From the name of David Tao’s concert, it is obvious what he wants to showcase in his concert. Just simply his music.
Tao kept his words on the 3 “No”.
1) No Guest Singer
2) No Dancing
3) No Stripping
Not much visual effects, not many surprises. Just a Solid Voice, a Multi-talented Band and Quality Music with a clear message.
The concert kicked off with display of animations on how humans evolved from apes.It is clear that Tao is reminding us how simple we humans were. I was rather impressed with the visuals, very sleek. In fact, the visuals on screen are very much the only element that satisfies one’s eyes in this concert. Tao’s ‘live’ is really no difference from what you hear on CD. He sounds great either way. The band he has is a solid one and almost every member has the ability to cut a vocal album (almost half of them are from Singapore mind you). One of the backup singers can play more than 3 instruments. She played the trombone, violin, flute and I forgot what else. Each time the lights lit up on her, we see something new in her hands. Both backup singers were given time to shine on stage, they were given the opportunity to sing a number of ballads with Tao. And everytime they did, Mich will be gritting her teeth and making lots of noise. With folded arms and face of charcoal, “I’m jealous! Hrmph!”. It got worse when he wrapped his arms around the 2 gals as they groove to the lovey dovey songs. Tao tweaked the tunes of most of his songs, although it took me some time to figure out which songs they were till very much near the chorus, I must say, Tao has the ability to perform them with such conviction. I bet those who heard the song for the first time would have thought this is the way the songs originally sound. And they are wonderful. There is a part of the concert which I really liked too. It’s like a short musical, pre-lude of 《今天你要嫁给我》, the drums of Indian music then Arabic singing, belly dancers started sprouting and dancing around Tao, stopping him from approaching the girl he loves, when he finally got to her, they started singing. This makes it even clearer to me that a concert does need a trick or 2 to add as plus points to entertainment. He worked in the unique music identity of different races into his songs. It was smooth. Cool.
Tao went, “I’m gonna invite one of the girls up on stage”, the next thing I hear from Mich is, “Me me! 就是我liao!” *puke* People around us were giggling lo... The unplugged performance made Tao especially charming.“认真的男人最有魅力”. Indeed. Mich was squeaking “好帅哦！”everytime he whipped out the guitar. … He is the perfect Boyfriend for her, talented, rich, plays the guitar well, great sense of humour and a strong believer of Christ. But sorry, no chance. Haha… Though Mr Tao did say he is seriously thinking of moving to Singapore.
I like the fact that the concert not only revolves around music but also a positive message put across to all. He said, “Love can move mountains.” And the flip side of the world is displayed on screen. Riots, wars, fights, the World not in peace. Such things makes him sad, he said. Awww…. There is a part of the concert that I didn't like though, what's with the Ah Lians dancing on stage suddenly?!!
I realized Tao spoke 80% in English throughout the concert. He seemed to be most at ease while speaking in English, and he must feel really good that he can speak all the Ang Mo he wants without having to worry that there will be no response. I guess Singapore is the only Asia country that gives him the opportunity to do that. Oh! He even did an English dance medley just for us, Singapore! He didn’t dance, but we did. The audience on our side seems to be a little shy and not too responsive sia. But I decided to heck care and stood up! No guts leh Mich…... The other 2 on my right stood up too! They followed suit only when I bravely stood up! Heez… Someone needs to start the ball rolling lah. And of course its me!
I must stress that I was damn relieved when I saw Mich empty-handed when we met up before the concert. Cos she did mention about banners and all. The experience with her on seeing Wu Zheng Yu at Star Awards red carpet about 2 years ago, created some phobia in me. LOL.
Oh! And my tixs are free btw. It’s the most expensive seats…. Jeolous bo?
