Maybe because of our busy schedules, we hardly watch any TV these days. For movies that we like, we buy the DVD. For TV series that we like, we buy the DVD (box set). For music that we really like, we buy the DVD (concert). You get the picture.
Had a spare moment over the weekend to just vegetate, so i switched on the telly and caught a new sit-com called Last Man Standing starring everybody's favourite toolman, Al Borland....i mean Tim the Toolman Taylor! (okay, Tim Allen). Not to be confused with BBC's dramarealitycontest program of the same name. =)
The format follows the Home Improvement formula, where Tim is this average joe trying to get by and how he deals with everyday issues (by misinterpreting advice given to him for one). What struck me was one scene where he was having dinner with his wife and another couple, and was told to be nice (and lie), because the lady was dating a new guy. This guy claimed to be navy SEAL and just came back from Iraq, etc. And the moment he sprouted stuff, i started wincing because of the factual inaccuracies, which Tim picked up but had a hard time not saying anything. When he told his wife in private, she said "Why do you have to know such things?" "What things?" "The range of an M1A1 Abrams tank!", just reminded me of the wifely person and me (and could imagine her saying that to me). Both of us are repositories of strange and wacky information, which is why i always said that we'd make a formidable team in any bar quiz. LOL.
Also played for mass and it was great to share the love and passion for music with a fellow musician. My regular bassist was away, but i think his stand-in really enjoyed playing with us (and it showed in the basslines played!). I just said "imagine playing like this, tight and funky, week in week out. you really look forward to sundays, and even take to recording what you play because you inspire each other so much, you don't even remember what you yourself played, how you played it, or why you played it. All you know is, it felt real good. Funny thing is, people listening to you will feel it too."
Strange thoughts for the weekend past. That and our offspring fighting a viral fever kinda occupied our time most of the day.
Showing posts with label music. Show all posts
Showing posts with label music. Show all posts
Monday, 18 June 2012
Monday, 2 April 2012
Rainy day randomness
Had to wake up early for a dental appointment at NUH before work today, but it was raining, so traffic was pretty snarled up with trees falling all over the place, car accidents happening at every expressway (one happened right to the side of me on the AYE while in another jam *facepalm*). When i was done, a funny thought occurred to me while driving out of the NUH carpark, flashbacks of driving my fiat out of the same car park with my wife and daughter seated behind, going home for the first time. =) It was a very happy thought. Which led to the next happy thought of remembering that my carpark charges were waived (despite parking overnight) because they were servicing the car park barrier when we were exiting.
We had a visit to the church by a Nuncio...... a what? .......it's ok, that was my reaction as well. He is a papal (as in the Pope, not paypal) emissary, a diplomatic representative of the Pope having ambassadorial status. As he didn't give a homily (palm sunday readings are long enough!), so didn't really have any impression of him, aside from the congregation queueing up to kiss his ring after mass. Being the first sunday of the month, there was also free food and free country music by the Countrymen, so I hope he was entertained sufficiently! =) There was some irony in that it was 1st April, so they could have dressed up anyone in a funny hat and staff, and Singaporeans would still line up to kiss his ring.
Which led to the wife asking after i told her about his visit
wp: "so how do people know what protocol is in such instances, i mean you don't want to be doing the wrong thing right?"
z:"i don't know, usually someone knows, otherwise would that make it a cardinal sin?"
LOL that got me a death-glare from the wifely person (which was funny because nobody else at the dinner table got that).
We had a visit to the church by a Nuncio...... a what? .......it's ok, that was my reaction as well. He is a papal (as in the Pope, not paypal) emissary, a diplomatic representative of the Pope having ambassadorial status. As he didn't give a homily (palm sunday readings are long enough!), so didn't really have any impression of him, aside from the congregation queueing up to kiss his ring after mass. Being the first sunday of the month, there was also free food and free country music by the Countrymen, so I hope he was entertained sufficiently! =) There was some irony in that it was 1st April, so they could have dressed up anyone in a funny hat and staff, and Singaporeans would still line up to kiss his ring.
