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