Monday, April 21, 2008
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
《Goodbye & Hello》
因为觉得近年来的华语歌曲无论是旋律或歌词都缺乏了以前所拥有的感动和诚意，要慢又无法令我感动，要快又让人groove不起来，所以脱离了它廷久的一段时间。导致我许久没买什么华语专辑了。。。我一向蛮欣赏蔡健雅的，尤其是在一个节目里听到她唱了一首unplugged 的“Yellow”更为折服。后来听说她的《Goodbye & Hello》广受好评，也看了MTV 《空白格》，决定一试。以免自己再度对一张烂专辑失望（因为现在的CD往往只有2、3 首好听的歌）也对不起自己的口袋，在我一催再催之下终于跟Mich借到了这张专辑。真的没令我失望。三个字，‘很好听’。歌词简单但却能触摸到我心灵的最深处。虽然不是每一首歌都在反应我当下的心情，但我的思索和心灵仿佛能够完全理解与感受每首歌想表达的感觉。我无法不强调每一首歌曲有多好听，这张专辑是越听越上瘾的那一种。尤其是在夜晚，静静地聆听，更为感动。很喜欢其中一段歌词“遗憾别过度分析会上瘾 期待别捆绑自己会失望”。不能不对蔡健雅写上个“服”字。若我没记错，她以前是以英语歌曲初始的吧！那时还廷“番薯”的她，如今能一手包办华语专辑，写得如此美丽的歌词与旋律,在台湾的时间总算没白费。Tanya,你真行！听说你已定居台湾。。。Somehow 我可以understand why。
后来我想，若当时蔡健雅没踏出新加坡的话，我们将失去一个听到一把好声音的机会，一位才艺歌手也失去了发光、发挥才能的机会。我们新加坡真的要得到外国的保证才能认定一位好歌手吗？一定要在国外‘品质保证’才是好货吗？为什么就是不肯take a risk and give a chance呢？
P．S．Mich 也顺便硬塞了一张她觉得不错的专辑给我。是位RnB歌手，歌声不错，但专辑嘛。。。一个字‘烂’。里面的歌曲跟其他的千篇一律，我还真分不清专辑里的歌曲有何不同。Oh no… 不是周董，你们自己猜一猜吧。说到周董，因为买了《Goodbye & Hello》顺便买了《我很忙》，我不是周董迷，但不错哦。。。蛮好听的叻。
你在听Tanya的是《It’s True》！这是我现在的心情！慢慢欣赏吧！Cheers!
Because I feel that the standards of Mandarin songs has dropped much compared to the past, it’s been some time since I last bought a Mandarin Album. There’s too many singers with so-so voice, so-so dance with so-so looks. I’m not moved by most of the ballads and the supposing groovy songs don’t make me groove. This explains why I switched to the English Channel and this is also why I sing the same old Mandarin songs that I used to sing during my Poly or High school days during my KTV sessions most of the time. The new songs, well, maybe once in a while one would pick my ears up. Anyway, I have always been quite a fan of Tanya Chua, especially after an unplugged performance of “Yellow” which I saw in one of the Programmes on TV some time ago. I happen to see rave reviews of her latest album “Goodbye & Hello” and also got the chance to catch the MTV of “Blanks”, I decided to give the CD a listen. Of course, to not disappoint myself (becos most only have 2 – 3 good songs in an album most of the time) and my pockets, I nagged at Mich to lend me hers. After 2 long months, I finally got it. It’s a great album! I love every single song in it. The simple lyrics touched the deepest part of my heart. Although not all songs reflect my current emotions, but I can fully understand the feelings each song is trying to express. There’s a part of the lyrics from the album which I especially like. “Overanalyzing regrets is an addiction Tying yourself down with hopes is disappointment”. This is an addictive album. Somehow, I need to listen to it at least once before I head to bed now. I must say, I am very impressed with Tanya Chua. Pardon me if I’m wrong, but I remember she’s quite ‘ang mo’ and she started off with English songs (“My Colour TV” is one that I can remember of). Today, she produces her own Mandarin album with beautiful lyrics and melodies. I’m sure the time in Taiwan helped alot. Hats off to you Tanya!
I was thinking… if Tanya Chua hadn’t stepped out of Singapore, would she have made it here? Why is it so tough to be recognized of our abilities over here? Must we be stamped with the overseas “guaranteed” sign to confirm that we are indeed capable? Why can’t Singapore simply take a risk and give a chance? I somehow understood why she moved to Taiwan…
P.S. Mich die die wanted me to give another album a listen. An RnB singer, but I’m sorry. The album sucks. Everything sound the same, I can’t really differentiate which song is which actually. It sounds just like every other song I heard commonly. No, it’s not Mr Jay Chou. Talking about Jay Chou, I’m no fan of his but I bought his latest album together with Tanya’s. Surprisingly, not bad at all….
You are now listening to Tanya’s “It’s True”. This reflects how I feel now. It’s True. Haha… Enjoy!
