Avengi Ja Nahin discusses more about love than Rabbi did, and is more 'direct' in a way. By that I mean this: in the first album, the songs discussed love but with a certain tragic quality (like the lost woman in Ishtihaar or the story of Heer-Ranjha, or even the sudden change in the lovely Tere Bin where the hero makes a significant realization about the woman who left ('giving up' or losing love). In this new album, the love songs are more direct, more open, and more flirtatious in a sense, as the lyrics proclaim confidence in the hero's love and lust. Therein lies an irony that confuses me about Rabbi's lyrics. The woman in his love songs (self-written or chosen) is always leaving, or teasing, or out of his reach while the words claim the pain and loss he has felt from her. Yet, other songs are on her side, proclaiming her beauty, her strength, or even giving her encouragement. Why the difference between his love stories and social narrations?

The title song, Avengi Ja Nahin (Will you come or not), is not my favorite by any means, but it has good music. Its almost a straight talk kind of song, where the lover demands his beloved if she will come or not, if she will return his love or not, or will she just leave him with empty promises? Challa is confusing to me, and I'm waiting for more clarification on its lyrics in which the challa (ring) becomes different things that hold meaning (there was an original version sung by Gurdas Mann, which I must also check out). Maen Bolia (I said), is one of the songs I mean when I talk about a confident love...it is a defiant, bold proclamation from a lover that says that he knows she loves him, she has the fever, and she will come to him. Another love song is dedicated to the mysterious girl from Karachi, who is beyond his reach, who he can never have because of many obstacles, yet who he knows yearns for him too.

That's it for the love songs, and while they are all quite good and Challa is gorgeous in its music, none of them caught me with as much force as the simple Tere Bin did from Rabbi. The others songs are my real favorites, and not just because of their larger meanings and greater symbolism, but because their lyrics are simple and the music is just right, complementing each word. This is kind of a talent that Rabbi has that ends up bringing the most out of the lyrics (thus creating the sensation by his working of a 16th century poem, Bulla).

Bilqis, or Jinhen Naaz Nahin, will stand out for everyone who is a fan of Rabbi's social commentary. It is a narrative that is based on the shocking true story of Bilqis Bano, the woman who was gangraped in the 2002 Gujarat riots and lost 14 members of her family (and still awaits justice from the courts in India, and goes on to describe other incidents of innocents wronged by the society we live in. And Rabbi demands through their voices that the people who have such pride in India, who like to boast and claim all is well in this nation and there is only growth and no problems, who are so nationalistic and jump at any criticism: where were you? Where were you and where are you when such horrendous crimes against humanity take place?

[audio http://www.hotlinkfiles.com/files/1679241_nak84/jinhennaazhai.mp3]

Bilqis (Jinhen Naaz Hai), Rabbi Shergill

Paghri Sambhal Jatta is a re-interpretation of a popular inspirational song for the Sikh youth, and I wouldn't be able to say much and as well as is written here on The Langar Hall which I found very interesting. http://thelangarhall.com/archives/352

Return to Unity, Rabbi's first full English song, I'm still chewing and pondering over, so thoughts on that will come at a later time. Tu Avin Bandra (You should come to Bandra) is a love song of sorts to Bandra, a part of busy, bustling Mumbai. I like the song for its music, its slow, laid back quality, and the almost smiling voice with which Rabbi sings "tainu idhar accha lagega (you'll like it here)." Its a very different song, and it creates an image of a hustling, bustling, complicated Bandra, one that I'm sure I'd appreciate more if I had spent any time there. The song, for some reason, makes me think of a big city on a wet, rainy day. I really couldn't tell you why, but its a nice image and makes me happy.

[audio http://www.hotlinkfiles.com/files/1679240_vpwbs/tuavinbandra.mp3]

Tu Avin Bandra, Rabbi Shergill

Now to my hands down favorite: Ballo, a simply lovely, amazing piece giving empathy and encouragement to a woman. It is beautiful because it seems to know, to have a very eerie sense of what it is really like to have the pain only a woman can have. It could be directed to a mother, a sister, a daughter, a wife, a distressed lover. Rabbi's soothing voice begins the song with words that acknowledge pain without being arrogant or patronizing.

[audio http://www.hotlinkfiles.com/files/1679242_sonlt/ballo.mp3]

Ballo, Rabbi Shergill

Main janda, tainu aaj/Peer hundi/Dil tere uthdi ek/Cheez

(I know today you/have pain/in your heart rises/a pang)

And goes on to further accept the fact that this is difficult, that the time, the events, the circumstances, are akin to storms, raging across your word. The next two stanzas describe the betrayal and struggle a woman feels when one she treasured, loved, showered affection on, is the one that causes her this pain, this suffocation, this trauma (and Rabbi maintains the gentle tone of, "yes I know its hard").

Main Janda Aunde/Din 'ch tufan kei/Kuch Sujda Na/Uddi ey reit

(I know in the day/arrive many storms/you can think nothing/and there's just sand)

Rakhdi ti jisne tu/Saambh Saambh/Ghut ghut seene naal/La

Kal jo si sohna/Sagna da haar tera/Ajj ban gia/Gall da o faah

(What you guarded/with great care/against your bosom/very close

What was yesterday/a lucky necklace/is today a noose/around the neck)

The chorus stanza comes next and is simply uplifting, and the music changes, complementing the tone, as it becomes encouraging, telling Ballo that all of this is karma, and this too will pass, as long she faces it with dignity and strength.

Ni Ballo/Ni Ballo/Gham khada/Ey tan lekha si/Karma da/Vekh lai jar lai/Ihnu khirhe mathhey/Beetaga sama/Hovange/Katthey

(O Ballo/O Ballo/Why this sadness/This is just cause/And effect/See it, feel it/Raise your chin/This time will pass/We shall be/Together)

The next stanzas couple stanzas hold the most meaning for me, and are quite powerful yet simple. Again, I am amazed by just the depth and feel, and how does one convey so much in such few words? And exactly what is needed to be said and heard?

Main janda dabbian tu/Kai yadan/Jo suttian na gaian/taithon

O aundian ne kandhan tapp/jadon meetein tun akhan/jadon laven foki mattan/maithon

(I know you buried/many memories/that you couldn't/throw away

They come climbing walls/when you close your eyes/or when you listen to my/empty advices)

See what I mean? I may be getting too excited in my love for this song, but I personally have the impression that for a lot of women, this song is almost like what Killing Me Softly describes (for those who are fans of that song). In a song being played, you hear and feel like your own emotions have been stripped open. Except Ballo is not just empathic but aims to say "Its okay, and you can't let this bring you down." Yes, it is a struggle, and yes, it is a constant fight within you. As the next stanzas describe, you constantly judge yourself, debate yourself, accuse and sentence yourself. You try to find your faults one day, and another day blame the one who hurt you; one day you attack yourself and blame it all on your own doings, another day its not you...and yet, there is never a resolution, it is never over.

Kardi ein nitt tu/Mukadma/Kardi ein tikhian/Jirha

Kade akhein dokhi/Kade kar devein bari/Par hovey na/Koi faisla

(Everyday you/Litigate/Everyday a sharp/Debate

Sometimes its guilty/Sometimes its innocent/But never a/Resolution)

Again, the chorus comes in, and tells Ballo to lift her chin up and face the time, because this will pass.

And the last stanzas are both empowering and desolate. Rabbi ends with words that leave you both saddened, and also strangely stronger.

Tera maseeha/Bane das kivein koi/Duniya sabh bhulli firdi

Khud varke tainu folne painu/Khud painde tainu chalne paine/Navein akhar gharne paine

(Who tell me/Can be your messiah/When all are as lost

You'll have to turn the pages yourself/You'll have to journey yourself/Shape your own script)

It is the truth, and it is delivered like a soft blow at the end of a motivational speech. Ballo, there is indeed only you. Only you can control your life, pick up the pieces, create your world and your journey, clean up the messes and answer your own questions. We are all lost beings, and we cannot guide each other, and while we feel pain and hurt by each other, we are all on an equal footing, just trying to make our way and live our life.

Rabbi Shergill has a way with words, and is one of the finest lyricists on the Indian music scene now. Listen to his songs, explore his music, and interpret and research his lyrics, and each song will become an experience in itself.

Avengi Ja Nahin is available on Amazon, on ITunes, and via Yash Raj Films. For lots more information on Rabbi and to stay updated on his works, visit Rabbism. For the story behind the album, downloads, and complete lyrics and translations (and to sample the tracks), visit http://ajn.co.in.

