dictate my feelings and even the beating of my own heart. It was certainly a very good experience.

So, once I chanced upon the Hands Percussion Team performing at one of the Chinese New Year functions at The Weld this year, I have tried to follow their concert schedule to give myself a more thorough experience.

However, I missed the previous concert a while back (because I didn’t manage to get tickets, yeah, I tried to buy at the last minute), I finally caught Hands Percussion’s concert last weekend at KLPac with some friends, and am glad I went (this time, I bought my tickets early, and they played to a full house!). It was not really what I expected though, but enjoyed it nonetheless. It was a combination of drums, dance, and even song. But of course, the focal point was on drums, be it the Chinese drums, the Indian drums, or even the Gamelan type of percussion instruments.

The first number was the typical Hands Percussion style combination. choreographed drumming movements between quite a number of drummers, which set a good beginning to the concert. I liked the sets, and the lighting. Very artsy. When the white cloth flowed down at the start of the second number, I went like “Wow!”. The effect was so beautiful. Then a solo unaccompanied soprano voice rang out in Chinese to a haunting tune, and although I couldn’t understand what was being sung, it was very expressive.

I suppose I could go on and on, but will limit it to just a few thoughts:

1. Very artsy, good choreo and use of stage.
2. Some dance routine were a tad on the draggy side, but maybe I don’t appreciate dance as much as I do music. But the energy of the dancers were brilliant to my non-critical eye.
3. Costumes and props used to good effect. Even to having a water pool with dancers splashing to the Indian music extravaganza. Before the start of this number, there were some light water droplets sprayed on audiences as a precursor to the entire number. Good effect.
4. Use of gamelan percussion instruments to showcase the various percussive sounds, portraying a message was a sight to behold. Am not sure of what was entire being portrayed, but my take on it was that in the frenzied movements of the drummers, there lies an inner peace and calm. So, when the repetitive xylophone tune was heard all on its own, it moved me somewhat. With the backdrop of the 3 drummers energetically drumming away “silently”, it was a definitely a very good effect.
5. The Malay number had a mini skit, and began with a wayang kulit like setting, welcoming and hoping that the audiences have so far enjoyed the programme. Energy was high, and it was a real joy to watch.
6. No score, no drums? So what do you do? You beat the drum sticks, you clap to differing rhythmic patterns, you stomp around, creating a body percussion number with high energy, AND even get the audience involved. Seen this, done that, but they were good!
7. The final number had 3 major stars showcasing different categories of drums, culminating in an explosive finale.
8. Alas, would have liked for them to do an encore, but they didn’t. Sigh.
9. I had two "goosebumps" session - one in the first number, and one in the final number, when the drummers came together and performed in a controlled frenzy.
10. During the entire show, only saw one drumstick fly in the air, but the performer carried on as though it didn't happen. Good recovery, but I guess performing in a group with choreo, the other drummers could help cover the minor mishap.
11. However, wished there were more full ensemble drumming sessions, as that was what I really came to see (MORE! MORE!).

Till their next concert…. :)

Clockwise? Anti Clockwise?

What do you see? Do you see the dancer moving clockwise or anti clockwise??? It's pretty interesting...


A] Clockwise
- Right Brain

B] Anti Clockwise
- Left Brain

A] Right Brain Function

1) uses feeling
2) "big picture" oriented
3) imagination rules
4) symbols and images
5) present and future
6) philosophy & religion
7) can "get it" (i.e. meaning)
8) believes
9) appreciates
10) spatial perception
11) knows object function
12) fantasy based
13) presents possibilities
14) impetuous
15) risk taking


B] Left Brain Function

1) uses logic
2) detail oriented
3) facts rule
4) words and language
5) present and past
6) math and science
7) can comprehend
8) knowing
9) acknowledges
10) order/pattern perception
11) knows object name
12) reality based
13) forms strategies
14) practical
15) safe


Initially, I saw the dancer turning clockwise, indicating that perhaps I am right brain dominant. Later, was wondering if the dancer could actually be turning anti clockwise, and then, I saw it and it did!!!

Incidentally, if you don't see the dancer moving, time to get a newer PC! :P
Seriously, click on the picture and you will see the dancer move.

So, what do you see? Clockwise? Anti clockwise?

What De...??

