Photos from MCOBA Dinner

I don't have much time to blog here, so let me just share the photos instead...

The formal photo of the band. From left: BroNadzri (lead/rhythm guitarist), BroTifli (lead keyboardist/vocalist), BroSadat (bass guitarist), BroMihad (percussionist/vocalist), Shazz (2nd keyboardist/pianist), BroArida (vocalist), BroWieBurn (drummer), BroAki (vocalist)

The goofy side of us... well, kinda.

Waiting for our turn, patiently... It's already midnight and Ahmad Fauzee's band was playing so passionately. At least I got to see Ahmad Fauzee in action, right in front of my nose (we were sitting at the table right in front of the band's stage).

The little stage for us. Keyboardists had to stand in front of the stage due to limited space. The vocalists... well, they prefered to be on the main stage beside us.

Concentrating hard - BroMihad, BroNadzri, BroWieBurn and BroSadat.

Not much of my photos, of course,

- Shazz @ DCmates

12 Nov 2008

The Big Night

Friday, 7th November 2008... 24 hours before the 'big night'. I arrived to check out the venue, waiting for Sadat to arrive - he called me right after I bought my dream hat at Sungai Wang Plaza! Right timing, bro!

Saturday, 8th November 2008... Let the photos do the talking (and I wil blog some more later if I'm free).

Timecheck 01:30PM, Istana Hotel lobby, empty but not quiet. Mihad said we can have lunch together (all the band members, I mean) around this time, but never mind, I already had mine. Hhmm... waiting...waiting...

Timecheck 01:40PM, the great Ballroom. The 'meeting' on coordination of agenda and setting up for the whole show was still going on. It's almost 2PM! Hhmm... it will be a loooooooong wait.

Saturday night jam at Jalan Bukit Bintang. I was on the way to Istana Hotel. Kenit called me around 8:45PM, checking on my situation - I was at my house main door about to leave, after an hour 'mending' on my make-up (I hate make-ups!). He said, the dinner had not yet started, so take your time... Yeah, right!



The moment I arrived, parked my car, about to rush to the lobby, I saw a group of 'weirdly-dressed boyz' walking towards me. Huh? "Why do you guys look so awful?! Hahaha!!" Thus, I joined them for a drink at the nearby Mamak restaurant. Sadat playing his mobile game, "This is the only thing I can do (while waiting)." Yeah, that's why I brought along a story book to read, just in case. From right: Shazz (2nd keyboardist), Sadat (bass guitarist), Tifli (lead keyboardist).


Mihad, in action, debating (or should I say, gossiping) on what had happened, what's happening, and what possibly will happen... Anything la dude, as long as you're happy. From left: Wieburn (drummer), Kenit (guitarist), Mihad (percussionist/vocalist), Aki (vocalist). Missing from picture: Arida (vocalist).


To be continued...

Saving the full story to the end,
- Shazz @ DCmates
10 Nov 2008

Jamming session 06 Nov 2008

I was a bit calmed down after the long (emotional) week. I arrived early, as usual, and waited for others. All of them arrived after 7:30PM, so imagine how bored I was waiting from 6PM.

As I was having my drink at the Mamak next door to the studio, I sorted out my file with the list of songs to be played. There was a lot of duplicates in the file, so I made quite a mess on the table. I just ignored the 'jelingan mamak' who noticed the lump of mess I made...

I thought we're taking out Runaway, but the boys insisted of sticking to the list. So Mihad and Tifli practiced hard on the song, making harmony out of the vocals. I guess the more they listened to the song, the better they understand how to 'pitch up' the high note in the chorus part. Good job, guys!

Overall, we ran through the whole list of songs twice, alongwith the narration and introduction from Tifli (as our band 'MC'). I tried to 'wiggle' some chords during the intervals of songs, as a background sound for the MC.

All went well. Hope to rock the dance floor, tomorrow night. Good luck to the DCmates!

Not sure if I could eat tomorrow, the tinge of nervousness is an inch away...,
- Shazz @ DCmates
07 Nov 2008

Jamming session 03 Nov 2008

I was pissed the day before, and it didn't go off due to my lack of sleep, monitoring my kiddo's high temperature overnight. The afternoon itself exhausted me even more, with running around sending kiddo to clinic etc, that I was feeling really down... stressed!

When I reached a parking spot in front of Rhythmix Studio, I didn't bother to walk up too far to K3K where my Band Leader would be. Mamak is enough for me, I didn't need WIFI anyway.

Sat down, ordered my light dinner and iced coffee, plugged my ears with "Sway" and started reading the music notes that Tifli gave last week.

Understanding and collaborating the rhythm and melody from both sides (softcopy audio and hardcopy visual) were quite tricky. I managed to write down the lyrics within the music notes, so that I could understand better how to come in for the keys melody and rhythm. I even had to sing out loud and snap my fingers to the tempo just to understand the 'slot-ins', etc.

After a while, Mihad called to verify the venue of our practice. (Huh?) At that same moment, our 2 vocalists (Arida and Kamal) arrived. They sat on another table, inviting me over to join them but I had to say 'no'.

Sorry, guys! I had to pack and go up to stamp on the 'poor' piano in the studio to understand these notes I just studied. Sigh...

I was tired enough to doze off in the studio for a while, before we started our jamming session. I requested to leave slightly earlier than the end time, because I needed to attend to my kiddo.

So roughly, we practiced all the songs mentioned in previous blog. All those songs were confirmed... until yesterday. Sadat emailed everybody that he could not sing and play "Runaway" at the same time, no matter how many times he practiced. Can't blame him though, it's not that easy, hehehe...

Thus, I left a message to Mihad over his Facebook status (since he looked more active in there compared to his email) to take out "Runaway" from our Saturday list of songs. Not just because Sadat can't sing, but also because I don't feel it's worth to force a song to be played just because it's my favourite, plus, I'm not in the full-blast mood for the dinner anymore to play such 'happy runny' song. Just wanna get over with this show and get lost!

Wow! So emotional hehehe... Sorry 'bout that. :-D

It's been a long year with the band... and being a committed band member who eventually still became a "nobody's friend" kinda make me piss. (If you read my personal blog, you know what I mean.)

With the amount of energy drained, emotions challenged, commitment tested, schedules juggled and money spent, I really think I've had enough. Friends in my Facebook are already aware that I'm "back into music", and that was after I uploaded photos from FSPU Band show (not DCmates show), so I guess that should be enough to kick start my little portfolio.