Avengi Ja Nahin, Rabbi Shergill

I'm a little late catching up to Rabbi's latest work, unfortunately, though he has been on my list of favorite singers ever since Jugni, Tere Bin and Ishtihaar reached my ears and their words (translated lyrics, because Rabbi usually sings in pure Punjabi) reached my mind. I caught a video of the title MV from his new album, Avengi Ja Nahin, and honestly wasn't drawn in and avoided it to prevent being disappointed, but recently I thought I'd atleast go back and check out the rest of the album. And I was very glad I did. Undoubtedly, Rabbi, the self-titled first album, will be my favorite, and in my opinion is the better one, for several reasons: Rabbi Shergill is fresh, passionate, strong, and in a very unique, independent spirit in Rabbi. Those were the songs that swept millions across the world, because you can sense his "I sing for myself" and "I am passionate about my music and nothing else" spirit in each of his songs. And, his sound of rock mixed with the sufi style was so new to the stale Indipop scene (which I'd all but given up, save for Kailash Kher), that Bulla Ki Jaana was literally a movement.

BUT...that doesn't mean Avengi Ja Nahin isn't a great album. Rabbi has stayed true to his soul and his passion and has created something quite wonderful. Italian maestro Mauro Pagani has produced the album, which was mostly recorded in Italy. Perhaps there is where my personal tastes are affected: I enjoyed Rabbi's initial effort because it seemed to come purely within him; it was, after all, self-composed and self-written for the most part (or self-interpreted with wonderful results). While this one is too, there has to be some influence by the producer, and that has both its advantages and disadvantages. But it is always great when artists venture into different territories, especially when that means actually going across borders. Avengi Ja Nahin, as a result, is a very unique album. The lyrics are, as expected, quite great for the most part (still prefer the first, Rabbi, for the lyrical power, too, though). I'll discuss those further later. The music, because of the international influence is rich in its diversity. A variety of instruments have been used, and creatively and expertly mixed. Ballo has a simple, constant beat in the background, placing emphasis on Rabbi's strong vocals, and it matches the spirit of the song. Bilqis is strong, heavy on the guitars, and Rabbi seems to narrate the song, appropriately. Challa has a laidback, acoustic feel to it, like its playing on some boat with a lonely man rowing it. You can listen to the songs, get the translated lyrics and read more about the story on its official site: http://ajn.co.in/

Yash Raj Films, who are distributing the album, have a wonderful review: http://www.yashrajfilms.com/News/NewsDetails.aspx?NewsID=fc087a10-8206-4144-b14d-d06898d3bf8c

I think its great that Rabbi provided these lyrics, appreciating the fact that the majority of his fan following is not that well-versed in Punjabi. Also interesting and fun to read: the one-line comments added by him as a footnote to the lyrics. They provide a very personal insight into the creation of these songs. I'd also have liked to hear a bit more on what lies behind his composing, i.e., what drives him to choose the subjects of his songs and what are his inspirations as he writes?

Avengi Ja Nahin is another great offering by a singer, rocker, composer and lyricist whose passion for music is transparent, and who knows how to use his gifts to reach the people. I admire Rabbi for his bold lyrics, his honesty and depth, as much as I love his songs for their powerful beats, rhythms, and the energy in every tone.

PS: If you are a Rabbi fan also, then you will find hordes of information and discussion on the unofficial Rabbi blog, http://rabbism.blogspot.com.

(I forgot and was late publishing this first post. Thus, discussion on the lyrics follows soon in a separate post)

I have played a lot of festivals throughout my 35 years of performing, but this festival was unique. We asked some of the world's best artists from classical, jazz and folk traditions to appear. We sought artists who transcended barriers and in the process becoming innovators with their own creative lives in music. We identified the kinds of artists that, by their very presence and inclusion in this festival, epitomized this musical tapestry of breadth and dimension in music.

We wanted music that was inspiring, performances that were moving, traditions that were held to new standards, and new musical ideas that brought us together and asked us to marvel at the possibilities of music and of art. For those of us who had a hand in planning this music festival, making the connection to Seattle music lovers, to Pacific Northwest music lovers, and to the national and international audiences the festival drew helped us accomplish our goal of extending both musical and cultural bridges. That goal was met with great results.

I wanted to lend a hand with inspiring a theme of participation at SummerFest — not just to entertain and delight audiences, but to inspire audiences to do wonderful things musically and culturally when they return home. And we did see audience members sampling our variety of concerts with this theme of anticipation and participation throughout the festival.

I loved performing my Double Concerto for Violin and Cello with Maya Beiser and Seattle Symphony — and, especially, my opportunity to tell everyone that this music was to lift up and remember the heroes made in the aftermath of 9/11. Likewise, I loved stepping on stage at Benaroya Hall and playing my Six Caprices on the solo violin before a symphony audience, all with a renewed energy and physical stamina I had not realized before. And more great memories: Performing with my Hot Swing ensemble in tribute to one of my musical heroes and teachers, Stéphane Grappelli; sitting in with Earl Scruggs and with Wynton Marsalis during their respective concerts — what a festival!

Even introducing the shows and letting the audiences know what was coming in the following days was a rush! I played my slow piece, Appalachia Waltz, with some young string-playing prodigies from the area in front of toddlers and their parents for the Tiny Tots Extra. I could simply hear nothing but babies screaming! But I could sense something special in the room as we played, as parents rocked their babies back and forth. Then the parents led them in a standing ovation after that lullaby. It seemed as if we tapped in to something beyond what we could have imagined in very young children for a moment.

Years ago, I forged a new musical path. Sometimes a hard path to walk unimpeded, and it often still is not the easiest of ways. But I always felt that my three loves in music — my love for classical music, for jazz and for folk traditions — must co-exist in new, important, and in much better and more sophisticated ways than they had before. Sometimes it is the music and compositions that bring about the new dimensions, sometimes the performers do it on their own, and sometimes major American symphonies can represent these dimensions, as Seattle Symphony does in its programming and performing. Sometimes, too, it is a team of arts presenters that are responsible for thinking of staging such possibilities — such is the case Seattle Symphony Executive Director Tom Philion, who centered on a mission to create something beautiful for Seattle audiences. The wonderful and collaborative combination of these people and ideas became SummerFest.

We had classical audience goers at Earl Scruggs; we had folk audiences members at Wynton Marsalis; and we had jazzers at Mahler. Well, it was a dream scenario — participation through appreciation. That is the festival spirit, and that is what summer is all about for musicians. Those things, combined with the best weather in the United States in any July of any year, and some of the best food to taste and natural beauty you could ever see in any metropolis, this is something, really something to consider visiting next time. With your help we can grow to become a summer tradition in
Seattle come July!

Mark O'Connor

Meherbaan, A.R. Rahman, from Ada

All the time until I finally leave for HK is going to be very, very busy. Its already been quite full, although I've had more than my share of lazing around and aimlessly youtubing videos (speaking of which, I'm addicted to 우리 결흔했어요 (We Got Married): its reality television you can watch without guilt! Like most Korean reality shows! ). Anyway, while this is a period of exciting changes and new beginnings for my family, it is also somewhat scary, worrisome, like all change is.

Right now I'm mainly focused on figuring out all the wedding arrangements. Now that some of the stuff has gone into place, I'm a little relieved, but until we move the rest isn't really going to happen. At the same time, working on the wedding and the house has taken away from my work out time, and this was meant to be the get in shape once and for all summer (is that at all possible anyway?). It is too darn hot, for one thing, it just makes me sick to step out. Second, I can't do work out videos in an apartment which is for one, upstairs, and also full of chaos. Its too crazy. If things get chaotic or too messy, my way is to just completely give up and go into ennui. It makes no sense and it doesn't help, but its a desperate solution. Right now, I know we will move soon and also I will pack up and leave soon, so it makes me want to bother less. And I do bother less. Argh vicious illogical cycles.

I've booked my ticket to HK, which is exciting, and which makes it very real. I've also been confirmed for housing. Its an expensive room, but cheap for HK, and its on campus which I wanted for the communality, and at the same time its a single with its own bathroom (I like me privacy). I've been in touch with some people, which is a little comfort, especially the fellow Scholars going to HK. They seem like nice, intelligent and social people, just my type, and I'm looking forward to hanging out with them. So far, I don't feel very nervous, just a little tense of all the stuff I have to figure out (like darn visas, and insurances and stuff), but I think the closer it'll get the more I'll be apprehensive since I'm practically moving there. I'm used to living away, but living with the knowledge that I can't run anywhere to family in a 40 mile radius is new. Its a little exciting, but very strange too.

