SONGWRITERS RND 22

The Songwriters Round comes back after an absence of a year. We will have two rounds at Alexis Ampang in May. Round 22 on Friday the 18th and Round 23 on Saturday the 19th. Here is the blurb for Round 22. It is expected to be packed. Please book ahead to avoid disappointment!

FRIDAY 18TH MAY 2007 10.15PM @ ALEXIS, GREAT EASTERN MALL

Free Admissions

The Songwriters’ Round performance format was made famous at the legendary Blue Bird Cafe in Nashville. It subsequently spread outside of Nashville, and has now become a popular means of showcasing works of songwriters all over the world.

The idea behind the Songwriters’ Round is simple: four performers sit on stage at the same time and take turns to play. The performer is encouraged to chat a little about his or her work before s/he performs each song. After the song ends, the next performer would follow, and so on. Thus, round and round it goes, as original songs are performed in an environment that is more reminiscent of a chatty living room than a concert stage.

Planned as a series of concerts, the Songwriters’ Round is a platform for local or visiting songwriters to showcase their work. The selection criteria of the producer will not be based on reputation or genre, but only that the music performed should be good original compositions, and that people would have a good time listening to them.

In the 22nd concert of the Songwriters’ Round series, we are proud to present to you:

Mei Chern

I have a soft spot for Mei Chern. She not only writes beautiful and sensitive songs, she carries herself with a poise and calm that’s hard to describe. To those of you seeing her for the first time, Mei Chern will be a revelation. That a talent like this can be left under the mainstream radar also underlines how messed up the music industry is today. In spite of being publicity shy, she famously gave us the most downloaded song on Music Canteen in 2004 [‘Feels Like Falling’]. Still as the night. Gorgeous. Not to be missed. [Myspace Page]

Shanon Shah

Shanon is unique in Malaysia. His is as comfortable writing and singing in Bahasa as he is in English. His work is filled with a musicality that comes from a gentler Malaysia – one that spawned P Ramlee and Saloma. And he is at his best when sat in front of a piano in a cosy bar. Like at the Songwriters’ Round. Shanon released a hugely critically acclaimed album entitled ”Dilanda Cinta’ in 2005 and won the ‘Best Male Vocalist’ award at the AIM Awards for his troubles. A Round alumni made good. Be prepared to melt. [Artist’s Blog]

Ariff Akhir

If you’re sick of singer songwriters taking their own misery just a wee bit too seriously, then Ariff is your medicine. He is one of the most happy-go-lucky guys you will ever meet and his music reflects that. Other than being a regular feature of the local indie scene, he also runs his own music production facility [Purple Sound Productions]. You can read about him in the May issue of KLue. His music is what singer songwriter music would be without the manic depression and angst. Charming as home cooked food. The boy next door. [Myspace Page]

Pete Teo

Ya. It’s me. I figure its been a while since I played the Round so I might as well put my name down on both nights. Call it producer’s perk. Smirk. Besides, it’s the time of the year when the taxman cometh so I’ll need to swipe as much performance fees as I can to pacify the bugger. Anyway. My mum will be coming to show off her AIM Award winning son to her belly dancing friends. So you cheer real loud, okay? It’d make her happy for having sprogged such a well-liked puppy. And she gives me a bone when she’s happy. Woof. [Myspace Page].

Open Mike:

How would you like to perform your original songs at the Round? We welcome new, old, or otherwise non-professional songwriters, and will open the floor to those who wish to play after the featured acts are done. Please bring your own instruments if you can, and talk to me ahead of time on the night. You can also contact me in advance at me@peteteo.com. Unfortunately, due to logistic limitations, the open mike is for acoustic solo performers only and we are not able to accept bands.

Contact Info & Road Directions:

Alexis Bar & Bistro, Great Eastern Mall. Jalan Ampang. TEL: 03-4260-2288 Email: alexis@pd.jaring.my

[Drive along Jalan Ampang towards Ulu Klang. Great Eastern Mall is a 20-story structure located after the Jalan Jelatek intersection on the right. To get onto the right side of the road, you will have to make a u-turn under the flyover at the Jalan Ampang / Jalan Ulu Klang junction. There is a basement car park in the building. Alexis Bar & Bistro is on the ground floor.]

[CLICK TO GO TO ROUND 23]