Which led to the wife asking after i told her about his visit
wp: "so how do people know what protocol is in such instances, i mean you don't want to be doing the wrong thing right?"
z:"i don't know, usually someone knows, otherwise would that make it a cardinal sin?"
LOL that got me a death-glare from the wifely person (which was funny because nobody else at the dinner table got that).
Thursday, 12 January 2012
music and more...
Having played with quite a few musicians to date, I find that playing regularly in a band can give you insights into how your fellow band members think in real life. Bands that play good music tend to have people who think in synch with each other. Now this does not mean that they all think alike, as much like music, there is always room for discussion. It means there is healthy respect for each other to begin with and like a good conversation, you see past any petty differences to look at the overall shape, colour and content of things.
I think there is a distinct generation gap and of all the various types, i find Gen Z the most self-conceited me-first people, so playing in a band with them presents its challenges. An insight into this can be found by asking the question: "So whose responsibility is it to keep time in a band?"
Their answers tend to gravitate along the not-me line of answer and i'm pretty sure the usual answer would be "the drummer", which is flawed, because it is in fact everyone's responsibility (not my words but that of bassist extrodinaire Victor Wooten), and everyone brings a bit to the song in various ways, not just the tradition beats, bass, rhythm and melody. I had a chance to listen to one of the songs one of my bands once, the same band where we are pretty good friends (even travelling overseas together), and hearing us play, i can hear/feel us taking turns to share the limelight. The changes in melody (and sometimes rhythm) can be heard being played by various instruments throughout the song.
Another example is when a guitarist of this generation asked me: "Can you teach me to play the keyboards/piano? I can know the chords" and while i watched, he showed me what he knew. So by noticing that he only played chords in the root position, i suggested that he practice arpeggios. He asked how many chords and how many octaves? When i replied that all of the chords and about 3-4 octaves should be sufficient, he made a face and looked like he wasn't going to carry on with his quest to learn keyboards. He persisted that I could just "teach him what he needs to play, just the basics, pointers really" but i told him it is not possible. He should learn that just like knowing all the notes and chords on the guitar's fretboard (doubt he knows), this also applies to keyboards. Which is the main reason why i haven't learned guitar because as much as i enjoy music, i know i cannot devote the time required to learning the guitar properly and i respect all my fellow guitar friends too much to want to embarrass them with bad guitar playing. There is no instant solution or "pointers only" quick fix, learning a music instrument takes commitment, time and hard work.
No real purpose to this post, aside from ranting about the younger generation and their attitude towards music.
ps as an epilogue to my post, at mass i saw a score with the words "slightly slower than 4/4 rock" scribbled on by someone and I started chuckling immediately. While it may mean something to the person, the only thing it tells me is that the person is seriously confused, mixing up the style of the beat with the tempo. Afterall, there is such a thing as slow rock, and rock 'n roll, which are two different versions of rock with vastly different tempo. And how slightly slow are we talking about anyways? LOL
Monday, 24 October 2011
Education in Music
We love music, as evident from our combined CD collection (which is more than 2000 CDs and counting). More importantly, I (we) love playing music and this is evident from the number of musical instruments at home: 1 piano (ubiquitous in Singaporean homes), 1 portable Korg keyboard, 1 venerable Yamaha EL-90 electone and 1 ukelele. We also have musical instrument apps on our ipads/iphones, including drum sets, modern synthesizers, classic pianos, guzhen, and the ocarina. Wibblewamble prefers to sing, hence we make a great pair, but i digress.
A question was posed to me during lunch as we were talking about learning music. When i mentioned that i do play the piano (or actually keyboards), I was asked: "So what grade are you?"
This is facinating from so many points of view (when i say facinating, i mean it is a bugbear of mine lol).
Because of this need for paper qualifications by local parents, some piano teachers do teach songs to their charges for the sole purpose of taking examinations, changing songs only when one examination is passed, often to the next set of examination pieces. Is this any way to learn and appreciate music? When i was younger (but old enough to discern) I once told my piano teacher, "if you teach me only examination pieces, i quit now." Of course she did not, and she even embraced music other than the classical pieces she was great at and we even shared pointers (i came in with experience on this) on playing pop or jazz or even rock pieces (Joplin FTW!).
