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Acoustic
Jam 11 I should like to say that we are small fish struggling for survival and competing for publicity against our high class artsy fartsy brethren, those with state-of-the-art sound systems (probably sponsored by beer or cigarette or other corporate profits) and any music that dares to call itself "Jazz", which always gets priority in the glossies. In this context thanks greatly to the Malay Mail for managing to slip us in amongst the sharks and whales. After all we don't make any profit out of giving a patch of stage to those who actually make their own music (instead of just repeating someone else's) and it is a thankless effort to make fliers (flyers?) and going to the trouble of asking shops or outlets to put up posters or allow fliers to be laid on counters (you go back a few days later to find they have been purposely put where no-one can possibly see them). And the other thing is: people are not exactly queuing up to appear in Acoustic Jam, and every time we try to make up a programme for the next evening, there are quite a few people who fail even to acknowledge e-mails offering them a place, or who when you ring them answer "I'll get back to you about that" or some other non-committal response but who never do. The fact is: we can't offer you 2000 bucks a time to appear in our mega-show sponsored by so-and-so, but on the other hand it is a chance to put your stuff across to a completely quiet and attentive audience instead of one that's getting drunk and shouting into each other's ears. (if you want to appear in AJ then send a cassette or CD of you or your band - preferably a live performance - to Lemang Music, 80, Jalan Kasah, 50490 Kuala Lumpur. But I have to say, AJ is biassed towards singles, duets and trios - acts that don't use kit-drums, because of the problem of drums always being too loud in such a small space) If this speil sounds like a grouse, well it's also a celebration, as well as being a grouse in a good cause. It comes out of the vain effort of sending out bios and photos of performers to the media in the hope that they will print some of it (as I have mentioned one or two do - and thanks again lest we be throught of as kecil hati or something like that). It's a celebration because at least we've done it (even if there's an element of self-interest - We're Acoustic Artists too!) and maybe this will encourage more home-grown music that doesn't hurt the eardrums. Reading this through, I am thinking: maybe I'm asking too much, or I'm too critical or two purist or whatever So on to the show itself: I thought it was very satisfying and one of the best ever as far as standard of musical performance was concerned. Here are a few notes on the performers: Ariff Akhir Rich, gutsy soulful vocals and songs that are really well crafted and pleasing. This guy has what it takes. I really enjoyed his set, which comprised a good variety of tempos and moods from strong rock to delicate ballads, his voice backed by his own and another guitarist to lift the songs to a suggestion of a rock backing. Y2K These guys have some nice sweet songs, and come across as such attractive people on stage. They have a flair for spontaneous comedy which made up for a bit of weakness on the vocals. Very charming set and good guitar accompaniments too Peteteo Here we have Malaysia's answer to David Grey, Steve Earle and Gordon Lightfoot - not that he is merely imitative of these - he has his own style and original though sometimes rather dark songs a la Leonard Cohen. But also the potential hits such as "Marianne" and "Jessolton Tonight" which really stick on the brain. Very professional delivery with fine vocal control and guitar playing. We wish him well with his forthcoming album which keep yer fingers crossed will put Malaysia on the international musical map at last. Jungle Jam This band centres around Malik's magnificent flute and tabla playing. We had some trouble getting the guitar sounding right - sorry guys, one guitar amp blew. But despite technical problems it was a fine flowing set with some excellent percussion complexities, though time exigencies meant that we had to cut it short. We should have had you guys performing for the whole of the second half - perhaps another time in the future... Chak This guy's performance was an example of how to charm the audience into your pocket. A cheeky looking guy with his five piece band including backing vocalist and five delicious songs - one cover - with good vocal and instrumental arrangements. Drumming slightly too loud as usual but otherwise a fine balance and ecstatic audience response. We most importantly thank Donal who did the sound (I mean he really literally sweated to get it right, despite equipment failure and wear and tear of facilities, so that the humidity in the air was rather more than usual - adding to the weakness of the air-con which is out of everyone's control I am told) We thank Chong who was the lighting technician, the Actors Studio for supporting this show series and enabling it to be staged, Ming Jin, Kim and co; and all the performers (including the side men) who played for peanuts (this will be worked out and individual nuts will be paid to you in due course)
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