I'm now brainstorming for ideas for my travel blog. I decided a brand new blog would be apt, but I'm now not sure if I want it to be under this blog or just a whole new niche. Lets see what I do with that. I'd probably continue to blog on this for more general stuff and my opinions on other non-HK-living stuff, but I'd like to devote the other blog just to my time there and my experiences and adventures.

A couple of things that have made me quite happy recently:

*Ada...the new A.R. Rahman album, from which I've posted the song Meherbaan. Its a great album, though there are certain songs that, while being very Rahmanish, are also not clear on their inspiration. Tu Mera Hai has a very 90s feel, as does Milo Wahan Wahan, they're somewhat unusual and not something you're used to hearing nowadays. I enjoyed Hawa Sun Hawa the most, undoubtedly. Sonu Niigam is in full form, and Alka Yagnik's voice is like sweet honey, but not too sweet. The lyrics aren't spectacular, but it makes up for that with emotion. Meherbaan has Rahman's voice, which surprises you again. How does the man change his voice to suit the style so well? So very different from Khwaja, yet still similar in the sense that Meherbaan too is filled with words I cannot understand. The song plays on the relationships between words and symbols and metaphors, so I miss out on many, but the ones I do get are lovely (this is not a direct translation, just the lines I really love. Thanks to Bhabhi :D)

Tu Hai Zabaan, Main Hoon Bayaan (You are the language, I am the speech)

Tere Bina Main Hoon Bezameen/Tere Bina Main Beaasmaan

(Without you, I am without land. Without you I am without sky)

Tu Hai Nadiya Main Hoon Sangam (You are the River, I am the Union)

Tu Hatheli, Main Hoon Henna (You are the Palm, I am the Henna)

Tu Hai Nazar, Main Nazara (You are the Eyes, I am the View)

Tu Hai Saagar, Main Kinara (You are the Sea, I am the Shore)

Aren't those lovely?

Gulfisha is another notable Sonu Niigam number, where he's in full flirtatious form, and as my chingu S said, I have no idea what gulfisha means, but we is sure loving the song! Hai Dard sounds great with Udit Narayan, who I haven't heard in a while so can enjoy more now (distance makes the heart fonder?). It is overall quite an impressive album, and as always it amazes and astounds you that Rahman has so much talent that he can make every album, every song, sound so different, unique, with its own qualities and its own life, so to speak. Like my dad said, it makes you wonder how a human is created in this world.

*I am America, and So Can You! I finally got my copy of the legendary book by Stephen Colbert, finally being able to afford my very own copy, and I am beyond thrilled. And it is more than I could ever have wanted. Pages and pages of the grand wisdom, in your face, no words minced mouthiness of the great Colbert. It has me rolling on the ground in laughter, and it just cannot be explained just how great this book is, from the titles the footnotes to the disclaimers and stickers. It is brimming with Colbert's greatness (quite literally), and I suggest that if you haven't, you go out and buy yourself a copy this minute. Or many. And remember to stick up the sign to let firefighters know to save your copies. This is worth more than its weight in diamonds. :)

I'm going to now go look for a creative name for ze travel blog. Whee!

Butch Robbins, a great young banjo player booked at the festival — and a fantastic musician who played with Bill Monroe for a time — showed me some Scruggs licks, including the main finger roll in Scruggs' "Foggy Mountain Breakdown." To play that riff, I had to drop my right thumb from the fifth string to the second, over and over and over. Butch told me that this was how Earl Scruggs did it, and I shook my head in disbelief!

Even though my own banjo playing exploits were very short-lived (I quit playing the banjo when I was 12, though I did place second at the Woodinville contest!), I never quit being a huge Earl Scruggs admirer. I met him in person when I was 12, and attended many summer festivals at which his old playing partner Lester Flatt performed with his Nashville Grass group. The Earl Scruggs Revue, starring Scruggs and his three musician sons — Gary, Randy and Steve — took the stage at some point during these festivals, too. It was magical to be around this scene as a youngster.

Later, as a professional musician, I was invited to perform on Earl Scruggs' second instrumental album, an album he loved doing because it featured his sons. I was the only additional instrumentalist invited to record with them; it was an amazing week of recording for me, because I felt like I was invited to the Scruggs dinner table as another brother, just hanging out and hearing lots of wonderful stories, and seeing how the Scruggs boys revered their legendary father.

Just last December, I was invited to play with Earl and Randy Scruggs again, this time at the Kennedy Center Honors in Washington, D.C. I was proud to do so. I showed up to the rehearsal and camera blocking and I assumed that I was going to be a part of a bigger band with Earl. But they decided it was going to be just a trio, made up of Earl, Randy and myself. Once again, I was able to share such a wonderfully close time with one of the legendary musicians of American music, a man who invented and made popular a great music tradition.

And, by the way, ol' Earl tore it up! The audience loved it. Surely a musical highlight of the night for them. It was there at the Kennedy Center Honors that I invited Earl Scruggs to be a part of SummerFest. What a fitting closing finale for our festival!

Mark O'Connor

Earl Scruggs and an array of artists, including Abigail Washburn's Sparrow Quartet featuring Béla Fleck, perform on July 14 to round out SummerFest 2008. Want tickets? (Really, who wouldn't want tickets?) Grab them here.

Prepare to be amazed. Get tickets here!

• Scruggs Style. Scruggs was instrumental (pun intended) in developing and popularizing the three-finger style of banjo picking — one which allows for more expressivity, precision and versatility — now referred to as the Scruggs Style.
• Major Kudos. He is a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, holds a National Medal of Arts Award and has a star embedded in the Hollywood Walk of Fame. What's more, in 2005, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum dedicated special tribute in honor of his contribution to the world of music.
• Recordings, recordings, recordings. Scruggs’s discography includes more than 30 CDs and DVDs, including solo albums, as well as those recorded with Lester Flatt and as part of the Earl Scruggs Revue. Even more impressive? Scruggs has worked with some of the biggest names in music, including The Byrds, Maybelle Carter, Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, Johnny Cash, Dan Fogelberg, Ramblin’ Jack Elliot, Kenny Loggins, Waylon Jennings, Linda Ronstadt and Loudon Wainwright III, among others.
• Long Live the Legacy! Now 84 years old, Earl Scruggs is in his sixth decade as a recording artist, and still going strong. This past February, he received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 50th Annual Grammy Awards, joining the impressive ranks of Doris Day, Cab Calloway and Itzhak Perlman.
• And speaking of Grammys... Scruggs has snagged not one, but two Grammy Awards for “Foggy Mountain Breakdown,” now a bluegrass standard. Watch him pick this iconic tune on the David Letterman Show with actor, comedian and fellow banjo player Steve Martin (with whom he won the second Grammy) below:
  
]]> http://docmitasha.wordpress.com/?p=195 Tue, 01 Jul 2008 22:14:36 +0000 docmitasha http://docmitasha.wordpress.com/?p=195 Solely music-related post.

One, I can't thank Javabeans enough for this post on Yi Sung Yol, its like a gift for us information-starved fans. http://www.dramabeans.com/2008/06/profilegiveaway-2-yi-sung-yol/

It has so much information on his music, his background with UMe&Blue, his personal journey and insight into his own music, and is just a fantastic read. Best of all, she translated 20 versus 30, one of my favorite songs. How amazing is that. I was so thrilled I think I shouted involuntarily (only a few artists can bring out the fan girl in me). And to top things off, I was a winner of the giveaway! Woooohhoooo! That means I get the first CD :) Thanks so much Javabeans! Please check out this article if you'd come here looking for information on him, I'm sure you'll appreciate it as much as I have.

Also, Mary R commented on one of my YSY posts (thanks!) and gave me some more news: http://www.kome-world.com/uk/article.php?id=142 He was awarded the Musician of the Year Award for In Exchange and also the Best Modern Rock Single at the Korean Music Awards. Yes! It pleases me that he's getting these awards and recognition: couldn't go to a better, more-deserving artist. His music just blows our minds away!