Coming a close second as facinating question of the day is "what brand if your ukelele" Once again, this obsession to compare! Especially if the next question is "how much did you buy it for" *facepalm* Sometimes we have to learn that not everything has a dollar or extrinsic value.
For the record, it may seem like sour grapes that i didn't pass my ABRSM grade 8. But also for the record, I only took ABRSM grade 3 and grade 7, about 3 years from starting the formal piano lessons (when i was 12). And aside from piano, I was under a scholarship from Yamaha for Electone (completed grade 5 (w fundamentals), teacher's grade, if you must know), and also doing drums as well (grade 6). So paper qualifications-wise, i do have some, although one ability that i'm thankful for is that my ability to replicate a song (or at least play a version of it) after hearing it. More importantly, i feel, is that i enjoy myself playing music and do try to spread this joy to the people who listen. One day, i hope to pass on this joy and this love to our offspring, in the hope that she'd view music the same way we do, and i'm sure she'd do better not to cringe when someone asks her "so what grade are you?"
A question was posed to me during lunch as we were talking about learning music. When i mentioned that i do play the piano (or actually keyboards), I was asked: "So what grade are you?"
This is facinating from so many points of view (when i say facinating, i mean it is a bugbear of mine lol).
- It reflects our Singaporean attitude of measuring one's success using a formal qualification system.
- It shows our
kiasucompetitive streak in wanting to compare against others. - It demonstrates plain ignorance in trying to apply an exact science to an inexact art (the engineer in me gave up trying to define one's level of musicness).
Because of this need for paper qualifications by local parents, some piano teachers do teach songs to their charges for the sole purpose of taking examinations, changing songs only when one examination is passed, often to the next set of examination pieces. Is this any way to learn and appreciate music? When i was younger (but old enough to discern) I once told my piano teacher, "if you teach me only examination pieces, i quit now." Of course she did not, and she even embraced music other than the classical pieces she was great at and we even shared pointers (i came in with experience on this) on playing pop or jazz or even rock pieces (Joplin FTW!).
Coming a close second as facinating question of the day is "what brand if your ukelele" Once again, this obsession to compare! Especially if the next question is "how much did you buy it for" *facepalm* Sometimes we have to learn that not everything has a dollar or extrinsic value.
For the record, it may seem like sour grapes that i didn't pass my ABRSM grade 8. But also for the record, I only took ABRSM grade 3 and grade 7, about 3 years from starting the formal piano lessons (when i was 12). And aside from piano, I was under a scholarship from Yamaha for Electone (completed grade 5 (w fundamentals), teacher's grade, if you must know), and also doing drums as well (grade 6). So paper qualifications-wise, i do have some, although one ability that i'm thankful for is that my ability to replicate a song (or at least play a version of it) after hearing it. More importantly, i feel, is that i enjoy myself playing music and do try to spread this joy to the people who listen. One day, i hope to pass on this joy and this love to our offspring, in the hope that she'd view music the same way we do, and i'm sure she'd do better not to cringe when someone asks her "so what grade are you?"
Monday, 5 September 2011
Smurfs.....