后来我想，若当时蔡健雅没踏出新加坡的话，我们将失去一个听到一把好声音的机会，一位才艺歌手也失去了发光、发挥才能的机会。我们新加坡真的要得到外国的保证才能认定一位好歌手吗？一定要在国外‘品质保证’才是好货吗？为什么就是不肯take a risk and give a chance呢？
P．S．Mich 也顺便硬塞了一张她觉得不错的专辑给我。是位RnB歌手，歌声不错，但专辑嘛。。。一个字‘烂’。里面的歌曲跟其他的千篇一律，我还真分不清专辑里的歌曲有何不同。Oh no… 不是周董，你们自己猜一猜吧。说到周董，因为买了《Goodbye & Hello》顺便买了《我很忙》，我不是周董迷，但不错哦。。。蛮好听的叻。
你在听Tanya的是《It’s True》！这是我现在的心情！慢慢欣赏吧！Cheers!
Because I feel that the standards of Mandarin songs has dropped much compared to the past, it’s been some time since I last bought a Mandarin Album. There’s too many singers with so-so voice, so-so dance with so-so looks. I’m not moved by most of the ballads and the supposing groovy songs don’t make me groove. This explains why I switched to the English Channel and this is also why I sing the same old Mandarin songs that I used to sing during my Poly or High school days during my KTV sessions most of the time. The new songs, well, maybe once in a while one would pick my ears up. Anyway, I have always been quite a fan of Tanya Chua, especially after an unplugged performance of “Yellow” which I saw in one of the Programmes on TV some time ago. I happen to see rave reviews of her latest album “Goodbye & Hello” and also got the chance to catch the MTV of “Blanks”, I decided to give the CD a listen. Of course, to not disappoint myself (becos most only have 2 – 3 good songs in an album most of the time) and my pockets, I nagged at Mich to lend me hers. After 2 long months, I finally got it. It’s a great album! I love every single song in it. The simple lyrics touched the deepest part of my heart. Although not all songs reflect my current emotions, but I can fully understand the feelings each song is trying to express. There’s a part of the lyrics from the album which I especially like. “Overanalyzing regrets is an addiction Tying yourself down with hopes is disappointment”. This is an addictive album. Somehow, I need to listen to it at least once before I head to bed now. I must say, I am very impressed with Tanya Chua. Pardon me if I’m wrong, but I remember she’s quite ‘ang mo’ and she started off with English songs (“My Colour TV” is one that I can remember of). Today, she produces her own Mandarin album with beautiful lyrics and melodies. I’m sure the time in Taiwan helped alot. Hats off to you Tanya!
I was thinking… if Tanya Chua hadn’t stepped out of Singapore, would she have made it here? Why is it so tough to be recognized of our abilities over here? Must we be stamped with the overseas “guaranteed” sign to confirm that we are indeed capable? Why can’t Singapore simply take a risk and give a chance? I somehow understood why she moved to Taiwan…
P.S. Mich die die wanted me to give another album a listen. An RnB singer, but I’m sorry. The album sucks. Everything sound the same, I can’t really differentiate which song is which actually. It sounds just like every other song I heard commonly. No, it’s not Mr Jay Chou. Talking about Jay Chou, I’m no fan of his but I bought his latest album together with Tanya’s. Surprisingly, not bad at all….
You are now listening to Tanya’s “It’s True”. This reflects how I feel now. It’s True. Haha… Enjoy!
Sunday, April 13, 2008
The Life Process
Was having dinner with some friends last Friday. As usual, chats revolved around work and slowly moved on to future plans and partners. A Friend, lets call her A, has been persuaded by her parents to get married. Apparently, her Dad decided to have a talk with her boyfriend and highlighted that “its time”. Her boyfriend at age 24, was stumped. He wasn’t ready as we were told, but seem to accede. Not that he’s unwilling to, but just that he’s not ready. The couple have been together for almost a year. In which to many, it’s a little soon for marriage. At least for me, I very much feel so.
Friend B and Me, “Wow. So soon?!”.
“Well, He’s very nice to me. And I don’t want to give birth only at the age of 35 ok!” (She is now 27)
“But do you really love him?” B and I asked at the same time.
A: “What to do? I can’t have the one I love most.”
She had a long term relationship which was not accepted by the Ex’s family for reasons I feel, are not really valid in this generation.