Two, I have yet to describe my trip to California, in which I had gallons of fun and was quite the traveler and adventurer. One of the best bits was our last-moment trip to Oakland to catch Summer Beats 2008, the amazing concert with Atif Aslam, Kailash Kher, Richa Sharma and Amanat Ali (who, I'm sorry to say, should have spent more time backstage observing his sunbaes than on stage). How do I begin? Amanat Ali wasted too much time. But then Richa Sharma struck just the right tone with Saawariya as she gracefully came on stage. Her Dama Dum Mast Kalandar was a bit too much the fourth time around (there really was no need, especially since it wasn't her song anyway), but she did a medley of some of her best intros (Jag Soona, etc). I wish they'd have cut her by just 2-3 minutes. Next tiny Kailash Kher with his big beautiful voice walks on. He was so short, I was totally not expecting that! But he makes up for what he lacks in height with his powerful voice. He picked great songs, starting with Sajna Tere Bina, going on to Chak De from Khosla ka Ghosla, and singing his two beautiful hits, Teri Deewani and Saiyyan (I'm so crazy with this song right now). The dancers were just amazing too, they did a beautiful, fitting sequence in Teri Deewani, making the whole song amazing. He got the audience involved, introduced his band Kailasa, and was so genial and funny that it was definitely worth it. He was probably the best performer of the night.

[audio http://www.hotlinkfiles.com/files/1524453_nwwmq/KailashKher_saiyaan.mp3]

Kailasa-Saiyyan (Jhoomo Re)

And then, onto the main event (atleast for me), but thanks to the stupid MC and Amanat, the rockstar of the night Atif Aslam only got like 25 minutes (and he was not happy about that). After commenting on the time he got right into it though, and kept it high energy the entire 25 minutes, ending rather abruptly. Atif is truly a rockstar, and he showed his colors. It was amazing. I always think that a concert is worth your money if you see something you'd never get on a good pair of speakers, and clearly Atif thinks the same (see, we're made for each other), because he did his most famous songs with variations, did guitar solos, threw in some crazy rockstar moves. Of course, to see him live and realize that the man actually is that damn good looking has its advantages to it too. And yes, when he lets go of his cool dudeness and smiles, it is so, so, worth it. (Hold on a minute while I reminisce...)

The big drawback: the sound quality was bad in the theatre. Atif sings really close to the mike (just like John Mayer and YSY: I see a pattern here!), and the sound system wasn't set up for that. As a result his words weren't clear, and sometimes there was feedback (not fun). When we did hear the words, it was interesting to note how different his enunciation is. He pronounces a lot of words with a strange accent, and a different emphasis, and really mouths them out. He's born and raised and educated in Pakistan, so I'm pretty sure that just comes from his singing style, he just likes to really throw his words out there, and enunciate each one. Its hard to explain, you just have to hear him/see him in concert, but its unexpected. Ofcourse, I'm totally biased so I take the positive spin on that :). He sang his most popular songs, but left out Woh Lamhe and Doorie, but I think that was on purpose because he was a little miffed at the time he was left (I can totally understand that too: wth was it with the extra time given to others??). Pehli Nazar Mein: when he began, I think my heart skipped a beat. He started from the first stanza and the audience went crazy. He did variations of Aadat, and sang Tere Bin, which was a huge hit too.

The man sure keeps his energy up, and he has some freaking amazing guitar skills. The whole band does, and I kind of wish he had introduced the rest, atleast given them names, because he had some great talent in that group. He did one or two slow songs too, which included the pretty Kuch is Tarah, but not enough. I'm such a big fan of his deep, strong voice that I would have really liked to relish that for atleast a couple more songs, rather than the heavy rock star music and guitaring. I mean, I definitely loved the musical extras he gave the audience, but I longed for a little bit more of his voice. When I got back home, though, I realized his new album Meri Kahani was out. So apart from planning our wedding, I spent some time checking that out. Its recieved more criticisms than his last album (Doorie), because he's totally changed his style. I didn't like Doorie as much (except the title track), so I barely paid attention to those criticisms, and yes, I was right, his new explorations do more for me. Atif has ventured out of his usual, comfort zone, of which many were getting tired, and tried something new and different for him and his voice.

You may not be able to tell with this title song, but perhaps this next song, my favorite one (a duet with a Pakistani female singer, SKJ), will throw more light.

[audio http://www.hotlinkfiles.com/files/1524344_iel1u/f_Aslam_-_Kaun_Tha__Kapkapi_.mp3]

Atif Aslam-Kaun Tha (Meri Kahani)

This album has quite a few slow songs (yes!), leaning towards acoustic, giving his voice and the lyrics more space than his previous songs tended to. Also, more emphasis is given to a subdued, understated quality of his voice than to the power alone. As in, while his previous hits have relied on his high notes, the throwing out of his voice, Meri Kahani doesn't do that as much, but tries to bring out the softness, huskiness and emotion in his voice. I've always felt Atif has a 'tragic' voice, which I find hard to explain, but its like that very first time you hear Aadat, or you hear Tere Bin, and you're immediately drawn because he plays directly on the listener's emotions. You feel his voice more, and the lyrics mean less. I'm not being fan-girly, because even when I don't like his songs, I can appreciate the depth of his voice. So Meri Kahani tries to prove that his voice has more than the deep, tragic, low facet...he has more talent than just stretching the note.

On the negative side, this means some of his songs are not as clear, he seems to mumble or they are just too soft to win over the guitar. Also, the strange accent troubles me a bit in this album, especially when he pronounces Tha (the word for was) as Ta. That just sounds wrong, especially with the female singer doing it the right way. I'm not sure why he does that, if its just a by product of enunciation or what. There are also some rock tunes, mainly the too-heavy-metal for me tune, Hungami Halaat, and Chor Gaye leans towards the usual rock and guitar numbers. I completely disagree with critics who claim the album is lacklustre or sounds similar throughout: I'm not sure which album they've been listening to. I think thats just backlash from disappointment, because most fans enjoy hearing the kind of music they love rather than watch their artist foray into different fields. The album has plenty of flaws, and some songs deserve to be reworked (like Humrahi, which goes along just beautifully until it suddenly changes its mind and decides not to be acoustic, and the whole tune gets changed, leaving the listener in a "whaaa" stance). But overall, being as objective as I can, I think Atif has taken some huge steps to explore his musical skills with this attempt as singer and songwriter and composer. The album is personal, a narrative that is more honest, open, and bolder than his previous work has been. His songs are varied, and cover a broad range, ranging from memories and childhood, to love, longing, loss to even a dialogue on man and society with Rabba Sacheya, an adaptation of Faiz Ahmad Faiz's Punjabi poem about man's expectations from God and the problems with society (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meri_Kahani). That isn't a weak effort or experiment, but an impressive attempt by a singer who, to be honest, doesn't need to work so hard to sell (his voice is enough to sell like hotcakes. Infact, every album he has sung a track for in recent times has been a hit in the Bollywood music industry alone). He may be indulging his personal tastes and his desires to expand his portfolio, and he makes some mistakes, but Atif Aslam has a very, very forgiving listener base, and with his truly impressive talent, he should be lauded for taking chances and forging into new territory.

And now I'm done reviewing music for the day. I have yet to go into Rehman's Ada, and rave some more about Atif Aslam. I'm considering posting some of my video from the concert, but between planning a wedding and planning my impending move to a new country, I unfortunately have less time for good ol' fan girlness. Pity.

[PS: I just heard from my chingu that other places weren't as lucky to have a good Summer Beats concert, and got some ol' fashioned swindling instead, with Raghav (Raghav????!) being pushed down throats. And the later concerts got cancelled because of Atif's visa problems (yes. Racial profiling at its best). I feel pretty darn lucky to have had a fairly decent concert, and a great time, albeit the beginning. If this happened to you, please don't let it put you off from attending future Atif Aslam or Kailash Kher concerts (when they are allowed into the country, and when the producers are able to get their act together). From my own experience I can say, they put on a damn good show, and its enjoyable and worth the money (a reasonable sum of money that a student may afford), and you take home more than just what you would have heard on your speakers. So atleast give 'em one more shot. 'Course, this comes from a completely biased source. :) )

]]> http://summerfest2008.wordpress.com/?p=24 Thu, 19 Jun 2008 19:43:10 +0000 seattlesymphony http://summerfest2008.wordpress.com/?p=24

You'll be swimmin' with the fishes (in a good way) at Seattle Symphony's presentation of The Blue Planet Live!, a big-screen, underwater adventure with live orchestra accompaniment. Featuring a score by renowned film and television composer George Fenton — who will lead the Orchestra in two performances, July 8 & 9 — The Blue Planet Live! presents a natural history of the world's oceans edited for the big screen.