The aim was for people to know I can play music, and the mission is accomplished.

Still feeling down... and tired,
- Shazz @ DCmates
06 Nov 2008

Photos: Jamming session 29 Oct 2008

Here are some photos I could capture during the last jamming session with DCmates, at Rhythmix Studio.

Attendees: Mihad, Wieburn, Shazz, Kenit, Sadat, Tifli, Arida, Aki (new vocalist, to join us performing on MCOBA dinner).

The last 2 photos are really blur... Can't be helped.

Arida trying out Kenit's guitar when he's out for a puff. Err..., am I supposed to tell that out loud? Erks! Sorry, BroArida... Can't help but telling it to BroKenit! [Shazz giving an innocent look]

Can you see the 2 keyboards we're playing here? The one I was playing belongs to the studio - not so friendly buttons I tell you!

Very blur image of a ghost... Yeah, the drummer is so skinny that he 'blends in' with the drumset, as if he's not there... If he's not wearing his hat (the one I kidnapped), you might think he's one of the cymbal stand! Huu huu huu... "Jangan mare, bro!"

Sadat was studying hard on the notes given by Tifli, that the air molecules vibrated so much and shook this photo capture. Hehehe...!

Planning on disappearing act for this comming Dinner... wahahaha!!
- Shazz @ DCmates
31 Oct 2008

Photos: Concorde event with FSPU Band

Below are the photos captured by Halim (FSPU Band lead guitarist) on 25th October 2008.

Morning - setting up the equipment are Concorde, KL. Junior tagged along, until the 'great babysitter' arrived around 2:30PM.

It's darn starving, and hot! Hard work should be accompanied with good food rewards... even if it's at some mamak stall behind the hotel. I think we came here about 4 times that day alone, before the big dinner..., following Dr E (the face under the hat beside Fasha). Phew!

Full rehearsal, well sort of. We didn't have much time then, but we managed to cover some songs to test our sound.

Mama Rock already got her 'clothes clippers' to be used for the music file. It was Dr E's idea to use those pink-coloured clothes clippers. Behind me was Mahen, the Bassist and Band Leader. Ehem... don't I look rugged in here? ;-)

The FSPU band, minus a few? Wait... lemme count. I think there's some missing in this. I will upload the full line-up later, once I get it from other photographers.

Exhausting fun, and a big relief when the whole thing was a success...,
- Shazz @ FSPUBand
31 Oct 2008

Jamming Session 26 Oct 2008

Instead of starting at 4:30PM, we started at 5:00PM after everybody arrived.

Instead of my kid having a nap before the practice, I ended up taking that nap on the couch while waiting for my kiddo's turn, but she ended up dozing off right when we arrived Subang. So I had to carry her around... Sigh!


The practice this time round was 'celebrated' by 4 kiddos - 3 boys of JimBob's and 1 gal of mine. To make the boys behaved, Mihad released his secret weapons (the same method he tried on my kid last time, but to no avail) - the maracas and tambourine - and let them played with them.


My kid? Well..., despite all the begging of "Nak gi jamming! Nak gi jamming!", she ended up sleeping during the whole session. She only woke up the moment the silence filled the air in the studio... Just like old times. Good thing too, otherwise she would be disturbing me and my concentration, or she would even start a quarrel with the boys! Hhmm... (I can hear Mihad's comment, "Just like her Mommie!", whatever that means.)


But her begging, "Nak gi jamming! Nak gi jamming!" continued after our jamming session. Huh! I wonder if she really understands the meaning of 'jamming'. :-S (... just like Mommie, hahaha!)

We had a few rounds of songs planned to be played for the MCOBA dinner, including my fav - "Runaway". One after another vocalist in the team rejected the offer to sing the song due to the chorus 'jump of 10 notes' (not just an octave, you know!), which all doubt could make it. Sadat turned out to be the only guy who could get that part right, so he has no other choice now but to sing at least the chorus part. "Bro! No more 'run-away', eh?!"

That's all I could remember at this moment regarding that jamming session. Will continue updating everybody on our next session..., eh, it's tomorrow! Hhmm...

Deaf me with some more good dance tune, bebe!
- Shazz @ DCmates
28 Oct 2008

Current Fav...

Just to share with you guys my current favourite (the one deafening my ears at this moment, repetitively)...

EASY LOVER by Phil Collins
(Released on phil baileys chinese wall album, 1984)

Easy lover
She'll get a hold on you believe it
Like no other
Before you know it you'll be on your knees
She's an easy lover
She'll take your heart but you won't feel it
She's like no other
And I'm just trying to make you see

She's the kind of girl you dream of
Dream of keeping hold of
You'd better forget it
You'll never get it
She will play around and leave you
Leave you and deceive you
Better forget it
Oh you'll regret it

No you'll never change her, so leave it, leave it
Get out quick cos seeing is believing
It's the only way
You'll ever know

Easy lover
She'll get a hold on you believe it
Like no other
Before you know it you'll be on your knees
She's an easy lover
She'll take your heart but you won't feel it
She's like no other
And I'm just trying to make you see

You're the one that wants to hold her
Hold her and control her
You'd better forget it
You'll never get it
For she'll say there's no other
'Till she finds another
Better forget it
Oh you'll regret it

And don't try to change her, just leave it, leave it
You're not the only one, ooh seeing is believing
It's the only way
You'll ever know, oh

No don't try to change her, just leave it, leave it
You're not the only one, ooh seeing is believing
It's the only way
You'll ever know, oh

She's an easy lover (she's a easy lover)
She'll get a hold on you believe it (get a hold on you)
(She's) like no other
Before you know it you'll be on your knees (you'll be down on your knees)
She's an easy lover
She'll take your heart but you won't feel it (you won't feel it)
She's like no other
And I'm just trying to make you see (trying to make you see)

PS: Search for the MP3 yourself! :-p

'Til deaf do us part...,
Shazz @ DCmates
28 Oct 2008

A little diversion from DCmates

Let me blog about my last performance with FSPU UiTM Band, today. Give DCmates a bit of a rest.

