An entire year just flew by. I have been in Langkawi for more than a year now (14 months & 1 day!). I sure miss certain aspects for my life back in KL - the food & shopping and my friends most of all. But then, I am feeling that Langkawi is doing me more and more good. It feels different and new and exciting (and infuriating even), to be part of a team that is completely different in their ways, yet totally the same the next breath when compared to my former colleagues. So here's what I got to say about last year.
I first saw this years ago, when Rhythm in Bronze (RiB) staged it at the Temple of Fine Arts in KL. Been meaning to write a review about the show, but it was so difficult to put into words so many things going on in my head at the time. Then life took over and the idea sort of just got put away in stasis somewhere.
Lo and behold, like all good things in life, happy news came unbidden and I stumbled upon the last few remaining DVD Live Recordings being sold. Snapped it up as fast as I could (along with their recent Bites of Delights DVD) and immediately proceeded to make digital copies (DVDs don't last very long okay, not in Langkawi weather!).
Sat back and watched it again and again since it arrived in the mail. Truthfully, I am still at a loss for words, probably brought about by the Beef Rendang I copiously ingested this Raya week.
Thematically, each of RiB show is different, displaying different facets of what is arguably an ancient musical instrument in a more contemporary light. And yes, many would slink back into the shadows thinking Gamelan is archaic and hence irrelevant in this current day and age.
However, RiB is out to prove that this is certainly not the case. There is much to love about Gamelan, first off the fact that Gamelan should in it self be seen and felt as a thing unto itself. It is not a musical instrument (but rather an ensemble set of percussive tools, it is not the musician(s), and it certainly is not limited to the sounds it makes. Quite difficult to encapsulate what I feel about it really. Look it up, there would be many interpretations as to what Gamelan really is.
I call it emotions released from wood, bronze and leather.
Maya Gong Illusions is about a dream-state journey through ambient sounds of joyous travels, of making new acquaintances and reconnecting with old friends. RiB has decided to feature guest artistes in this - singer Reza Salleh, drum battlers Batteryheadz Percussions, Bass guitarists Zailan Razak & Koh Eu Gene and Khazrin Yani on Gambus. Just the different kinds musicians involved suggest an interesting journey ahead. There is also a contemporary dance incorporated in the show.
It starts with aplomb, immediately transporting viewers into a sub-Saharan journey of 'Suntuk Masa'. The deep resonant plucks of the Gambus strings echoing of places far away, of middle eastern scents and sounds. Then the Gamelan comes in, connecting me with the spice traders along the silk route. Racing stallions outrunning a sand storm, Maidens in veils stealing glances at their would be suitors. Beautiful. I recall being choked with nostalgia hearing this, strange, not least because I have never been anywhere near the middle east!
The show progresses onwards showing the ability of the Gamelan to hold its own amongst the more modern music instruments. At times, lilting, others uplifting and in some instances wonderfully cacophonous.
'Gianyar' was a dramatic piece, featuring contemporary dancers, acting out of the posturing of the masculine against the demure feminine. While the music accompaniment was no less impressive in its quiet beauty, the dancers - Azti Nezia Suriyanti Bt Azmi and Mohd Firdaus B Mustapha Kamal were captivating in their unique poses.
When I thought it couldn't get better, Reza Salleh stepped in and belted a wonderfully low-key love song titled 'For Her'.
The Ladies were certainly enamoured by the smooth Reza Salleh.
This turn of event brought about even more surprises. A battle between old and new was examined in 'Runtuh', a piece between RiB and Batteryheadz. Started with each trying to outdo the other but later progressed into an amalgamation of percussion after revealing that music is universal, much like the feeling invoked in people who did not really know Gamelan.
What would show labelled Illusion be like without some kind of a visual spectacle right? This show certainly had it covered with 'Lagu Untuk Teman Baru'. This particular bit had glittery faces pop in and out of the darkness, surprising us with the light flashes of glittery presences. Reminds me of twinkling stars (or Will-o-wisps).
My favorite was Saat Akhir (and it was difficult to find which I like more as each piece was very different to the other, so how to decide in an apple to apple comparison right?). To me, this blisteringly fast piece illustrated well the power of music, the latent ability to unify. And I have never personally seen a group of artists in such rapt enjoyment of their art. The were feeding off the good vibes from each other and they looked SO happy it was ridiculous! Just look at the the lady in the middle with the Gamelan Kethuk in her arms. Her expression alone sold this piece for me. Such conviction!
What I do feel is that for shows such as these, especially true for percussive instruments, is that one must be there front and center to truly truly feel the power of the music. The ringing and pounding can be felt through the ground reverberating into our bones and heart, just like drums can be felt in the chest.
I first felt the magic of RiB in their Hari Jadi show in PJLA (was that in 2010?) and have been hooked since then.
So the next time RiB comes up with a show, put your preconceived ideas about Gamelan away and just go watch it. Bring someone along so you can both be awestruck!
