SATURDAY 14TH JUNE 9.00PM @ NO BLACK TIE RM20 Per Cover
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 Ninth concert of the Songwriters’ Round series, we are proud to present to you:
Jamie Wilson
I’d wager 5 Tequilas that you have heard Jamie play even if you’ve never heard of him. Reason? He is one of the most in-demand session guitarists in Asia today. His credits include the likes of Jackie Cheung, A-Mei, Ferhad, Sheila Majid and Ella. Recently, he also produced Amir Yussof’s album ‘Aquarius’. The first time I saw Jamie play was when he got up to jam at a NBT show last year. Being clueless as well as pissed, I had no idea who he was – but my jaw dropped when he started playing – there was undeniable technique, brilliant touch and superb expressiveness. Definitely world class. I subsequently found out he’s not only an amazing guitarist, but he also sings and writes his own stuff. So I popped him the question one day. He’s so nice he said yes right away. Woo. Hold on to your seats, boys and girls…
Shanon Shah
This is Shanon’s second appearance at the Round. To say his first appearance at Round 7 was a success is an understatement. Put simply, he was stunning. To those of you who’s never seen Shanon, his compositions are invariably filled with a lively personality and a huge sense of wit; his singing is confident and tinged heavily with Broadway sensibilities; his piano playing is assured and engaging. He’s just unbelievably good. Hell, I’ve been inundated with request for his return for months. In fact, one of those people screaming out for his return is a record label. I’m telling you this in strict confidence, of course – so donch tell anyone – but that label will be sending it’s A&R guy on Saturday. Ahem. Anyway, to cut a long story short, it’s hard to write about just how good this guy is – so come and experience it for yourself.
Meor
I first met Meor about 5 years ago. We got talking at Yamaha where he works. He told me about his struggles as a musician in a town that doesn’t always recognise its own talents. He also told me of his music – which comes from a folk tradition of topical songs – tales of war, life, humanity, or just the hard grind of survival. We subsequently lost contact as I did my thing and he did his, each in different circles. Then, recently, The Star did a piece about the emergence of a new breed of singer songwriters in Malaysia and held up Meor and I as examples. I was glad to read news of him and thought immediately of inviting him to play at the Round. So here he is. Meor has just independently released his record ‘Itu Padang…. Aku Di Situ’ and will be selling it on the night. Well? Get off that swivel chair and come support one of our most under-heralded songwriters!
Julian Mokhtar
If you are familiar with the live music circuit in KL, Julian needs no introduction. He is one of the top blues guitarist in the country and regularly plays at Titus Blues Avenue. Blessed with a dry wit and dexterous hands, Julian has a solid following and remains one of the most popular live performers in the scene. When not gigging, he can be found teaching music, or customising guitars, or propping up the bar some place, or even collaborating with dance musicians and deejays. Recently, Julian became a daddy for the first time – so make sure you show him the proper Songwriters’ Round hospitality by buying him loadsa drinks. His appearance at Round 9 is deviously planned to coincide with Jamie’s debut. Why? Well, with two virtuoso guitarists in the same Round, I’m personally expecting guitar fireworks, that’s why. Air-guitar aficionados watch out!
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 [erased]. 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:
27 Jln.Mesui Off Jln.Nagasari (behind the Istana Hotel), Bukit Bintang, KL. TEL: 03-21488110 Email: noblacktie@hotmail.com
[Make a left at the slip road right after the Istana Hotel on Jalan Raja Chulan if you are heading away from Shazhan Towers. Then the second right turn takes you to Jalan Mesui. Its the building with loads of plants growing all over it on the left.]