Venue: Concorde Hotel, Kuala Lumpur
Event: Wedding of Nabila and Agus
Band members: Mahen on Bass, Halim on Lead, Lee on Rhythm and 2nd Lead, Nasser on Acoustic, Fairuz (staff) on 3rd guitar, Remy on drums, Dr Esmawee (or WieBurn of DCmates) on percussion, Fairuz (student) on percussion, Shazz on keys
Band manager: Dr Esmawee
Vocalists: Fairuz (student) and Tengku Ida

It was a long day for all of us. I didn't help out with the morning transportation of equipments from UiTM, because I had to sort out my morning medical checkup and my kiddo. I could only help out with the transportation after the show, which led to 3AM after everything was settled.

Photos captured after 10AM at Concorde KL Ballroom, during the setting up of equipments...



Let me go straight to commenting on the show itself.

The event witnessed the unity between 2 nations - Malaysia and Indonesia - thus our songs were mainly from evergreen oldies of Malay and Indonesian songs. The climax of our performance (from my point of view) was when we made heads turned everytime we 'stroke' the first note of an oldie, such as "Widuri", "Budi Setahun Segunung Intan", "Jangan Ada Dusta", and "Kasih". Guests must have felt impressed seeing 'youngsters' performing the veterans' numbers quite fluently. Something to be proud of, which I think this band is unique for.

We had 2 sessions - during dinner and after the VVIP left the hall. The first session was cut short, thus we missed the chance to perform "Mencintaimu"... so Fairuz (the vocalist) and I were thanking God so much for that! Haha!! Well, kinda frustrated (because it would be the most impressive performance from us both if we could make it right) but relieved at the same time (because we tend to lose the tempo, a challenging song for both of us).

As how Halim used to tell me, "KakShah kena leleh lebeh sikit... tak cukup leleh lagi tu!" Yeah, right! I was known to be very bad at ballad, dear... :-p My teachers always scolded me for the same reason since I was a kid. I couldn't even play the old version of "Negaraku" well enough because I was so impatient to do the 'leleh' part and waiting for the song to end! That's how I ended up with DCmates, playing hard rock and heavy dance tunes. Duh...

Back to the scores... We managed to perform... Hhmm, where's my list? I think we covered most of the songs planned to be played that night. Among all are:

1. Pengantin Baru_Saloma
2. Widuri_Bob Tutupoli
3. Malam Ini_Sudirman
4. Hello_Lionel
5. Kaseh_Hetty (F)
6. Budi Setahun Segunung Intan_Ahmad Jais (M/F)
7. Jangan Ada Dusta_Broery
8. Senja Di Kuala Lumpur_Broery
9. Dan_Sheila On 7
10. Kau lah Segala nya_Ruth (F)
11. Mencintai Mu_Kris Dayanti (F)
12. Wonderful Tonight_Eric
13. Selamat Hari Raya_Ahmad Jais
14. Sepasang Kurung Biru_Khairil Johari
15. Hujan_Adibah Noor (F)

From the list, I think we missed out "Senja di Kuala Lumpur" and "Mencintaimu". (Oh dear! My amnesia is worsen! Huu huu...)

Backstage scene, everyone with his/her own way to overcome the anxiety...

I think I will list down all the songs I've performed and practiced in this blog, as part of my portfolio... some time later... when time permits...

I will also upload more photos of the event, once I receive them from our photographers.

Yet to have a proper band name,
Shazz @ FSPUBand
28 Oct 2008

Jamming Session 23 Oct 2008

Last night, I almost could not attend the jamming session. Had a whole day wondering how to escape the Gala Dinner at my university. Eventually got the guts to escape before the event started, and I was the first to arrive the Rhythmix studio (3 hours early!)... While waiting for the rest, I had a light dinner and prepare my file for this Saturday's show (under FSPU, performing Malay retro genre).

We received bad news yesterday, from our "Queen of the Night". Kyra had to pull herself out from the MCOBA dinner this coming 8th November 2008, due to her injury that requires her to rest for another month - no walking, no standing, no dancing... (I guess there's always a lesson in keeping pets at home, eh? Even a cat can turn into a "lion", causing damage to others! Hhmm...)

We started our practice at approximately 8:30PM, with Kenit seeing his hope to play "Objection" and "Wherever Whenever" crumbled in front of his eyes, and Sadat cursing "Shit... shit..." all the way. It's a grief to lose a chance to be noticed with a blastful performance with the presence of a female vocalist, but hey... that's the ups and downs of a music band, right? I just kept myself quiet at a corner and let the 'boys' grief while churning their mind to the max in thinking of plan B. [My mind then was on FSPU band more than DCmates, bear with me for a while eh.]

Our practice went on well, minus all the female and duet songs... so, bye-bye "You're the One that I Want". Tifli arrived a bit late, so I covered as much as I could for his part, with the 'not-so-friendly' keyboard of Rhythmix (at least to me it's not that friendly).

Upon Tifli's arrival, we managed to get a new list of songs sorted out, with a no-female-vocalist in mind. We decided to perform "Sway" (by Michael Buble), "Those Magic Changes" (by John Travolta) and "Jailhouse Rock" (by Elvis Presley). [At last, I get to play Michael Buble... surely I'll get goosebumps during the show, haha!]

We also decided to take back into the list some songs, including "You Drive My Crazy" (by Shakin' Steven) to replace "You're the One that I Want". Honestly, I think Arida sings very well with that song... kinda suits him. Good job, Bro!

The band members decided to add some few songs during the meeting after the session, which I was absent (I had to leave early to pick up my tot). I think they added a few of my best performed songs, like "Runaway" and "La Bamba"... Not too sure. I can't release the full list here, yet. Thanks, Bros for considering my songs..., appreciate it! :'-D [Come to think of it, is it a way to avoid me from having last-minute thoughts, too? Hhmm...]

Attendees for last night's session (according to arrival time): Shazz, WieBurn, Kenit, Sadat, Mihad, Arida, Tifli. I guess we all got a hang of the songs by now, and we will do well for the show even though the time left is not that 'friendly'.

PS: "Mihad kata si Aza join. Mana dia batang idung tak nampak-nampak pun lagi?! Tipu lah!"

Back into 'music constantly ringing in the ears'... I'm ready for the world, bebe!!
- Shazz @ DCmates
24 Oct 2008

Jamming Session 19 Oct 2008 (cont'd)

We (my kiddo and I) arrived PJ around 4:30PM, just in time when the rain 'decided' to pour. Sigh! Good thing my kid woke up when I turned in to Section 14 (yes, I carried her from home when she's still sleeping).

The practice was good, but my attention was divided into a zillion - my kid and the whole batalion of crankiness and naughtiness she brought along with her; and the band...