So there is now a remake of Smurfs (and a revival) with the upcoming Smurfs movie (in 3D!), and lots of people are reliving their childhood and/or introducing the joy of little blue men (not to be confused with the wee free men of the Discworld) to their offspring or the nearest kid they can find. =)
My own memories of the smurfs are similarly childhoodish, and can recall setting the VCR to record these shows so that i could watch it, and then rewatch it over and over again. In fact, it was through the Smurfs that i discovered the joys of remixes. One of my first tapes was the Smurfs Christmas Party, which you can listen to sample tracks here. I marvelled at how funky the remade Christmas carols sounded and wanted to experiment for myself, as up to that point in time, I had been playing music strictly to score (score is king!). Like a Terry Pratchett novel, it opened my eyes to the possibility of existing stuff done or viewed in a new way, and how to share this exciting variant mutant hybrid with other people. So began my musical journey into expressing myself, although it can be viewed as starting steps into the world of jazz. LOL
My own memories of the smurfs are similarly childhoodish, and can recall setting the VCR to record these shows so that i could watch it, and then rewatch it over and over again. In fact, it was through the Smurfs that i discovered the joys of remixes. One of my first tapes was the Smurfs Christmas Party, which you can listen to sample tracks here. I marvelled at how funky the remade Christmas carols sounded and wanted to experiment for myself, as up to that point in time, I had been playing music strictly to score (score is king!). Like a Terry Pratchett novel, it opened my eyes to the possibility of existing stuff done or viewed in a new way, and how to share this exciting variant mutant hybrid with other people. So began my musical journey into expressing myself, although it can be viewed as starting steps into the world of jazz. LOL
Monday, 8 August 2011
weekend...
It is weird feeling to head to work on a Monday that sits astride a weekend and a public holiday. Naturally, quite a few co-workers are on leave to make it an extra long weekend, so any work requiring interaction of any sort will have to wait. LOL
Speaking of the weekend just past, managed to catch up with my old secondary school mates over dinner and drinks, so that was a nice way to kick start the weekend (although the morning after wasn't so great lol). Did some shopping at Taka as well, and when i say some, i mean alot, because Kino was having 20% off and the wife had a list of books to buy. What a combination. LOL
Sunday was interesting because we had a Countrymen set in the morning that was absolutely rocking. There are times when i look at the guys i play with and am just amazed and blown away by their singing and playing. Great fun playing with them and entertaining everyone in the canteen. There were times when it felt as if the keyboard was on fire with playing that i wanted to douse it with gasoline and light it up, just to be able to bring it up a notch. LOL
Had to cover for evening mass as well, which was interesting since i got to impart some musical knowledge. I think a good musician should be able to inspire others to do better and to ignite that passion in them. Not something i made up, but something i observed from watching and interacting with great musicians.
Speaking of the weekend just past, managed to catch up with my old secondary school mates over dinner and drinks, so that was a nice way to kick start the weekend (although the morning after wasn't so great lol). Did some shopping at Taka as well, and when i say some, i mean alot, because Kino was having 20% off and the wife had a list of books to buy. What a combination. LOL
Sunday was interesting because we had a Countrymen set in the morning that was absolutely rocking. There are times when i look at the guys i play with and am just amazed and blown away by their singing and playing. Great fun playing with them and entertaining everyone in the canteen. There were times when it felt as if the keyboard was on fire with playing that i wanted to douse it with gasoline and light it up, just to be able to bring it up a notch. LOL
Had to cover for evening mass as well, which was interesting since i got to impart some musical knowledge. I think a good musician should be able to inspire others to do better and to ignite that passion in them. Not something i made up, but something i observed from watching and interacting with great musicians.
Monday, 27 June 2011
scaling new heights
Just a quick update from my previous post on playing at Sacred Heart (i didn't play for midnight mass, just morning mass...).
Got to play for first communion mass on Sunday and it was heartening to see so many young ones all excited about receiving communion. Good mix of hymns as well in terms of style, ranging from country (Come and Dine) to latin (Blessed Sacrament), and ending the mass with everyone quite upbeat (Bread of life). Also got to impart some knowledge in terms of how to slot in a scale while playing using modes. I use this (too?) often to either break the monotony, bridge a gap, or lead the choir (and congregation) to their starting note between phrases. Sometimes i just use it (like i did on Sunday) to fill in for the left hand while leading with the right, and it provides a really nice harmony background. Heh.
Got to play for first communion mass on Sunday and it was heartening to see so many young ones all excited about receiving communion. Good mix of hymns as well in terms of style, ranging from country (Come and Dine) to latin (Blessed Sacrament), and ending the mass with everyone quite upbeat (Bread of life). Also got to impart some knowledge in terms of how to slot in a scale while playing using modes. I use this (too?) often to either break the monotony, bridge a gap, or lead the choir (and congregation) to their starting note between phrases. Sometimes i just use it (like i did on Sunday) to fill in for the left hand while leading with the right, and it provides a really nice harmony background. Heh.