Should be an experience you won't soon forget. Says Fenton:

The boundaries between cinema and television are becoming progressively blurred. Most films are made with the television in mind, while at the same time, more and more people are able to enjoy television on high-quality screens and with stereo sound to rival the cinema. The true difference now lies in where and with whom you watch. This show is also about being part of a theatrical experience, which involves sharing these incredible images of incredible creatures in a way that we can’t in front of the television. The makers of The Blue Planet are only too aware that the oceans and their inhabitants are increasingly under threat. Attempting to understand and protect them is perhaps the ultimate aim behind these remarkable films.

Want to bone up on your undersea knowledge pre-screening? Read on for some seaworthy suggestions.

Take a trip to a Puget Sound–area beach (from Des Moines' Redondo Beach to North Seattle's Carkeek Park) and participate in Seattle Aquarium's Beach Naturalist program [PDF]. Learn what seastars eat, why seaweed is slimy, and what you can do to help protect Puget Sound's species-rich shores.

Looking for some saltwater fun this weekend? Check out Point Defiance Zoo & Acquarium's Beluga Whale Play Day [PDF], from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, June 21. Can't make it this weekend? Visit the Zoo & Aquarium any time for all kinds of underwater enterprises.

Or, simply stay at home with a few deep-sea flicks. Our picks:

• Finding Nemo. Little fish, big ocean, incredible journey.
• Whale Rider. A father-daughter tale from New Zealand.
• The Hunt for Red October. Tom Clancy's political thriller of a Soviet sub captain's defection tricked out for the silver screen.
• 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. Kirk Douglas vs. a giant squid. Need we say more?
• The Abyss. Freaky underwater phenomena. Plus a funky submarine!
• Free Willy. The story of a boy and his orca.
• Jaws. "Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water..."
• The Yellow Submarine. The Beatles (à la animation) take on the Blue Meanies with pop songs and psychedelia.

Photo courtesy BBC Worldwide.

]]> http://summerfest2008.wordpress.com/?p=18 Wed, 11 Jun 2008 17:27:51 +0000 seattlesymphony http://summerfest2008.wordpress.com/?p=18

Welcome guest blogger Jane Eaglen! Read on for Jane's take on playing the the tragically romantic role of Isolde in Richard Wagner's Tristan und Isolde. And don't miss her recreating that role in concert with Seattle Symphony, when she performs the heartwrenching Liebestod as part of Wagner and Mahler, June 26–29 at Benaroya Hall.

Isolde is a role very dear to my heart in many ways. It was while singing my first Isolde here in Seattle that I met my husband and subsequently moved here permanently. It is also a role, and an opera, which never fails to move me musically and personally. It's the age-old love story of star-crossed lovers, destined never to be together, but heightened with some of the most emotionally moving music ever written.

Isolde's Liebestod (literally, "love-death") was actually called by Wagner her "transfiguration." It is the climax of the opera, but is a wonderful self-contained work too. Combined with the Prelude, it still manages to convey the love story and the passion of the entire opera. Wagner sanctioned the two pieces together, which probably counts as the longest cut in opera — almost four hours of music cut!

I'm thrilled to be performing this work with Maestro Gerard Schwarz here in Seattle, a few months after we presented the piece in Helsinki, Finland. It's always a thrill for me to have the honor of singing Wagner's music, and to constantly find new things to marvel at and hopefully share.

Image above: Jane Eaglen as Isolde with Seattle Opera, 1998. Courtesy Seattle Opera / Gary Smith.

]]> http://summerfest2008.wordpress.com/?p=8 Thu, 29 May 2008 18:36:21 +0000 seattlesymphony http://summerfest2008.wordpress.com/?p=8

SummerFest 2008 kicks off with a blockbuster Seattle Symphony concert: get set for the epic sounds of Wagner and Mahler, June 26–29, featuring local superstar soprano Jane Eaglen singing the heartwrenching Prelude and Liebestod from Richard Wagner's über-tragiromantic opera, Tristan und Isolde. (Read all about her experience playing Isolde in Seattle Opera's 1998 production here.)

Born in 1813, German composer Wagner was, hands down, among the most influential music-makers of the 19th century. His boundary-breaking ideas about melody, harmony, drama and aesthetics turned the opera world on its head, and spurred one of most heated and long-lasting controversies in the history of music.

Like to learn more about this colossal composer? Look no further: Below, find some factoids about Herr Richard.

• Wagner the Lover. In 1863, after one failed marriage and several affairs, Wagner fell in love with Cosima von Bülow, the 25-year-old daughter of composer and pianist Franz Liszt. Even though she was married at the time to the famous conductor Hans von Bülow, she and Wagner moved in together and began a torrid and much-publicized affair that resulted in three children (two of whom — Isolde and Siegfried — were named for characters in Wagner’s operas) and an eventual marriage in 1870.
• Wagner the Inventor. Not content with the capabilities of the brass section when writing his epic four-opera cycle Der Ring des Nibelungen, Wagner devised his own tuba, the aptly named “Wagner tuba,” to provide a greater variety of brass sounds.
• Wagner the Revolutionary. Wagner’s revolutionary tendencies were not limited to pushing the limits of musical convention. In May 1849, he participated in an uprising in Dresden, and was even suspected of creating explosive devices. Not long after, a warrant was issued for his arrest and he fled the city.
• Wagner the Writer. Unlike most opera composers, who adapted pre-existing plays or used newly written libretti, Wagner wrote the texts for all his music dramas — himself!
• Wagner the Megastar. Wagner fans, or “Wagnerites,” are still among the most fanatical classical music fans. The average wait-time for a ticket to attend the Wagner Festival in Bayreuth is seven years. But fear not: To tide you over while you wait, Symphonica, the Symphony Store, has stocked a supply of Wagner action figures (pictured above in the Samuel & Althea Stroum Grand Lobby at Benaroya Hall). No more Wagnerless nights for you!

And, if this isn't enough for you, check out Seattle Opera's online Wagner tribute.

NEXT WEEK ... Catch Mahler Madness! Get acquainted with Gustav the Great, whose Symphony No. 6 follows the Prelude and Liebestod, June 26–29.

]]> http://kamaldollah.wordpress.com/?p=428 Sun, 27 Apr 2008 23:30:58 +0000 kamaldollah http://kamaldollah.wordpress.com/?p=428

Someone saw me drawing at a shopping mall, as it was closing time, he took my card and called a few days later and engaged me to do a studio caricature of him and his girlfriend. That was my first studio caricature commission. He is a school teacher and Head of Department at Bartley Secondary School. He later engaged us to do one for his boss (principal) who is leaving, by this time we were getting better at studio caricatures.

This time around he called again and insisted that I do an assembly programme for his school. Another first for me. I sincerely thank Mr. Asmadi Mohamad for his appreciation for the art of caricatures and putting me to a higher platform once again.



Mr Asmadi (second from left) presenting me with their school teddy bear.

]]> http://docmitasha.wordpress.com/?p=160 Wed, 16 Apr 2008 20:44:42 +0000 docmitasha http://docmitasha.wordpress.com/?p=160 This has TOTALLY made my day. Maybe my week. Its been a while since I did a search for 이승열/Lee Seung Yeol (I was in the habit of googling him often in search of new info earlier). Today, seeing the hits for my post on him (here), I thought I'd give it a shot. And I found a video of his live performance! Wonderful! I am not sure how rare this is, but this is the first one I've seen. If anyone else knows of any other, please let me know! Many thanks to gesa04!

He is performing 비상 (Bi Sang, or Fly High), which was on the OST of the Wonderful Days.

I think the entire performance is amazing, and his voice just sounds so much more wonderful and energetic live. I'd kill to go to concert! The band giving him company does a great job. He seems really focused and entranced, and its interesting how he sings really close to the mike. John Mayer does the same thing.

*Goes off to listen to In Exchange again :)*

Edit: He needs to be rocking on a bigger stage.

]]> http://carlaereyes.wordpress.com/?p=105 Fri, 11 Apr 2008 19:18:50 +0000 carlaereyes http://carlaereyes.wordpress.com/?p=105

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Raandesk Gallery of Art presents: "Feminine Continuity- Collage Paintings by Carla E. Reyes," was on view from February 8 through April 18, 2008 at In Good Company, 16 West 23rd Street, 4th floor, viewing hours: Monday through Friday, 9am- 8pm, and by appointment.