One minute, I had to carry my kid while playing, another minute I had to feed her in between the songs and during the songs, at one time I had to feed myself (because I suddenly felt hungry due to stress and lack of caffein dose of the day), at another time my kid want this and that and this...

I thought I was the only one stressed up, my lead keyboardist had a huge word of "STRESS" written on his head, too! Hahaha!! Well, that's what happened if we pull everyone out from the comfort of home on Sundays, eh? ;-)

We had a few rounds of practices on some songs:
1. "Joget Kenangan Manis" (me as lead keys) - which I 'destroyed' the solo parts due to my 'amnesia', oh dear!
2. "You're The One that I Want" (me as second keys) - which I finally got the hang of, got ideas how to play and back up the singers with my synth brass tone.
3. "Kenanganku" (me as second keys) - 'hentam saja la labuuuuu...' because I wasn't playing during the previous practice of this song.
4. "Celebration" (me as second keys) - this is nice, and the parts are very clear, even had ideas on how to play the triplets to make it sound continuous with the lead keys.

Almost forgot to mention... We had a new male vocalist for yesterday's practice, Arida, and a new rhythm (or is it bass?) guitarist, JimBob. Welcome to the band of brothers, bros!

And no, I did not record any audio yesterday. I didn't feel like carrying my laptop AND my kid AND my bag AND my keys AND... (myself?) on Sunday some more!

Good practice boosts confidence in everyone involved,
- Shazz @ DCmates
20 Oct 2008

Jamming Session 19 Oct 2008

Yesterday's practice was held at Just Jam Studio in Petaling Jaya, Section 14. The time allocated for that was from 4:30PM to 6:30PM.

2:30PM - I got a message that my band members were slowly heading towards the venue... and where was I? Oh! I was starting to have a nap beside my kiddo! It was a tiring day. Sunday is my only day at home, to cook, to clean, to babysit, to tire myself with housework...

Oh God, so exhausted! Sunday is the only day I could have some extra rest, and afternoon nap! It's quite a miracle that I could make my kid to sleep around 1:30PM. Otherwise, she could force her eyes to stay awake until night!! And that won't be good because it would make her cranky, etc... Ops! Too much story on my kid! :-S

4:00PM - I got up, getting ready - packing my kid's stuff to bring to the studio, getting myself ready, pack some brunch left-overs in case we're hungry during the practice, etc... My kid was still asleep. (Sigh!) I got a wake-up message around that time from my drummer, to remind me to bring my music chords and lyrics. Hhmm... somebody must've forgotten to bring theirs, eh?!

Ops! I got to go... My 7 final year students are presenting their project proposals today. Continue later...

Rushing off,
- Shazz @ DCmates
20 Oct 2008

Jamming session 16 Oct 2008

We had our first practice last night, at Rhythmix, Subang, to prepare ourselves for the MCOBA Dinner 2008 in November.

We practiced 3 new songs from our list, starting with "You're the One that I Want" (by John Travolta and Olivia Newton John), "Joget Kenangan Manis" (by Sudirman Hj Arshad) and "Kenanganku" (by Jeffry Din).

This podcast is the last round we played on "Joget Kenangan Manis", sung by Mihad. Enjoy the session!

https://sha905.solidcasts.com/xml/download/1559/audio/3803/dcm_jam161008_jogetsudirman.mp3

Getting used to Malays songs, slowly...,
- Shazz @ DCmates
17 Oct 2008

UCSI Students' Performance

A small blog of photos and short video on UCSI students' performance during the Award Day, held on 9th October 2008.

The band was coordinated by the Music lecturer, Adil Johan. I only witnessed their first performance during the opening ceremony, when they performed "Gemilang" (originally sung by Jacklyn Victor).

Other than the female vocalist, the band consisted of 2 keyboardists, 2 guitarist and a drummer.

The 5-piece band...

Even a small, good performance could bring tears to my eyes...,
- Shazz @ DCmates
15 Oct 2008

Who's Playing Whose...

(This article was posted in my vodafone blog.)

Who's playing Whose...
Just now she rushed behind me knowing I was assembling my keyboard, to get ready to practice. She was fussing around like a kitten about to be fed, and sat on the seat before I could switch on the keys. Now, thinking that she wants to play with the keys, I took out my guitar thinking I could strum some chords, and look at what she did.. Quickly ran towards Mommie right after I checked the tune, and she conquered the guitar. After strumming awhile, she said, 'Mommie, sakit.' Now she knows that it hurts. After a few more strums, she said, 'tak sakit pun'. Get the hang of it, eh? While blogging now, she practiced counting on the strings! Hhmm.. At this very moment, she's singing Nenek Si Bongkok Tiga so loudly while plucking the guitar strings. Ok, next thing to have is a microphone lah!

Baby counting the 'rock' away,
- MommieSha
03 Jul 2008

Gig @ Charlie's - Part 7

Event: Gig
Venue: Charlie's Reserve Restaurant & Bistro, MAA Building, Jalan Dewan Bahasa, KL
Date: 30 July 2008
Time: 8:00 - 10:00PM

Members:
Sadat on Bass and vocal, Chef (Kenit) on lead and rhythm, Mihad on rhythm, Wieburn on drums, Shazz on keys, Kyra on vocals

Last night's performance was much better than the previous one, more relaxed, more 'feel'... at least that's what I feel.

Before we started our gig, I joined the girls' round table that was much more noisier and happening compared to the boys' table. The boys were puffing hard (smoking, I mean), looking worried but all was in silent mode. On the other hand, the girls were so noisy as if we were playing 'mahjong'. Kyra and Atim (Kyra's best-bud, our helping hand in sound engineering, "We owe you lots, man!") were telling a very funny story of their bad experience dining in an awful restaurant. I laughed so hard (after so long) and it blew my blues away! Thanks, Kyra and Atim, for that good laugh. (Wink!)

We had a few requests for songs, mostly farewell songs. Good thing we had "Leaving on a Jet Plane" in our sequence, which we performed in the first set. After the break, we had to replace the songs audience requested, which were "Queen (King) of My Heart" by WestLife, and "Take a Bow" by Madonna. We played "Wonderful Tonight" that was in the list, instead.

