Published in Sunday People, New Sunday Times
26 July 2009
Mamak magic
MAX KOH
Drums Talk saw four percussionists (drums, tabla, Malay drums, Chinese drums) squaring off playfully against each other- Pic courtesy of www.maxtography.com
CHECK out any mamak joint and you will be sure to find patrons of different races eating and enjoying a cup of teh tarik. Such is the appeal of the quintessential Malaysian establishment.
I admit that I did not know much about Let’s Go Mamak… Again! when invited to one of the evening shows. I didn’t really look up the brochure but boy, was I in for a good time!
Presented by Inner Voices and the Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre, Let’s Go Mamak… Again! combined the elements of the three traditional Malaysian music, fused into frames of western and contemporary music styles such as jazz, pop, traditional and world music.
Featuring music composed by Ken Hor and under the guidance of musical director Julian Chan (who also plays the saxophone), the group brought together 13 prominent local musicians for three nights of fun, music and excitement.
Each song presented was preceded by a video presentation where the band members explained what the musical pieces meant to them. Their candid elucidation made the performance more personal and endearing.
Each member of the ensemble is an accomplished player in his own right. They took turns to showcase their skills and talents on their respective instruments.
The ensemble included New York-based violinist Fung Chern Hwei, much sought-after pianist Tay Cher Siang, bassist Daniel Foong, and renowned percussionist Kamrulbahri Hussin.
A highlight was the Drums Talk piece which saw the four percussionists (drums, tabla, Malay drums, Chinese drums) squaring off playfully against one another in producing different types of rhythmic patterns. It was really amazing to see how the fluid tabla emulated the powerful sounds of the Chinese drums, and KamrulBahri playing on a really small drum the size of a fist.
KamrulBahri was the soul of the show, playing a myriad of interesting percussion instruments and even dancing on stage.
At another time, different musicians would square off against one another, much to our delight.
But when all the instruments got together and created a wall of sound that not only massaged the ears but uplifted the spirit — that sounded truly Malaysian.
Let’s Go Mamak... Again! is the second instalment after its impressionable debut last year, also at KLPac. The ensemble bagged four Boh Cameronian Awards under the Music Category for Best Group Performance, Best Music Direction, Best Composition & Kaki Seni Audience Choice Awards.
Inner Voices was founded with the objective to find a new Malaysian sound. I guess it is no wonder that I would find them at a nearby mamak stall after the performance. Judging from their wonderful performance that night, I hope that they will return for another bout of teh tarik next year.
26 July 2009
Mamak magic
MAX KOH
Drums Talk saw four percussionists (drums, tabla, Malay drums, Chinese drums) squaring off playfully against each other- Pic courtesy of www.maxtography.com
CHECK out any mamak joint and you will be sure to find patrons of different races eating and enjoying a cup of teh tarik. Such is the appeal of the quintessential Malaysian establishment.
I admit that I did not know much about Let’s Go Mamak… Again! when invited to one of the evening shows. I didn’t really look up the brochure but boy, was I in for a good time!
Presented by Inner Voices and the Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre, Let’s Go Mamak… Again! combined the elements of the three traditional Malaysian music, fused into frames of western and contemporary music styles such as jazz, pop, traditional and world music.
Featuring music composed by Ken Hor and under the guidance of musical director Julian Chan (who also plays the saxophone), the group brought together 13 prominent local musicians for three nights of fun, music and excitement.
Each song presented was preceded by a video presentation where the band members explained what the musical pieces meant to them. Their candid elucidation made the performance more personal and endearing.
Each member of the ensemble is an accomplished player in his own right. They took turns to showcase their skills and talents on their respective instruments.
The ensemble included New York-based violinist Fung Chern Hwei, much sought-after pianist Tay Cher Siang, bassist Daniel Foong, and renowned percussionist Kamrulbahri Hussin.
A highlight was the Drums Talk piece which saw the four percussionists (drums, tabla, Malay drums, Chinese drums) squaring off playfully against one another in producing different types of rhythmic patterns. It was really amazing to see how the fluid tabla emulated the powerful sounds of the Chinese drums, and KamrulBahri playing on a really small drum the size of a fist.
KamrulBahri was the soul of the show, playing a myriad of interesting percussion instruments and even dancing on stage.
At another time, different musicians would square off against one another, much to our delight.
But when all the instruments got together and created a wall of sound that not only massaged the ears but uplifted the spirit — that sounded truly Malaysian.
Let’s Go Mamak... Again! is the second instalment after its impressionable debut last year, also at KLPac. The ensemble bagged four Boh Cameronian Awards under the Music Category for Best Group Performance, Best Music Direction, Best Composition & Kaki Seni Audience Choice Awards.
Inner Voices was founded with the objective to find a new Malaysian sound. I guess it is no wonder that I would find them at a nearby mamak stall after the performance. Judging from their wonderful performance that night, I hope that they will return for another bout of teh tarik next year.
0 comments:
Post a Comment