The SP Choir presented "Circlesongs" recently at The Actors Studio Bangsar, and I went on 2Oct07 mainly to support a few members I know who were performing. The programme described the concert as:

1. Choral Improvisation
2. Dynamic Vocal Exploration
3. Rhythmic Energy
4. Universal Sounds
5. Musical Celebration of Spontaneity

And, it was certainly that! In short, it was essentially an on-the-spot jamming session for singing as well as body percussion, and even some tap dancing. Now before going to the concert, I did not expect much (after hearing mixed reviews about it), but somehow found it pretty interesting. The tap dancing added a different feel and literally gave some variation to the show, which I liked. Way cool!

Certain "songs" were highly charged, while others almost made it. Again, a few members literally shone on stage, while others were slightly more inhibited. But then again, for such a spontaneous jamming session, got to really let loose. Of course, some were more creative than others. As usual, for such improvisation, ZL, YOU ROCK!!! :)

Strangely enough, given that I am usually "in the box" kind of guy, I do appreciate such jamming sessions. Have you ever sat at a piano and letting loose on the ivories? Once a while, it creates such an adrenaline rush, that it is amazing. Of course, one can literally fall flat on the face too...

But the show was not only for the particants and audiences, it was also to support the Independent Pet Rescuers Malaysia. Awww... More can be found about the IPR here.

Move It!

Attended a concert last Sunday titled "Move It!" by the Young KL Singers at the Actors Studio in Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur. They were celebrating their 5th Anniversary.

This was the first time I have heard them perform in a full concert, (there was another time as a guest slot in another concert sometime back), and was pleasantly surprised at the talents and effort put in by one and all. And yes, the group has definitely improved.

Here are some of my thoughts on the concert:

1. Good audience attendance! Full house, even to sitting on the steps!
2. Introduced as a choral choir, but personally think the group was more pop sounding. True, not to the likes of beat boxing or body percussion, or even rockappella types, so I guess somewhere in between. Certainly not to the extent of "Choral"-ness as compared to one or two other groups in KL.
3. Pitchy in parts, especially the guys at the beginning. However, the guys have a tighter sound compared to the girls.
4. So many tenors compared to basses! Hard to find basses these days! Still, impressive to have that many guys in a choir! Even my group has like 5 tenors (part and fulltime) and 2 (one part and one fulltime) bass. Still, the women outnumbered the men, but the balance between the various voices was overall quite good (except for the bass part).
5. Untidy endings (but this is nitpicking here). Given that there are quite a few people singing, it was difficult to get all the "t"s, and what nots to end together. Understable for a large group, but is this an excuse?.
6. I liked Autumn Leaves, especially the arrangement, but thought it was too "airily" sung. More so, when the basses came in with the change in style. Could have been more contrast. Overall, one of the few songs which I really liked and remember.
7. Good keeping of time without conductor for most of the songs. No small feat this!
8. I also particularly liked the African Game Song - "Sansa Kroma". Good Choreo and energy!
9. Pie Jesu was lovely and in pitch and clear notes! However, lead soloist could do with holding the note value more instead of cutting it too short. Matter of phrasing? Still one of my favourites though.
10. Somehow, I prefered the 1st half of the programme compared to the 2nd half. Now, I am a fan of musicals, so may be a bit bias. However, I have seen another group perform similar musical numbers more solidly.
11. I like "Kenangan Lagenda" and one of the male soloist has a very, very good voice. Such pure tones! Wow!
12. The french number was a difficult one, "Yver, Vous N'estes Qu'un Villain" (meaning, "Winter, You Are A Villian"). It was performed in a smaller group, and done well, I must add! I know this one because I have gone through the music score with another choir a few years back. However, the sopranos sounded a bit "piercing" towards the end.
13. Good Choreo for "Light at the End of the Tunnel".
14. Actually, the choreo for the entire show was pretty impressive, and to be honest, "saved" some of the more lacklustre songs/soloists. Good effort though.
15. As encore, the group repeated "Magnificent Horses", which was a difficult piece to get it together. Thought it lacked energy, even when performed as a main song. Maybe the members were tired, as this was the last show for the concert. Would have liked a different song as an encore though, as supposed to repeating a number.
16. Good to see that almost all were enjoying themselves on stage. Some literally let loose, which was brilliant.

Overall, I was glad I went for the show. Enjoyed myself, and heard some very good voices from the group. Well done to all those involved in the production. "Bravo!".

Incidentally, I wonder if some of the members would be open to sing/perform with other groups. I know my group is certainly still looking for a bass. Hmm.... :)