There's a slight mistake in the intro of "What's Up", which was started off by the rhythm. Instead of 'slow-n-steady', it sounded like a 'fast-remix'. My only fear was for Kyra to 'pull' her voice in such fast beat! Even the drummer felt something wrong with the song, and he was not totally happy with it. I tried to indicate to other members to go longer on the chords (playing 2 bars instead of one for each chord), but to no avail. I was at the back, maa... Anyway, vocalist was fine with it. So, OK lah, not bad.

We inserted acoustic versions of "Tears in Heaven" and "I Don't Wanna Talk About It", sang by Sadat and Kyra, backed up music by Sadat. At least the rest of the band members got the chance to view the performance from the audience's perspective. It was a last-minute decision by Sadat to play acoustic, and it was wonderful... Good job, Bro and Sis!

By the end of the session, I was a bit out of 'feel'. Some said I looked tired, even though I didn't feel 'that' tired (I mean, I felt worse before). By the time we played "La Bamba" as our last song, I was kinda lost, not quite sure how to play the rhythm/melody. I couldn't play as well and as spontaneous as I did during practice. My solo part was totally 'plain', unlike how I normally played. I guess others noticed that, too. At the back of my mind, "Why can't anyone sing Runaway? That would be my best solo!" (Sigh!)

To conclude my blog for today, here is the sequence of our songs we performed last night.

SET 1:
1. Have You Ever Seen the Rain
2. Stand By Me + Beautiful Girl
3. Widuri
4. Leaving on the Jet Plane
5. What's Up
6. I Will Survive

ACOUSTIC:
1. Tears in Heaven
2. I Don't Wanna Talk About It

SET 2:
1. Knocking on Heaven's Door
2. Tiada Lagi
3. Imagine
4. Wonderful Tonight
5. Torn
6. La Bamba


Kyra and Sadat performing acoustic version of "Tears in Heaven"


Another perspective from the side bench - acoustic version of "I Don't Wanna Talk About It"

Hope could capture a video of our gig before it ends this end of August,
- Shazz@DCmates
31 Jul 2008

Last Week's Gig

Sorry, I missed out reports on quite a number of gigs. Roughly, the 4th gig was OK, 5th gig was without me (I was kinda pissed and 'disappeared' from the gig, they can live without me/keys anyway), and now I'm going to talk about last week's gig, 6th gig.

It was the first gig that we're getting paid for, as per my understanding. That's one of the small reason why I stick to the band - eventually it comes to money. Another point to remember is that we're playing without our lead star, Aza/Stone.

In the event that we're missing our dear Stone, we had to 'calm down' our rhythm and sound. In terms of songs, we played in much relaxed tunes, more of oldies and evergreen, such as Imagine, Widuri, Have You Ever Seen the Rain, La Bamba and What's Up.

We started at sharp 8PM, right on time.

There was a confusion during the first set. Before we started the gig, I told everybody that I didn't have the chords for "Top of the World". The moment I asked Sadat for the chords, he said, "I was about to say that I will follow you." Oh dear! Since both Sadat and I were not so confident in the song, we opt to take it out from the list, and replace with either Widuri or Runaway. Sadat chose Widuri.

Changing the sequence in the last minute and forgeting the most important thing in the band - INFORM OTHERS! - we played until Widuri (the second song), and Kyra gave a very very worried look to Mihad. "We can't just suddenly play an upbeat tune after such a slow song!" That must have been the words in her mind.

Instead of following the sequence, everybody was informed at the end of a song about the song to play next... and next... and next... After the first change, it's still OK. After the second change, every body "err... OK lah". During the next change, "Eh Shazz! Sing a bit for me the intro of this song." Everybody started to feel 'blanko'. Next change, "Arrrgghhh!!" But luckily it was a familiar song to all.

During the break, and it was a long break, everybody got grumpy. I felt very guilty, actually (and kept on explaining the situation until the next day and the next). But then again, it's part of the game, right? We just need to cover each others' asses, as how I call it. If the lead couldn't make out the tune, keys can cover; if vocal forgot some parts or needed a back up, keys can cover or give a hint; if drums is unsure, bass could hint him; if keys was too much on melody, rhythm could volume up his tempo; etc. and so forth.

Anyway, second set went out well. We finished on the dot 10pm, and I had ample time to pack my stuff, changed into casual clothes, before leaving the venue - something that I couldn't do before this. I could take my own sweet time to drive back and pick up the baby who missed me so much..., not like previous weeks when I had to speed on the highway, removing my make-up while speeding, (luckily I could change the clothes in the car before start driving), missing junctions along the way and made the distance longer (sigh!), and SMS my kid's teacher that I was on the way... (Sigh!)

Ah well, that's the life of a single mother who doesn't want to stay put at home, hahaha...!!

To recap today's blog, let me list down the songs we performed last week (not really in the actual order), and it will be a similar sequence for tonight too.

Event: Gig
Venue: Charlie's Reserve Restaurant & Bistro, MAA Building, Jalan Dewan Bahasa, KL
Date: 23 June 2008
Time: 8:00 - 10:00PM

Members:
Sadat on Bass and vocal, Chef (Kenit) on lead, Mihad on rhythm and vocal, Wieburn on drums, Shazz on keys, Kyra on vocals

SET 1:
1. Have You Ever Seen the Rain
2. Stand By Me + Beautiful Girl
3. Widuri
4. What's Up
5. I Will Survive
6. La Bamba

SET 2:
1. Knocking on Heaven's Door
2. Tiada Lagi
3. Imagine
4. Wonderful Tonight
5. Torn
6. Leaving on the Jet Plane

Song request of the night: Mungkin Nanti

Feel more into the music as the sequence reveals my 'archived' strength,
- Shazz@DCmates
30 Jul 2008

Leading Roles in the Making...

Taking things easy... Instead of performing, we 'lepak' outside Charlie's, discussed a bit, trying to decide the next step and the identity, came up with some list of songs, looked for chords... and possibly converting some of our musicians into new leading men! Huu huu huu...


Sadat ('dengan penuh jiwangnya') tried out a few songs. The next thing I knew, he wrote down all the chords for 2 oldies, and passed them to me - "Shazz! Upload!" Waaahhh... ini macam pun boleh ka? Well, I guess I'm officially the 'chords secretary' anyway. HAHAHA!!!

Another pose from a possible lead, ChefNadzri a.k.a. Kenit. "Lagu aper tu, bos??"