Sad isn’t it? It makes me wonder what marriage is really based on. Love? Obviously not in the above situation. Is this a life process that we MUST fill in? Thinking back, if I were to fill in the life process which I set maybe 8 to 10 years ago, I would be married this year too. I’ll have 2 children (a boy & a girl) at 30, own a house, a car and holding a managerial post. Haha… But some of it seemed so distant now. To put it bluntly across, Marriage is not even in my mind now, not to talk about having children as well. Poor Mum & Dad…. LOL. Think I’ll leave this glorious task to Jess. So whose fault is this? Society? Cos my mentality and feelings are definitely “re-mould” by the experiences, environment and situations I have gone through and seen. Childhood - > Education - > Career - > Love - > Marriage - > Children - > Grandchildren - > Death. Who set the rule that life should be lived in this formula? Is this the only formula to life or success? Most importantly, Is this the formula to happiness?
I am pretty sure I can never be like Friend A. I can’t marry someone who isn’t the one I love most at that point of time. People always say, “It’s better to be with someone who loves you more.” If love is being measured, is that love? I always believe that the best thing in life, is to wake up next to the person you love most. It’s the first and last thing you would want to see every morning and before you head to bed. It creates this never dying *Spark* in you, and you would look forward to everyday. I guess some will think I’m crazy or naive. But well, it’s exactly what I feel Love should be. Marriage should be based on Love, because that’s one thing that will last and sustain against all odds. Of course its never gonna ba a smooth sailing process and I’m not saying it’s a never dying love or that the love will definitely last forever, but at least at that very moment. You will feel you’re the most fortunate human being in the world. I often tell my friends, “It’s not forever till both of you lie in the coffin still in love with each other.” Come to think of it, precisely because “forever” is so hard to attain, shouldn’t we cherish whatever we have now even more before it slips away?
So where will life lead me? Hmm… I wonder… But I can tell you now, I’m desperately looking for love. *As Always* Haha… *Sparkle* in life! Where are youuuuuuuu???????????
By the way, I realised. Friend A didn’t answer our question. I guess the answer is obvious….
Friend B and Me, “Wow. So soon?!”.
“Well, He’s very nice to me. And I don’t want to give birth only at the age of 35 ok!” (She is now 27)
“But do you really love him?” B and I asked at the same time.
A: “What to do? I can’t have the one I love most.”
She had a long term relationship which was not accepted by the Ex’s family for reasons I feel, are not really valid in this generation.
Sad isn’t it? It makes me wonder what marriage is really based on. Love? Obviously not in the above situation. Is this a life process that we MUST fill in? Thinking back, if I were to fill in the life process which I set maybe 8 to 10 years ago, I would be married this year too. I’ll have 2 children (a boy & a girl) at 30, own a house, a car and holding a managerial post. Haha… But some of it seemed so distant now. To put it bluntly across, Marriage is not even in my mind now, not to talk about having children as well. Poor Mum & Dad…. LOL. Think I’ll leave this glorious task to Jess. So whose fault is this? Society? Cos my mentality and feelings are definitely “re-mould” by the experiences, environment and situations I have gone through and seen. Childhood - > Education - > Career - > Love - > Marriage - > Children - > Grandchildren - > Death. Who set the rule that life should be lived in this formula? Is this the only formula to life or success? Most importantly, Is this the formula to happiness?
I am pretty sure I can never be like Friend A. I can’t marry someone who isn’t the one I love most at that point of time. People always say, “It’s better to be with someone who loves you more.” If love is being measured, is that love? I always believe that the best thing in life, is to wake up next to the person you love most. It’s the first and last thing you would want to see every morning and before you head to bed. It creates this never dying *Spark* in you, and you would look forward to everyday. I guess some will think I’m crazy or naive. But well, it’s exactly what I feel Love should be. Marriage should be based on Love, because that’s one thing that will last and sustain against all odds. Of course its never gonna ba a smooth sailing process and I’m not saying it’s a never dying love or that the love will definitely last forever, but at least at that very moment. You will feel you’re the most fortunate human being in the world. I often tell my friends, “It’s not forever till both of you lie in the coffin still in love with each other.” Come to think of it, precisely because “forever” is so hard to attain, shouldn’t we cherish whatever we have now even more before it slips away?
So where will life lead me? Hmm… I wonder… But I can tell you now, I’m desperately looking for love. *As Always* Haha… *Sparkle* in life! Where are youuuuuuuu???????????
By the way, I realised. Friend A didn’t answer our question. I guess the answer is obvious….