It has finally happened. I find myself in Langkawi. Started the journey at an ungodly 3a.m on 31 October and after about 5 hours of measured driving, I reached Kuala Kedah jetty. Booked my car to be
overnight-ed to the island and then got myself a water shuttle for Kuah. A noisy ferry ride later I was back in Langkawi after years of not setting foot here. Locals have said that everyone who imbibes the water from Gunung Raya will return to the island time and again. Curious urban legend considering most of Langkawi's water supply actually comes from the same mountain! I have fond memories of this place, first as a
'petit stagierre' years ago on an industrial culinary attachment, then again as a tourist. Years later I came back for some F&B related development for the MH Airline Lounge. Now I am here again. :)
Have you ever fed a lover with just your hands? Close your eyes and trust it, just trust it. Have you ever thrown a fist full of glitter in the air? Have you ever looked fear in the face, And said I just don't care?
And it's only half past the point of no return. The tip of the iceberg. The sun before the burn. The thunder before the lightning. Breath before the phrase.
Have you ever felt this way?
Have you ever hated yourself for staring at the phone? Your whole life waiting on a ring to prove you're not alone Have you ever been touched so gently, you had to cry? Have you ever invited a stranger to come inside?
It's only half past the point of oblivion. The hourglass on the table. The walk before the run. The breath before the kiss. And the fear before the fight.
Have you ever felt this way?
There you are, sitting in the garden Clutching my coffee, Calling me sugar. You called me sugar!
Have you ever, wished for an endless night? Lassoed the moon and the stars and pulled that rope tight. Have you ever, held your breath and asked yourself, Will it ever get better than tonight?
Tonight.
Found this gem of a song by Pink. I love her when she sings in a restrained manner such as how she did this one.
I can't tell you just how many times I have watched this clip. I find her beauty captivating, her voice beguiling and her moves comforting. Then there is also the matter of her lyrics, which constantly reveal new things about her.
Oh, you're searching for something I know, wont make you happy Oh, you're thirsting for something I know, wont make you happy Oh, you did it all again, you broke another skein Its hard to believe this time, hard to believe That my heart, my heart's an open door... You got all you came for, baby So weary, someone to love is bigger than your pride's worth It's bigger than the pain you got for it hurts And out runs all of the sadness It's terrifying, life, through the darkness
And I'd do it all again, I'd do it all again I'd do it all again, I'd do it all again You try sometimes but it won't stop You got my heart and my head's lost, ohhh
I've been burning down these candles for love, for love
So weary, someone to love is bigger than your pride
Ooh, someone to love, mm, someone to love
Someone to love
Ooh, you're searching for something I know, won't make you happy
Ohh..
I am not too sure what actually inspired this song, but it could be the fact that her husband died shortly after the launch of her first album, due to an accidental drug overdose. So, I imagine this song may be about her resolve, on how despite her terrible loss, she wouldn't have had it any other way. The repeating nature of the video clip suggests to me the weight of her burden, on how she struggles daily with it. And the part where she is in the street playing in traffic suggest her precariously sensitive heart and at the same instance signifies her continuing love for him.
A friend has commented that my blog has a sombre and morose feel to it what with my writings on deaths and unhappy situations. Honestly I must admit that some of the posts were kind of on the gray side of the rainbow, although they were my strongest thoughts and feelings at those moments.
I am the kind of person who is ruled by the heart first and head later. Therefore, I am easily buoyed by happy things as much as I can be bogged down by sadness.
Burned myself a new Mp3 cd for my ride of new songs the other day and this particular song just captured my heart. I have always had a soft spot for songs like this, but this one just fills me with this lightness.
Whatever It Takes – Michael Buble’ and Ron Sexsmith
We've all been hurt by love
It's out of our hands
But for all it's worth
I'm drawing a line in the sand
Another morning just won't do
I need your love to shine on through
Or it won't be new
Whatever it takes, my love, I'll find it
Whatever it takes my love
To put the lonely days behind us
I'm laying it down
Whatever it takes my love
If there's a chance
For two hearts to celebrate
To blow out some candles
And tempt the hands of fate
You make a wish, I'll make one too
But close your eyes love when you do
Or it won't be true
Whatever it takes, my love, I'll find it
Whatever it takes my love
To put the lonely days behind us
I'm laying it down
Whatever it takes, my love
'Cos I've been wandering 'round
With the same old blues
That have been dragging me down
If you feel the same way too
Maybe it takes two
And if we give thanks
For our love at each new dawn
We'll find the strength
And the will to carry on
The sun alone will never do
Without your love to shine on through
It just won't be new
Whatever it takes, my love, I'll find it
Whatever it takes, my love
To put the lonely days behind us
I'm laying it down
Whatever it takes, my love
I can't tell you how many times I have listened to this song, it just captivates me. Upon its' first verses, I am transported to another world of lush swaying fields, with a gentle breeze that rolls along and shifts cottony clouds. Rays of sunshine and fluttering butterflies and twittering (No! not Twitter-ing, but cheeping) birds, with flits of squirrels. Ahhhh... such languid days.
Give it a listen, allow yourself the pleasure, then tell me about it ya!