So, overall, we decided to have a set of acoustic version of oldies in our next performances. Acoustic, eh? Where do I come in, then? Hhmm... Back to 'piano', I guess! (In my heart, "YES!!!") ;-)

Tired MommieRock on the loose,
- Shazz @ DCmates
17 Jul 2008

To Play or Not To Play

(This article was posted in my vodafone blog.)

The dire strait.. Well, not quite. Our leading man just informed us that he's not playing anymore. So, instead of starting the gig, we're having a meeting discussing whether to proceed (with the lack of practice we had) or to take a rest for tonight. Decision is yet to be made. We even have the bistro manager with us to help us decide. See how! Ah! We just decided that next week will be our first official show. Yes!

Relieving the stress,

- Shazz @ DCmates

16 Jul 2008

Relaxing the Final Moments

(This article was posted in my vodafone blog.)

Relaxing at Stone's while waiting for that 'beauty king' to make-up and ready to go for our second gig. The transporter (Burn) is on the way. I arrived first even though we started almost at the same time (from separate location), going through the heavy rain and heavy jam.

The house is cosy enough for an artist to get inspiration for his music... with the balcony facing the greens (and mosquitoes).

New friends with new hang-out place,

- Shazz @ DCmates

11 Jun 2008

Changes in Sequence during the break

(This article was posted in my vodafone blog.)

"Sadat! We need to rearrange the sequence!" The sentence that made me feel like saying, "uuurrrrggghhh!!" But hey, it's part of the game, eh? Luckily it's our second gig, and I'm already used to the situation.

During the break, the band members decided to change the sequence of the songs in the second set. Here in the picture, Sadat (bass) was writing out the sequence as how it sounds fit for the ending of the performance.

Jugs and jugs of drinking water and coke... no wonder I keep on going to washroom! Ignore the logo on the jug, it's not alcohol that they served. If we want alcohol, we have to pay it ourself. Hhmm...

Cool pose from Sadat (bass)..., waiting for the evening to end, so that all of us can go home to our little families and kids (except for Stone, Sapet and Kyra, I guess).

Second gig, over..., next?

- Shazz @ DCmates

11 Jun 2008

Last-minute Preparation before the Gig

(This article was posted in my vodafone blog.)

Time check: 7.15pm
Location: Stone's @ Robson Heights
Attendees: Stone, Burn and Shazz.

Counting down approximately 1 hour before DCmates's 3rd gig @ Charlie's.

Rock on,
- Shazz @ DCmates
18 Jun 2008

At Last She Has a Friend

(This article was posted in my vodafone blog.)

My baby finally has a friend to play with at the jamming studio.. And I finally could see how she makes friend. Of course she keeps peeping through the guitar, mic stands and cables to ensure that mommie still there watching over her. She even peeps around to see other equipments from her seat, to feed her curiosity. Thanx BroChefNadzri for bringing your daughter along.

Half-relieved,
- Shazz @ DCmates

18 Jun 2008

Supertransporter

(This article was posted in my vodafone blog.)

Among a few equipments to transport to and fro for the weekly gig. Our drummerboy, a.k.a. Band leader, is the official transporter, due to the injury our equipment owner has. This photo was taken during our last week gig. Seen in the pic are an amp, 2 guitars.. Eh where's the other stuff? Anyway, we had extra amp for this week gig, to add to the skinny-bone's muscles. Amps are not light, mind you!

Blogging from post office queue,
- Shazz @ DCmates

27 Jun 2008

Vision and Mission

(This article was posted in my vodafone blog.)

At this point of time, everybody keeps on glancing at the watch indicating 5pm, in other words time to go home. Just at that same point, the 'Prof' talks about how being 'not so punctual to go home' as a way to fulfill the college vision and mission in being the par excellence university. And at that same point I whisper out loud, 'Oh come on.. I have a long night ahead! I have a gig tonight! And I haven't sorted out my folder yet, my songs sequence, my, argh!!' Ok maybe that's too over-acting. Hhmm..

Exhaustion starts between the over-consumption of brain and muscle,
- Shazz @ DCmates
25 Jun 2008

Jam, Mommie... Jam

(This article was posted in my vodafone blog.)

A view in the jamming studio, our usual practice place. Last night there were only 5 of us and 2 kiddos. It was a last-minute practice. We are performing gig tonight and that was our only practice, which includes 2 new songs! (Sigh!)

Drained to the max,
- Shazz @ DCmates
18 Jun 2008

After a Tiring Day at Work

(This article was posted in my vodafone blog.)

Having a glass of iced tea without milk after a long day at work. Meeting a brother in music, listening to his stories.. One after another.. Well, at least he doesn't make me nervous with his 'tark tark dum dum cher..' (practising drum on air) like our last meet.

Take a breath and relax,

- Shazz @ DCmates

10 Jun 2008

Gig @ Charlie's - Part 3

Event: Gig
Venue: Charlie's Reserve Restaurant & Bistro, MAA Building, Jalan Dewan Bahasa, KL
Date: 18 June 2008
Time: 9:00 - 11:00PM

Members:
Aza (Stone) on lead, Sadat on Bass, Chef (Kenit) on rhythm, Wieburn on drums, Shazz on keys, Kyra on vocals

It's our first night without Sapet (male vocalist), but Kyra could handle the whole event quite well. Position-wise, I was back on the right side of the drummer, but the sound system was so much better. No more fuss from my side! Ha ha ha!!

We had a few requests in the middle of our performance. The guests requested for "Susanna", which is Sapet's song, but Kyra could manage to 'tune around' the song to captivate the audience. It's fun to listen to Kyra's 'latah' on the narration part of the song..., in Chinese dialect some more! Hehehe...