Friday, April 11, 2008
1个月了！
好快哦！在新的工作岗位已有一个月。时间飞逝，虽然已对这里有些许熟悉但还是有廷深的陌生感。和旧工作环境比起来，我在这得放慢大概一半的脚步吧！很多时候我都在等回复，因为大家虽然在不同的部门，但工作都是紧紧相扣的。而我是负责协调整个计划的负责人所已不能单独行动或作决定，速度就自然地缓慢很多。说真的，很不习惯。从以前到上一份工作，都是在节奏快又速战速决的气氛下进行，突然间要我慢下来还真无法适应。就比如，你一直以来都开2000cc 的车，忽然得开辆1200cc的那样。嗨。。。真不知道这种日子得过多久。。。同事常常告诉我这样的日子快要结束了，叫我好好享受，要不以后就没机会了。或许吧。。。因为现在手头上的新projects还不算正式开始。 可是我很讨厌当有人问我关于工作上的问题时我无法回答。怎么说呢？他们问我一些关于正在进行的制作，但因为没有人让我好好地接手指引方向所以我显得一无所知。这个感觉很讨厌，仿佛你没把工作做好。你相信吗？我现在手头上有20个projects但却没有以前在Toy Factory的2个projects忙。因为这里工作形式是每个人都很“专一”。也就是说每个人都是focus在自己的本分就ok了。我想大公司都是这样的吧。。。以前我是Jack of All Trades，做一个project要样样都懂，策划、制作到宣传、样样都得做，若说Master我不敢当，可是我很享受这样的过程。是个很好的学习旅程，也就这样对身边不同的工作伙伴也会有更深一层的了解与谅解，人也自然地变得宽容多了。记得曾经有位老板曾经对我说，“你是属于劳碌命的那种。”现在突然不“劳碌”了，还真的觉得有点奇怪。可是奇怪，不劳碌却大大小小的meetings加起来也去了十多个了吧！
现在每天令我最挣扎的事是如何让我惺忪的眼睛不合起来。我一空闲就会开始“拜神”。Head keeps nodding cos I’m sleepy. 真的怀疑自己得了矢睡症。。。以前在lectures, meetings 时，一觉得无趣或有人在碎碎念就会不自觉睡着。 Its weird I know. My friends are already use to it. Its been years… Since Sec 4 I think.
Anyway, 觉得世界真的很小。自加入新公司以后，就一直在这里碰到不少熟人，既然还和一些朋友有机会再度合作！It’s great! 那天碰到蔡礼莲很开心！不由自主给了彼此一个theatrical hug! 哈哈。。。不知道为什么看到theatre的朋友特别开心。昨天开会时，也发现其中一个节目的导演竟然是我12岁时参加演员训练班的老师！老师不认得我但我记得老师，我告诉他， “因为你当时很凶。”导演一愣。哈哈。。。 后来，我加了一句，“放心，我是不会怀恨的！”老师马上说“这句话很严重哦！我需不需要请你吃饭？”（因为现在掌握权在我身上嘛。。。）哈哈。。。真是风水轮流转。我现在还是称他为老师，一日为师终身为师嘛。希望合作愉快。
说了这么多。。。。大家放心！我没气馁。我会努力！在这个地方发出光彩!
现在每天令我最挣扎的事是如何让我惺忪的眼睛不合起来。我一空闲就会开始“拜神”。Head keeps nodding cos I’m sleepy. 真的怀疑自己得了矢睡症。。。以前在lectures, meetings 时，一觉得无趣或有人在碎碎念就会不自觉睡着。 Its weird I know. My friends are already use to it. Its been years… Since Sec 4 I think.
Anyway, 觉得世界真的很小。自加入新公司以后，就一直在这里碰到不少熟人，既然还和一些朋友有机会再度合作！It’s great! 那天碰到蔡礼莲很开心！不由自主给了彼此一个theatrical hug! 哈哈。。。不知道为什么看到theatre的朋友特别开心。昨天开会时，也发现其中一个节目的导演竟然是我12岁时参加演员训练班的老师！老师不认得我但我记得老师，我告诉他， “因为你当时很凶。”导演一愣。哈哈。。。 后来，我加了一句，“放心，我是不会怀恨的！”老师马上说“这句话很严重哦！我需不需要请你吃饭？”（因为现在掌握权在我身上嘛。。。）哈哈。。。真是风水轮流转。我现在还是称他为老师，一日为师终身为师嘛。希望合作愉快。
说了这么多。。。。大家放心！我没气馁。我会努力！在这个地方发出光彩!
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