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Thanks to those who joined the artist for an afternoon viewing and intimate gallery talk on Sunday, April 13th from 12-1pm. This event was free and open to the public. Light refreshments were served and there was an artwork purchase discount for attendees.

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View photos from the event

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Raandesk Gallery of Art has produced an exhibition catalogue, in collaboration with the artist. Copies of the catalogue were available to guests at the event, as well as online by request. This publication is 25 pages, including full color images of all the works on view, descriptive content in the artist's own words, and an introduction by Raandesk Gallery Director, Jessica L. Porter.

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Click to view Feminine Continuity Catalogue in pdf format

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You are welcome to share your comments and feedback below...

]]> http://blog.uncensoredinterview.com/?p=6 Tue, 20 Nov 2007 14:20:45 +0000 leerjet http://blog.uncensoredinterview.com/?p=6 We don't like to get into politics too often here at Uncensored Interview (we prefer our artists to do the talking instead), but after watching the latest round of Republican and Democratic televised debates and cringing throughout, I feel compelled to share with our faithful readers the candidate who has cinched up my vote for the 2008 Presidential Election:


Cap'n Crunch

That's right, I'm voting for the Cap'n. And why not? His record speaks for itself - Four decades of service in the navy, a Purple Heart for his bravery and valor in defeating the Soggies in the famed Crunchberry Wars of 88 - 92, and a solid, unwavering voting record in support of a delicious, nutritious, balanced breakfast. He's well recognized, respected the world over, and is often on sale, 2 for $7 at participating supermarkets (void where prohibited). Plus, he's got great fashion sense. I mean, who else could rock the blue coat with yellow buttons and anvil shaped hat look like the Cap'n? It's classic, yet understated. Fashion, by the way, a big issue in the upcoming elections. Well, at least it is to Justin from Semi Precious Weapons:


We love this guy, by the way. He reminds us of Courtney Love, that is, if Courtney Love were a tall, flamboyant white guy, wore more eyeliner, and didn't have her own strain of venereal disease. Oh, and also, if she didn't murder her husband. But I digress, check out the rest of Semi Precious Weapon's video clips, trust me, they only get weirder and a hell of a lot more awesome.

Getting back to world affairs, I had an epiphany yesterday while running the Philadelphia Marathon, right around mile 22 when I started peeing blood and seeing visions of circus midgets dressed as pre-Reconstruction era Presidents, merrily gangbanging Lindsay Lohan and exchanging high fives (they got the beard just right on Abe Lincoln, by the way): To trick our enemies, why don't we declare war on one country, and then bomb the hell out of another instead? Catch 'em off guard, as my grandpa would always say. Of course, he was also holding six feet of rope and a rag full of ether when he said that, but I still think it's a good strategy no matter what. Wanna take out Iran? Tell CNN we're declaring war on Inner Mongolia. Watch how prepared Iran will be for an attack. Then once we've leveled Persia and turned most of it into a parking lot, we'll send in Agnostic Front and a bunch of their friends to turn Tehran into the next Lower East Side:


That's right, we've got NYC hardcore legends Agnostic mother fucking Front for you this week. And let me tell you, they got deep with us, man. Like Ron Jeremy deep. I'm talking Roger admitting he's got a unicorn tattooed on his arm:


Don't forget to check back all week for new video clips from Semi Precious Weapons, Agnostic Front, Nell Bryden, Man in Gray, The Bastard Fairies, and more of your favorite indie artists. Plus, we like website hits. For every 1,000 hits, we make just enough money to feed an entire village in Somalia for a year. I'm not saying that we actually send that money over there (we don't, we blow it all on coke and strippers), but it's nice to imagine that we do. Oh, and to all our faithful readers, have a happy Thanksgiving, unless you're Native American, in which case, don't trust the white man.

]]> http://docmitasha.wordpress.com/2007/10/07/just-plain-rough/ Mon, 08 Oct 2007 02:21:10 +0000 docmitasha http://docmitasha.wordpress.com/2007/10/07/just-plain-rough/ Its been a rough couple days (weeks? months?) and I know they're not going to get any easier :( . Time has literally flown, and I'm not the only person who's said that. This year has passed like a couple weeks...I'm seriously beginning to wonder if there isn't a strange phenomenon....global speeding up or something? I'm really not sure how I'm supposed to pull everything together in a couple weeks, amongst interviews and travelling, but clearly I have no choice. So I can just work at it.

Couple things to cheer me up/bring me up some:

1. Ingrid Michaelson (I discovered she's the one behind that really neat Old Navy commercial tune, apparently i'm way behind thousands of others who found her the same way..."if you are chilly...here take my sweater...cause I love the way you call me baby" :) ...and discovering a new artist is like opening a Christmas present)

2. Regina Spektor ( on the same note, though she's not really new, just new to me, again thanks to a JC Penney commercial which plays Music Box...and her music is now coming up everywhere...eccentric and strange in a good way. I recommend watching her very neat videos on youtube. Fidelity is a great song to start off with, listen to it 1-2 times and you'll be hooked. Also, side note, very intriguing accent)

3. The rain today which does wonders to calm me after a rough time.

4. Also Javabeans post on Tablo/Epik High, a subject that is always great to read/talk about:  freakin' amazing intelligent rappers with great music, whats not to love? (check out www.dramabeans.com)

5. Ben Stiller's new comedy The Heartbreak Kid, which is some crude, silly, stupid and often vulgar humor (kind of like the humor of Knocked Up), but a darn funny movie with no thinking or sense involved and without any connection to reality (as was Knocked Up, watch it if you haven't). A good pick-me-up for dire times, when you just need to laugh it up. But then I'm a Ben Stiller fan so I'm pretty biased (Zoolander: Have you ever wondered if there was more to life, other than being really, really, ridiculously good looking? PUAHAHHAHA...GOLD!) Interestingly, the blond actress (Malin Akerman) is very, very much like Cameron Diaz acting/behavior wise. Or was it just me? I kept thinking it was her.

If you're going through the blues like me or super duper stressed out like me or just overwhelmed with life right now, like me again, then I recommend some lavender or similarly calm smelling lotion, a cool pleasant drink you love, and some speakers to tune into Ingrid Michaelson's The Way I Am. I promise her voice and music does wonders. Or you could feed into the melancholiness (sometimes thats the way that helps) with Keep Breathing (available on ITunes, on the OST of Grey's Anatomy). Check out her MySpace page:

http://www.myspace.com/ingridmichaelson (check out an interesting discussion on her blog about her 'selling-out.' I really don't believe artists ever sell out unless they start changing up their music and style for business, but I know many people hate when indie artists start getting famous...fans of DMB, for example...its very cool of her to ask her fans, and there is some neat dialogue there about the subject)

And if you like what you hear: buy her music by picking up her CD Girls and Boys or purchasing through ITunes. I've purchased several, and no regrets. Each song is amazing in melody, arrangement, lyrics and her soothing unique voice. 

The Way I Am (Ingrid Michaelson. Girls and Boys)

[audio http://www.musicwebtown.com/samsoonah/playlists/46203/973838.mp3]

]]> http://docmitasha.wordpress.com/2007/07/13/lee-seung-yeol-yi-sung-yol/ Fri, 13 Jul 2007 16:37:29 +0000 docmitasha http://docmitasha.wordpress.com/2007/07/13/lee-seung-yeol-yi-sung-yol/ I was amazed that I've yet to write a post on Lee Seung Yeol (also romanized, Yi Sung Yol, the Lee in Korean is pronounced as "ee," there is no L in the hangul form: 이), an amazing musician, one of my favorites, whose voice had me spell-bound from the first time I stumbled upon him on youtube, while searching for "...Ing" videos.

Gi Da Rim/기다림 (Waiting)

Credit: Fluxus Music Website, and Smarie7

I fell in love. I looked everywhere for more information, more videos, songs, anything...all in vain. He is scandalously underrated in the international korean music scene, from what I can tell. I don't have much information about his popularity in Korea itself (I'm hoping he's a legend there), but I was disappointed how little he's known outside, with the burgeoning Korean pop/rock/music industry which is blossoming each day and spreading across the world. Perhaps its the younger generations who haven't woken up to his work, or the mainstream k-pop is taking up all the waves. While groups like Loveholic are slowly making their way to the forefront and gaining widespread popularity, I guess it'll take time before the indie scene is truly appreciated and equally well promoted worldwide, as it deserves to be (there are some amazing indie artists in Korea).