We played 2 new songs, which we practiced only once the night before the gig. The songs are "What a Feeling (Flashdance)" and "Total Eclipse of the Heart" - both are heavy on keyboard. I was doubtful, but confident to give it a go. And I guess, despite all the last minute preparations, I did well... ;-)

Sadat sang "Wonderful Tonight", which really suits his 'deep' voice..., whereas Kenit sang "Is There Anybody There" that suits his voice well too! So, all the hidden talents are out of shell! B-)

The songs we played that night were as follows:
Set 1:
1. Game of Love
2. Can't Take My Eyes Off You
3. Wonderful Tonight
4. Torn
5. Can't Fight the Moonlight
6. Tiada Lagi
7. What a Feeling (Flashdance)
8. Total Eclipse of the Heart
Set 2:
1. Berdua Lebih Baik
2. When You Tell Me That You Love Me
3. These Boots are Made for Walking
4. Is There Anybody There
5. Hit Me with Your Best Shot
6. Pudar
7. Hotel California
8. I Love Rock 'n' Roll

Enjoying the performance more and more,
- Shazz@DCmates
02 Jul 2008

Gig @ Charlie's - Part 2

Event: Gig
Venue: Charlie's Reserve Restaurant & Bistro, MAA Building, Jalan Dewan Bahasa, KL
Date: 11 June 2008
Time: 9:00 - 11:00PM

Members:
Aza (Stone) on lead, Mihad on percussion, Sadat on bass, Chef (Kenit) on rhythm, Wieburn on drums, Shazz on keys, Sapet and Kyra on vocals

Overall, we did fine. We rearranged our position on 'stage'. Instead of standing on the drummer's right hand, I stood on his left this time round. It's kinda odd to have the drummer constantly facing my side (which he's accustomed to, because he refers to the bass for cues).

I didn't feel nervous performing on gigs anymore. I enjoyed well, even got some moves of my own during the play. Feel light, and going with the flow. Yet, at certain point when the sound of my keys was 'swallowed' by other instruments (especially lead guitar), I started to feel a bit pissed.

It felt worse (to me) when the lead was prolonging the ending of "I Will Survive", as if he wanted to force me to play (or practice) the keys solo... until I do so, he won't stop the song it seems. Urghhh!!! "Come on, bro! I can't play if I can't hear a thing! No point forcing, dude!!"

I was pissed that I stopped playing (before the song stopped) and turned my back... about to head to the washroom because it's just a few steps away from my keys! Huh! Just when I was having fun playing my keys, I couldn't continue the song just because of the sound system. So sad. :-(

Our drummer made a few mistakes, too. I guess he's too exhausted with all the transporting of equipments before we started the gig. He looked panicked too in the middle of the performance. At one point, I even gave some cues to him to increase the rhythm speed of a song (which I can't quite recall).

All and all, it's part of our experience in getting used to the live performance.

The songs we played that night were:
Set 1:
1. Grease
2. Torn
3. Here Without You
4. Game of Love
5. Kamelia
6. Can't Take My Eyes Off You
7. Into the Night
8. I Will Survive
Set 2:
1. Play That Funky Music
2. Mony Mony
3. Can't Fight the Moonlight
4. These Boots are Made for Walking
5. With or Without You
6. Then You Tell Me that You Love Me
7. I Don't Love You
8. Sweet Child of Mine

Feel the ground moves as the DCmates play, and the MommieRock pissed! Hahaha...,
- Shazz@DCmates
02 Jul 2008

Blogging more on Vodafone

To all loyal readers, please take note that my attention is more on my new mobile blog. The most update blog address is http://shazz-vodafone.blogspot.com.

Have fun reading!

Busy blogging from everywhere,
- Shazz@Vodafone
19 Jun 2008

Gig @ Charlie's - Part 1

Event: Gig
Venue: Charlie's Reserve Restaurant & Bistro, MAA Building, Jalan Dewan Bahasa, KL
Date: 04 June 2008
Time: 9:00 - 11:00PM

Members:
Aza (a.k.a. Stone) on lead, Mihad on rhythm, Sadat on bass, Wieburn on drums, Shazz on keys, Sapet and Kyra on vocals

We started late, due to heavy traffic jam and bad weather. Our rhythm guitaris, Chef Nadzri could not make it that night, so Mihad had to take over his role.

I could see how chaotic the evening was, starting from dashing through the heavy traffic, to helping our lead in transporting his guitars and amp, and seeing Mihad struggling to organise the song folder to follow the night's sequence. We started the performance with a tagline in mind (quoting Sadat's last words of advice), "Just feeeeeeel..." Hhmm...

All went well, despite a few things... Our rhythm guitarist wrongly-played the chords in "Can't Take My Eyes Off You" (his chords were not updated according to Kyra's vocal). I tried waving to him to get his attention about it, but hey, I needed both hands for that song, yar?

Our drummer miscued a few parts, partly due to the exhaustion before the performance, where he had wasted a lot of energy transporting equipments and setting up his drumset for the show. I only noticed one part that he obviously miscued, but the rest of the members said there were quite a few more. Ah well, not to worry.

I was told an interesting story about how our bassist was also playing a wrong set of chords in one of the songs. The bassist was standing way in front, nearby the vocalists position, and our dear 'temporary disabled' lead guitarist was waving his arms with a swimming gesture, trying to call up to the bassist regarding the wrong chords, but to no avail. It seemed that he's been "rowing his arms trying to reach Sadat, but his wayyyyy drifted to the other side of the shore!" Well..., something like that.

Overall, we could hardly hear each others' playing. I couldn't hear my keys well, especially after the guitarists swallowed my whole effort during the songs. Ah well..., it's not the first time. Of course, I would do the "chipsmore act" (stop playing when I wasn't sure or thought that no one was listening, and continued playing when I was sure what to play) during the mid of the songs. Sshhhh.... don't let my 'sifu' (Stone) hear, he will kill me! Huu huu...

There were some changes in the songlist that we finally played that night. Here was the real list:
Set 1:
1. I Will Survive
2. Summer 69
3. Tiada Lagi
4. Torn
5. Here Without You
6. When You Tell Me That You Love Me
Set 2:
1. Grease
2. Can't Take My Eyes Off You
3. Susanna
4. Pudar
5. Wonderful Tonight
6. I Don't Love You

I had to leave before that last 2 songs, because it was past 10:30PM and I had to pick up my little angel from nursery. So, I didn't join the post-mortem meeting after the show. Yet, the story I tell here are based on what I gathered from each member of DCmates after that night.

Let's see how we do, tomorrow... See you there!

Feel us rock the MAA Building, with our own diversed chords!
- Shazz @ DCmates
10 Jun 2008

4th June 2008 in History

It was a hectic day for most of us, or at least for me. I was on half day leave, but I couldn't sort out most of my errands - like banking, submitting claims, etc.

At least, I could manage to squeeze some time for a decent lunch with my drummer at Shah Alam, before I went for my appointment with my masseur.

My stupid nervous-wreck was about to start when the dear drummer-boy revising his drumming parts over lunch. With all his 'keching keching', 'tark tark', 'dum dum', 'cheehh', and all other funny sounds, the back of my mind whispered, "Oh God! I'm going to screw up tonite!! I'm going to screw up!!"

