Tuesday, October 31, 2006

Where there's an end.. there's a beginning..

21 October 2006.. marks the end of what was a really good band, The Happy People Quintet.

That's the end for us.. at least for a long while. Many people asked me, "Why?". And my answer is as simple as this:
It's just time. You just know it's time to end, when already feel it's time to end. The feeling is as undeniable as a hunger pang. It's a pity, I know.. but it's all about moving on.. we are all moving on to other things. True to the Buddhist quote, "The only thing that is permanent is impermanence". It was good while it lasted, though. We all had a good time for most part, and we played some kick-a$$ music.


My only regret was that Justin couldn't be here with us to finish the show. So in fact, our real final show as a band was at Top Room in July when Justin was around.

==============

The beginning..

This is also making way to my own new project band I've been wanting to start on for a while now. My only obstacle was to find a suitable pianist for the band, one who either knows the language and understands the music, or simply has the interest and desire to be part of it.. and I've finally found one.. by chance! But I have a strong feeling it was just simply affinity.

Two Thursdays ago, after a gig in Ritz Carlton with Sharizan, Martin calls me up to go to BK Jazz to their Thursday jam sessions to jam with the resident band, and although I never had much opportunity and the suitable time to go except for this moment, I decided to head there to meet him up. I got in there, sat with Martin, proceeded to talk to him a little until the piano player who was there to jam started playing. My head turned with surprise and disbelief, with what I heard. The cat was just playing crazy!! Let's just say, I hardly hear something like that around, except if you were to go to a place like the US or Australia.. and he has the language and the sensibility of a jazz cat!

After jamming with him a bit, I managed to get his contact, and the following preceded to book him for a couple of gigs. And after last night, when he came to TTR to jam, I'm even more convinced with what I heard.. it was simply amazing! This cat can really, really play!! He had just came back from West Virginia University in the US.. at least this is one cat who did something good with his education in the US.. can't say the same for some of the others who go to "prestigious" or "famous" schools, and still can't play shit when they return, and can still brag about it.

Well, I hope that this new band I'm doing will work well... I hope not to repeat some of my old mistakes in running a band! That's why I made them.. so I could learn from them. Everyone definitely seemed interested to be in it..

.. if you want to know more, do stay tuned! I'm looking forward to this one!

Wednesday, October 18, 2006

Top Room Photo

Here's a nice video of a photo shoot we did last Sunday, before the jam session... What happens when you put 15 jazz musicians together in an attempt to do a photo shoot?

Enjoy.

Tuesday, October 17, 2006

Gigs This Week!

Hey all,

I know I haven't posted in what seems like weeks.. oh wait, it probably is...but I guess I'm just not in a blogging mood these few weeks. Well, I'll get back into it again, I'm sure. So for now, just bear with my lack of updates to this page. Anyway, here's a few gig plugs:


HAPPY PEOPLE QUINTET @ BANGKOK JAZZ

The Happy Jazz men from KL are back..

...but unfortunately, it will be also our finale show. The last couple of years have been great with the band, but it's time for each of us to move and experience different pastures. Perhaps in the future, the band will get back together and do some really good shows! Who knows what the future holds?


The Happy People Quintet are:


JULIAN CHAN - saxophones and flute
EDDIE WEN - trumpet and flugelhorn
NAZRIN "AJ"
- electric bass
CHARLES WONG
- drums

(and subbing for Justin Lim and doing a fine job!)
LEONARD YEAP - piano, keyboards

I would like to thank, on behalf of the band, everyone who has come to our show and supported us, and we hope we also have shown the same for you! THANK YOU!

=================

SALAMIAH HASSAN, JUNJI DELFINO AND DAVID GOMES
TWO HOT MAMAS AND ONE COOL DADDY AT THE TOP ROOM!!



Make way this weekend for two of the hottest Mamas in songland as bosom-buddies, Junji Delfino and Anya, aka Salamiah Hassan, swing, croon & belt their way to The Top. Ok, so the picture doesn't exactly sizzle but, trust me, these chicks are hot... I mean after all... spring chickens, they are not. And believe me, I should know! (~_~)

Long-time friends, Junji & Anya share a combined passion for life, love, music, shopping & all things beautiful. And not necessarily in that order :)

With a combined career-span of 50 years or so, these two women are worthy of a spot on Mommy's Hall of Fame. With 7 children between them, the two have juggled the demands of building their homes & raising kids while achieving success in their individual careers. Wanna find out what makes them tick? Catch them in action this Friday along with dashing daddy, David Gomes on piano!

Meanwhile, get treated to another double bill on Sat as Junji & David go solo when they revisit songs from the great songwriters! Listen to them and find out why they are the undisputed top-rated husband & wife act to grace KL's jazz scene since Tony Soliano & Julie Sudiro.

A first drink charge of RM25++ applies which goes directly towards subsidising the cost of the music. Hey, musicians have to eat too, you know? Contrary to popular belief, musicians do not live on smoke, crack & sunshine alone! I ain't kiddin!

Showtime starts at 10:30 both nights. Whatcha waitin' for??? Call now and book your seats. 03 21428611. Email also can... info@top-hat-restaurants.com

See ya there!!!

--
http://www.thetoproom.blogspot.com

Tuesday, October 10, 2006

Ya know I'm baacckk...

Hey all,

I'm just back from Shanghai, after the Jonathan Lee concert at the Shanghai Indoor Stadium. The concert went well, plus a few bloops on my part here and there, but generally very well. I hope I'll have the energy and time to write about it, or even post up some pictures. We sure took a lot pictures, well, Eddie did anyway. Probably about 3 GB worth of pics and videos!

Anyway, I'm off to bed. See y'all soon!

Thursday, October 05, 2006

Greetings From Shanghai!!

Hey all,

I really regret not being able to update the blog much more this past week or so. It's one of those moments where stuff takes precedence from updating my blog, which includes work.

Anyway, I just want to say that I'm typing in from a hotel room in Shanghai. Here I am again, but this time to do the Jonathan Lee World Tour concert. You know what I love about this gig, not only do we get to play some good music, but it definitely comes with the perks! We're staying in this cool 5-star hotel called Hua Tin Hotels and Towers, just opposite the Shanghai Indoor Stadium, where we are performing on Friday night.

Well, we've taken loads of pictures, even though we've only arrived TODAY, 4th of October! Hopefully I'll get time to upload it once I get back from Shanghai.

Till then... tata y'all!