I was frustrated at first with the apparent lack of popularity. Sadly, I've only met a couple people who share my complete fascination with his music and his voice. I finally decided that was a good thing. This man should rightfully be known all over the world, and perhaps one day he will, but till then I'm just glad to know about his music and relish it. 이 might never become mainstream or a big k-star (something tells me he doesn't want that either), but I think the low-profile and mysterious quality allows him to maintain the originality of his music. And I've also realized that the few who do cherish him have a fine taste in music, and their appreciation is not affected by any other factor but their genuine admiration of what he brings to music, and the rock scene. And then, isn't it said that the water from the most remote of springs is the sweetest?

I do wish I could learn more about who he is and what drives him as a musician, which is always fascinating to me. Until I can investigate it further (and perhaps a better hold on Korean and Hangul would help), I'm satisfied with understanding his music. His more popular songs are "Gi Da Rim" from the movie ...Ing, "Be My Love" from the hit k-drama My Lovely Samsoon where he sang for Clazziquai, and the song on the OST of the recent k-drama Que Sera Sera--"우리는 (Urinun: Us)," which will without fail be listed on my list of lifetime favorites. His second album, In Exchange, is a wonderful collection of modern rock. Its rock with a twist of something else, an indescribable quality. I have yet to listen to the first one (haven't been able to order it yet), but the second one has me mesmerized. I know I'm using all these big words, just trying to find more synonyms, but simple words don't seem to do any justice.

It is his voice that I love most. It is deep, masculine, and rich with emotion. I've always been a fan of singers who were able to bring emotion to their voice, and 이 does that to the extent that even though I don't understand a lot of the lyrics, I can feel the meaning of the songs by the raw emotion in his tone. His voice is melodious, but not in the typical way. I think there would be many who'd be turned off because its not the conventional voice. It has a mellowness to it, but at the same time it conveys strong feelings, a passionate tone, perhaps a tragic one at times when the lyrics demand it. Each time I listen to a song, especially the very beginning of my favorite, Urinun, I get this strange rush. My mood can immediately change when the song comes on my ipod and I'll be too caught up with his voice, the energy, the passion and feeling in the song to think about my own silly conflicts or worries.

이 is daring with his music. It traverses very different grounds. Just like indie groups like My Aunt Mary, or Loveholic, 이 stands on his own, completely different and incomparable. The music matches his voice...sometimes conveying a desperate urgency, sometimes a mellow calm, sometimes an adventurous energy. Its definitely has the alternative rock quality, but it never gets loud or exhausting to hear, never plays havoc on your eardrums. The beats are always rhythmic, the instruments play in perfect harmony. I especially love the guitar in several of his songs (please note this is my completely amateur opinion). He has been compared to Bono by several people, but I personally dislike drawing comparisons between musicians, especially legendary musicians. The following song is from an anime OST, Wonderful Days: 비상 BiSang (Fly High).

 

Credit: waseline21

이 often crosses over into English, using phrases and words as several other Korean musicians do, but it never sounds forced in or unnatural, and is not marred by any strange accent or mispronunciation. He incorporates that cross-language style in this next song, another favorite, 기억할게 | Gieokhalke (I will Remember). The MV is really neat and very well conceptualized, and this is the first time I finally saw the man behind the voice, though still shrouded in shadows. He's a true rockstar.

(I especially love the entrance and the final, soft, end (어디에: audhiye, which means where are you)).

Credit: Smarie7

And in this song, 시간의 끝 (Shigane kkut-Last Time), which also blows me away each time.

 But I can't let you get away....

[audio http://www.musicwebtown.com/samsoonah/playlists/46203/650040.mp3]

I could rave about 이 for another couple pages at the least, and if you ever ask me in person I could take you song by song and tell you the little details which have led me to admire and be awed by his music. I'm not a musician, and by no means do I have any kind of professional expertise, but as a music lover (understatement), I support 이 with complete confidence and devotion. There are musicians whom I'll rave about initially, and then I'll begin noticing flaws, certain inconsistencies, perhaps forced styles that take away from the true rhythm, or their music will just stop speaking to me. But from the first time I heard his music, I knew I'd always be a fan. Lovers of fine music, especially rock, deserve to hear 이, on an international level. I hope one day he reaches that zenith. For now I continue to hope that he'll keep growing and developing his work, expanding his horizons and maintaining his originality, and I'll keep being mesmerized by his voice.

[If you enjoyed the songs posted and felt a little bit of the magic, then you'll definitely love and cherish the albums. Support this amazing musician by buying his albums here: http://global.yesasia.com/en/PrdDept.aspx/code-k/section-music/pid-1004787256/.  I've always had great, quick service from YesAsia.]

PS: If you've heard 이 before and are already a fan, or heard him here and like what you heard, please share your thoughts! And if anyone knows more about 이 I would be grateful if you'd share (you can email me or leave a comment)! If his work just isn't your cup of tea, I'd be happy to hear your opinion, though I guess we'll never be the soul sharing, music loving, bosom buddies. ;)

]]> http://docmitasha.wordpress.com/2007/06/08/slipping-through-your-fingers/ Fri, 08 Jun 2007 15:47:16 +0000 docmitasha http://docmitasha.wordpress.com/2007/06/08/slipping-through-your-fingers/ As I often do, especially each time I come to this blog (see quote under title), I was thinking about one of my favorite songs: Slipping through your fingers, by the British-Indo band Trickbaby. In America, Trickbaby has probably not been heard of (a big loss, in my opinion, and drives me crazy because I can't get their CDs), but I believe they have a fair amount of popularity in Britain, probably more in the Indo community, since their music is a fusion....better described here on their official website (http://www.trickbabymusic.co.uk : read all abt 'em!)

"Based around the song writing partnership of Saira Hussain and Steve Ager and the musicianship of Jeevan Rihal   (harmonium/keyboards and additional vocals), Vikaash Sankadecha (percussion) and Emre Ramazanoglu (drums), Trickbaby has evolved into a genuinely unique band. Described as an East/West soundclash, Saira cites influences from modern Western music through to Bollywood movie classics. It is this unique blend of inspiration, and contemporary use of classic Indian instruments alongside modern production values that provide the basis of the Trickbaby sound"

It is unique. It is very original, very different, unpredictable, and their fusion really, really works well. I first heard their music on the soundtrack of Hyderabad Blues II by Nagesh Kukunoor, who has a tendency to pick up some really cool music and find awesome artistes. They became famous in India with the very popular soundtrack of Bluffmaster, with Tadbeer Se and the remake of Sabse Bada Rupaiya, though I prefer their other original music. Apart from Slipping, the music video of which is filmed on the GB synchronized swimming team, and is beautiful, my favorites are One Man and Sea of Stories very eclectic and quirky and wonderful.

All of these songs are on the OST of Hyderabad Blues II, and can be listened to here: http://www.musicindiaonline.com/music/hindi_bollywood/s/movie_name.6966 if you want to get a taste....

Other clips are on their official site, along with a video of Slipping.

Unfortunately, since I can't buy songs off the UK iTunes :( I only have one old, and not so beloved-by-me song, called Neelaa which I'll post up to give a small sense of what their music is like. I think their CD is extremely good and a great buy, if it was only sold in the US....like so many of my favorite artists, I'll just have to wait and try to get it imported....

[audio http://www.musicwebtown.com/samsoonah/playlists/46203/512722.mp3]
Neelaa, by Trickbaby

Now that I've derailed enough from the main point of this post--the song--let me try to get back to it. Slipping is simple, inspirational, very positive and at the same time not one of those grating "the world is shiny and pretty and you should be happy" positive, which I hate. It acknowledges the complications, the anxiety and weight of the world and living, and then simply states what we all know...to relish life, to find happiness, to live fulfilled and free, one has to believe. One has to have faith that things can change for the better, that life will take the right path, that we can get on "that comet" and do something different, something that tastes and feels fresh and hopeful. Saira's slightly hoarse and melodic voice adds to the effect...she sounds like she's smiling, in a dreamy haze, looking at brighter, hopeful times.

Here are the lyrics, from the official site, where you can find lyrics to all their songs from the CD "Hanging Around."