Monday, 22 November 2010
Playing for mass
I think i have settled down at Sacred Heart after moving over after Easter. It has not been an easy process trying to realign my playing style with the existing band, but i think i'm getting there, especially after (what i felt was) a really good mass yesterday.
Good mix of songs that started out mostly in the minor keys before moving on to more funky contemporary tunes and ending with the grand hymn, Majesty. =) Looking ahead, this will be my first Christmas in this church, and the band structure is pretty fluid, so i'm not sure what time mass i'll be playing or whether i'll be playing at all.
I think playing for mass where the lead sheet is quite skimpy (and sometimes all over the place) does improve my playing, provided i put into practice what i've been learning. Lately i've been playing a lot more bossanovas and latin jazz pieces, just because they feel and awesome, and also because the technical (i.e. classical) jazz pieces are quite beyond me right now. Lol. Upwards and onwards!
Good mix of songs that started out mostly in the minor keys before moving on to more funky contemporary tunes and ending with the grand hymn, Majesty. =) Looking ahead, this will be my first Christmas in this church, and the band structure is pretty fluid, so i'm not sure what time mass i'll be playing or whether i'll be playing at all.
I think playing for mass where the lead sheet is quite skimpy (and sometimes all over the place) does improve my playing, provided i put into practice what i've been learning. Lately i've been playing a lot more bossanovas and latin jazz pieces, just because they feel and awesome, and also because the technical (i.e. classical) jazz pieces are quite beyond me right now. Lol. Upwards and onwards!
Monday, 2 August 2010
music and more
Quite a few things to say about this actually, 'cos we are a musically inclined family. We both play the piano and WW sings as well (i just croak, according to my music teacher lol) and our combined CD collection is the envy of many, although it will be our offspring who inherits this (although CDs will be out of date by whatever time). Actually, we are hoping that she inherits more than just our CD collection and it has been evident lately that she is quite particular about her music.
We were watching Happy Feet one day while she was just lying quietly nearby, and we noticed that she was thumping her feet to the music during the scene when Mumble Happyfeet was leading the penguin mass dance. =)
She is also quite picky about her music as there are certain types of music where she will frown and show her disapproval, then there are others where she'd listen and then fall asleep. So far, she does not like jazz (i assume because of the dissonant chords) but loves pop music. So she'd frown at Michel Camilo, but falls asleep listening to the Eagles. Only exception is Eliane Elias, whom she just listens quietly (yes!) and lately i've been informed that she likes Dave Koz as well. =)
I think the spookiest moment for me was when she started singing along (wordlessly, of course) to one of our recordings we did at Sacred Heart. Could not imagine that she really has a sense of timing and is applying it by using her voice, and she's not even 3 months old?!
Speaking of Sacred Heart, this coming Sunday is going to be a day of music as i have to play for 2 masses and canteen duty at the same time.
We were watching Happy Feet one day while she was just lying quietly nearby, and we noticed that she was thumping her feet to the music during the scene when Mumble Happyfeet was leading the penguin mass dance. =)
She is also quite picky about her music as there are certain types of music where she will frown and show her disapproval, then there are others where she'd listen and then fall asleep. So far, she does not like jazz (i assume because of the dissonant chords) but loves pop music. So she'd frown at Michel Camilo, but falls asleep listening to the Eagles. Only exception is Eliane Elias, whom she just listens quietly (yes!) and lately i've been informed that she likes Dave Koz as well. =)
I think the spookiest moment for me was when she started singing along (wordlessly, of course) to one of our recordings we did at Sacred Heart. Could not imagine that she really has a sense of timing and is applying it by using her voice, and she's not even 3 months old?!
Speaking of Sacred Heart, this coming Sunday is going to be a day of music as i have to play for 2 masses and canteen duty at the same time.
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