I mean, come on... he's "revising" his every move! And I don't even remember a single line of any intro of any songs to be played in another 7 hours!! Arrrgghhh!! (I have to skip the 'pounding heart' and 'butterflies' part here, otherwise you will think I'm having a crush on the drummer HAHAHAHA!!)

After planning on the evening meet-up and setting up for the gig with my lunch date, I went for a massage. Yes! I know! I went for a massage before a performance, instead of after the performance. What to do? It took me 1 month earlier to get the booking of this masseur!

Anyway, the massage was good, and it helped me relax.... really relax. No nervous wreck, but that doesn't mean no errors in playing my keyboard, right? Hhmm...

The show went on, I wore the same outfit as my last performance in Kuala Kangsar, with additional items such as ear-rings, red scarf around my neck and black scarf around my right wrist. Plus make-up. Yes! I know! Me, make-up? And I haven't done this make-up thingy for the past donno-how-many-dog years?? Urgh! Simply lah!

One funny thing is that, some people just noticed that night that I'm actually fair. Yeah, right! Only in the dark, cosy, dim-lighting of a bistro like Charlie's would people notice that, eh? I guess I'm not really fair, but merely 'glows-in-the-dark' HAHAHAHA!!

Performance-wise, it went well... I think. As usual, I couldn't hear whattaheck that I played. (I mean, I couldn't hear my own keyboard.) I could only hear it during my solo in song intros, and the moment the lead guitarist (and bass) started strumming "greennnggggg", that's it, I'm deaf!

Yet, the audience said they could hear my keys quite well. I guess that's not so bad, but I believe that they must've heard all the wrong chords I played... or was that the second guitar's wrong chords? Hhmm... very confusing.

I had to leave early, before the second last song when the clock striked 10:30PM to fetch my little one. She missed me dearly and even waited up for me, and God knows how pampered and cranky she was until today, because of that late night pick-up from nursery! Urgh!

During the drive back to pick up my daughter, there were traffic jams almost in every roads and highways. All because of the petrol price increase of 40%. Oh dear! What a havoc!

Went home, tucked kiddo to sleep, and finally the massage effect came on me - zzzzzz...

Will blog on the first gig event next,
- Shazz @ DCmates
05 Jun 2008

DCmates' first gig @ Charlie's

Here ye! Here ye!

Here to announce you that our band will be playing at Charlie's starting 4th June 2008.

DCmates, featuring Kyra as the female vocalist, will be performing gigs every Wednesday, and everybody is welcomed to see our performance.

The details of our performance are as follows...

Venue: Charlie's Reserve Cafe Bistro, Ground Floor, Menara MAA, Jalan Dewan Bahasa, Kuala Lumpur.
Day: Every Wednesday
Time: 8:30PM-10:30PM

Among the songs to be played for our first gig are:
1. I Will Survive
2. Susanna
3. Can't Take My Eyes Off You
4. Here Without You
5. Tiada Lagi
6. Torn
7. Wonderful Tonight
8. Pudar
9. I Don't Love You
10. When You Tell Me That You Love Me
11. Grease
12. Boots Are Made For Walking

I will keep you updated on our performance and the reviews that we get.

Come join the crowd and give us your moral support... Hope to see you there!

DCmates rock the world..., err MAA Building first I think,
- Shazz @ DCmates
30 May 2008

OBW Concert at Hargreaves Hall

Event: Old Boys Weekend
Venue: Hargreaves Hall, Malay College Kuala Kangsar
Date: 19 April 2008
Time: 9:00PM - 12:00AM

Members:
Aza on lead, Mihad on rhythm, Pe'ah on bass, Wieburn on drums, Shazz on keys, and Sapet on vocal

It's DCmates' second live performance in front of big audience, and it's my first performance with DCmates.

Nervous s*** I tell ya! Long time never performed, I almost forgot I'm the panic type. :-S Only my bf knew I was nervous before the show, and his well wishes via SMS weren't enough to warm me up from the cold-feet! Huu huu...

None of the band members knew I was nervous, and I'm not quite sure why I didn't tell them. Hhmm... Probably because I saw them in their own 'stress-relief' mode themselves that I felt I didn't want to trouble them with mine! Hahaha...

Anyway, all went well. As I thought, I missed quite a number of notes, but luckily I didn't go 'blank-minded' in the mid of the performance as how it always happened during practices and rehearsal. It's an improvement enough, eh! I thought my keyboard was blasting loud, so I was quite shy with my notes. Only after the show I was told that Aza's amp was so loud that it swallowed my keys, and I said, "THANK GOD!!" Hahaha...!!!

After the show, Mihad asked me, "Shazz! You panic, ek?" Of course, Bro! Nervous wreck case, dude! :-<

As a result, we received compliments such as, "Good show!", "Best performance", and "That Sussana song kept on playing in my ears in my sleep last night!" Wow! Good impression, eh? ;-)

Of course, there are other comments such as the lead guitar was too loud and the keyboard was barely heard, etc. Hey, what do you expect when you get a 'female keyboardist'? Of course 'shy' la... female, ma! Hehehe... :D

End of chapter one - OBW Concert @ Hargreaves Hall.

PS: There are more shows coming up soon...

Mommie @ Rock,
- Shazz @ DCmates
24 Apr 2008

DCmates Jamming Session

Proof of what I've blogged earlier. This is the proof and nothing but a proof, that I've joined a (rock) band. ;-) [Click on the image for full view.]



Full attendance - 5 band members plus 1 permanent male vocalist - minus guest female vocalists.



Seen in the picture (from left): Sapet (male vocalist), Shazz (female keyboardist), Wieburn (drummer). Missing in this picture: Mihad (rhythm guitarist), Azhar (lead guitarist) and Sadat (bass guitarist).

Hear from us again...

MommieSha rocks!!
- Shazz @ DCmates
22 Mar 2008

New Hobby

Been kinda busy lately with my new hobby. I just joined a music band as a female keyboardist, playing the hit songs from late 80's and few current hits. Thus, this blog is especially for the experience I have with the band.

We might be performing for gigs somewhere in KL soon. Will keep you guys informed when and where. Do catch us soon!

As for Sha Junior, she's in the band too! She's the little entertainer during practice, and the 'silent observer' (because she normally sleeps throughout the whole jamming session). Hhmm... ;-)

Going for band practice now. Daa...
- Shazz @ DCmates
22 Mar 2008