Slipping Through Your Fingers 

Hurrying to catch my comet
No destination shown - I wanna get on it
Taking a day trip from this tragic kingdom
Give myself a small safe taste of freedom

To live forever is my new fascination
Coming back’s my inspiration

A two-way choice. A cynic or believer
Make the wrong decision watch life slipping through your fingers

Worrying about my reputation
How I’m gonna get out this situation
Faith in control of my destiny
Nobody’s gonna get the better of me

To live forever is my new fascination
Coming back’s my inspiration

A two-way choice. A cynic or believer
Make the wrong decision watch life slipping through your fingers

There's so much left to explore, to come across, to find on my way to wherever I'm going. I'm inspired to experience, to live it, to believe that I can change my destiny to fulfill my needs and desires and hopes.

A two way choice, and I'm a believer :)

]]> http://docmitasha.wordpress.com/2007/05/17/bulla-ki-jaana/ Fri, 18 May 2007 04:21:49 +0000 docmitasha http://docmitasha.wordpress.com/2007/05/17/bulla-ki-jaana/ So I am sufficiently satisfied with my PS right now (emphasis on sufficiently, I could never, ever be completely satisfied in a billion years), to take it a little easy on myself (emphasis on little, the 31st is too close). Easy as in I thought I'd hover on to my blog and write something nice and non-MCAT.

And watch the ending of Grey's, which let me tell you was pretty freaking shocking and unnerving. Left a lot of people unhappy. Not me so much, because I found out I didn't care about it as much after all, especially in this state of mind, but netizens are going crazy over it. I really got more of it when it was a roomie activity that we could bond over I miss my roomies :( I was sad that the wedding didn't work out, though, because we really thought they Christina and Burke really complemented each other in a nice way (we as in the AGO girls :) I hope you weren't too disappointed, O!). Seriously, they were good together, but the rumor of Isiah leaving has been going around for a while so I guess this makes it happen. Sandra Oh I really like, she's a great actress, the scene where she finally breaks down was pretty heart wrenching, even though I wasn't feeling anything else, she did a good job of showing how broken she was that everything was just gone, just like that, in a couple hours. "I'm free" was a strange thing to say, but I liked the "Damn it." Do we really all want to be free? I think as strong she was, I think a part of her was happy that she would be 'tied' down, so to speak, because she loved Burke. *Sighs* Sad. I also liked George, and I'm sad he failed the intern exam. It also scares me--so you basically have no other option than leaving? Wow. Intense. I missed the last couple eps, so I'm not sure who Lexi is but apparently its all the buzz. I think it'd be weird if they just started from scratch with new interns, I seriously don't think that would work.

Its good to be home. Its unbelievable to be pampered by your parents and have no chores (since i'm working sooo hard :) ) and its good to be with my soul sister (even though I miss the other ones!). She's the most inspiring individual in the world and I'm overstuffed with pride when I'm with her. She's a strong one and she'll make it through this, and I'm glad I can be a little help. I'm sure she'll kick ass on this exam. Its good to chit-chat and gossip while we study, its not so bad with her around, otherwise I was simply miserable and not getting anything done.

It is still very overwhelming though--everything that I've worked for in my life and everything that is still to come all seems to be lying on a very precarious cliff this month. ALL in this month. That idea is a little (understatement) scary. Anyway, lets quickly move off topic, as fast as possible.....*stops thinking* *brain comments sarcastically: yeah, right!*

So another thanks is in order to everyone who's been a lifesaver in giving me feedback on my PS copies. I'm so grateful. I wish I could name my first born child after all of you, but then I'd feel sorry for the kid with so many names. So I'll just say: THANKS! You already know you rock my world. Everyone's feedback has really, really been very helpful because I've got so many different perspectives.

All this deep introspection and literally vomitting my soul out to write this PS has led me to ask the eternal question again and again: Who am I after all? I can't describe myself to a group of adcoms who've never met me in a 5300 character limit. I'm so much, and yet so little. I'm filled with complexities and yet can be so simple. I'm everything I love and everything I hate. How do you really tell someone who you are?

And that thought brings me to one of my favorite songs. Rabbi Shergill's adaptation of the Sufi Saint Bulla Shah's Kafi. I find Rabbi Shergill to be one of my generation's best musical artistes. He is different, yet very earthy, very bold, and his music is exhilarating, pulsating and touching at the same time (I mean his debut album, Rabbi, I also like some of the tracks on his debut music director attempt-Delhi Heights). This song was all the crazy a couple years back, and I think it speaks a lot for the artist if he could bring a song from the 18th century and make it the talk of the town in the 21st century, with everybody looking up the lyrics. {***From the album Rabbi by Rabbi Shergill. Sample it on www.musicindiaonline.com***}

[audio http://www.musicwebtown.com/samsoonah/playlists/46203/445959.mp3]

Bulla Ki Jaana Main Koun?

(Bulla! I know not what I am) 

Bulla ki Jaana main kaun
Bulla ki Jaana main kaun 

Na main moman² vich maseetan³
Na main vich kufar⁴ dian reetan⁵
Na main pakan⁶ vich paleetan⁷

(Nor am I the believer in mosque)
(Nor am I in the rituals of the infidel)
(Nor am I the pure in the impure)

Na main andar bed-kitiban⁸
Na main rehnda bhang-sharaban⁹
Na main rehnda mast-kharaban

(Nor am I inherent in the Vedas)
(Nor am I present in intoxicants)
(Nor am I lost nor the corrupt)

Na main shadi na gamnaki
Na main vich paleetan pakeen
Na main aabi na main khaki

(Nor am I union nor grief)
(Nor am I intrinsic in the pure/impure)
(Nor am I of the water nor of the land)

Na main aatish na main paun
Bulla ki Jaana main kaun

(Nor am I fire nor air)
(Bulla! I know not what I am)

Na main arabi na lahouri
Na main hindi shahar nagouri
Na hindu na turk pashouri

(Nor am I Arabic nor from Lahore)
(Nor am I the Indian City of Nagaur)
(Nor a Hindu nor a Peshawri turk)

Na main bhet mazhab da paya
Na main aadam-havva jaya
Na koi apna naam dharaya

(Nor did I create the difference of faith)
(Nor did I create Adam-Eve)
(Nor did I name myself)

Avval-akhar aap nu Jaana
Na koi duja hor pachhana
Maithon na koi har syana

(Beginning or end I know just the self)
(Do not acknowledge duality)
(There's none wiser than I) 

Bulla ki Jaana main Kaun

]]> http://docmitasha.wordpress.com/2007/04/21/yoon-mi-rae-t/ Sat, 21 Apr 2007 04:45:31 +0000 docmitasha http://docmitasha.wordpress.com/2007/04/21/yoon-mi-rae-t/ http://reikanorakuen.wordpress.com/2007/02/27/yoon-mi-rae-aka-tasha-returns-to-her-roots/ 

I really love this artist--considered to be one of the most influential and best female rappers in Korea (I say arguably in the world, how many talented female rappers in any music industry can one name?). Her voice is amazing in both R&B and in hip-hop...it takes a completely different form each time. Its strong and powerful, and rich with emotion, in both styles. She is half African American and half Korean, and is fluent in both languages (raised in Korea). I just recently got hooked onto the single 잊었니 (Eehjuhnee, Did You Forget?) from her comeback 3rd album (after a 4 year hiatus). I can actually pick up a lot of the lyrics (yay me :P!), so I really do enjoy this song a lot, for its musical arrangement, T's really great voice, and the honesty of the emotion in the words..."Did you forget? Did you forget our happiness? Did you forget? Did you forget our love?"

[audio http://www.musicwebtown.com/samsoonah/playlists/46203/391425.mp3]

MV of the song, a little more confusing to me than the song itself.

And I really love this performance of one of her rap songs from the 3rd album, "KumEun Haengbok" (haengbok is happiness, but i don't know what kumeun is :( ). edit: Thanks to Lauren, I do know what KumEun is--Black. So the song is "black happiness."

 Its a really energetic performance, and there's a voice over (in English) by her dad....and I love these words

"Sometimes its hard to see all the good things in your life/And I know it hurts sometimes but you got to be willing to try/Sometimes its hard to see all the good things in your life/But you got to be strong and you got to hold on and LOVE YOURSELF!"

Well its Friday night (saturday morning) and I don't really have much to say. I'm almost done reading Little Dorrit. Charles Dickens was a genius, unparalleled, incomparable. Read Little Dorrit if you haven't. You won't regret it. Its not only a book with hundreds of life lessons, but its also extremely funny, comedy at its very best.

And so....Aja Aja! Coz I got to be strong and I got to hold on and love myself....  :)

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