Wang's Jazzology

An inch.....

2010-05-22T09:47:00.000+08:00

Try this! Place something you love most in front of you, have an inch gap between your eyes and it. Needless to say, you will only see "it" other than anything else. You will not know what is happening around you.
What is trying to be said here is when obsession takes over, its time to take a step back. A step taken to see what's beside or even behind you. Obstacles can be overcomed by anaylsing the things surrounding you and something you love to be done or possessed. To be able to see what is hindering you from getting it.
Its never too late to learn, its all about willingness.

Care to interpret?

2010-03-26T18:45:00.000+08:00

Jazz is a form of communication, a language. Just like the process of talking. You have something in mind and wants to convey your message. You thought it through, at last open your mouth and speak it out in the best way where you receiver can understand.
Another person with the same message content too has his own way of conveying his message across but with different kind of phrasing, articulation, emphasis on key points which he thinks his audience can understand well.
That is why there is so many interpretations but with the same piece of music. Audiences have different preferences and musicians do what they think deem fit rather than satisfying the majority. This is their "style".
..............................................................................................................................in search of the my "style"

Best in the World......

2010-03-20T23:12:00.000+08:00

It has been more than half a year since I started working at Yamaha. Selling almost 100 over instruments, I am still waiting for the special one. The one who will seek my assistance on purchasing the cheapest horn. Reason not having a budget or can't afford it. But having the mindset of "its YOU who makes the horn sound good" not other way round.
Often customers ask for the best horn. But does that help? Does that gives you an immunity of sounding good? I wonder..................

Back to Basics.....

2010-03-19T23:37:00.000+08:00

Basics. What are basics? Are they just foundation?
Once incurred, one can move on and forget all about it? Basics are boring. In terms of playing any musical instrument, the basics are tonality, technique, scales, timing and rhythm.
The time has come for a U-turn. I have decided to make it and redirect myself again on which path to take. Realizing the fact that the core is very important. It takes the shape of anything.
The journey is long, tiring, sometimes lonely. But as the saying goes,"you reap what you sow".
One day, I will see a change in myself, a better musician.

In-definition.....

2010-03-05T01:58:00.000+11:00

"Jazz is like Pornography, you know it, when you hear it."

Quoted from Kurt Elling during Legends of Jazz by Ramsey Lewis.

Solo.......

2010-02-21T02:18:00.000+11:00

Have you ever tried erasing what you have wrote and writing it back with the exactly the same handwriting? The chances of you getting it back is almost 0. That explains a great solo done by a musician.
A musician can do a perfect solo but if were to asked to do it again, he or she will probably give you something similar (or even lousier) but not exactly the same solo. Its not that this musician is putting on airs, its just a moment of brilliance during that short period of time when he or she first did.
What is trying to be said here is that a jazz solo is about creating an individual music made by what is felt, thought and seen in a very short period of time.

2010....

2010-01-05T01:58:00.000+11:00

Its 2010! A brand New Year that awaits us.

For myself, I really hope to score better for upcoming semester.

As for my playing, I hope to add depth into my musicianship. I shall start off with my music theory by taking a ABRSM grade 5 exam in October.It will cost me 100 over just for that Cert! But is the knowledge that is valuable I can say.

Man, it certainly is a long journey but I enjoy being tortured by it!

Last but not least, I certainly hope & believe all will go well between me & Vichelle. Right baby?

Empty Shell.....

2009-12-17T20:30:00.000+11:00

A Heavy Machine Gun. A lethal weapon which I use to call myself. But can a lethal weapon like this be still lethal without any bullets in it?
I asked myself.

Fate.....

2009-12-09T14:14:00.001+11:00

How Tempting. I was offered a job earning 100 bucks a day yet I turned it down for Yamaha, which earns me just 30+ bucks with the same working hours. Many asked why did I choose to work at Yamaha with just 5.5 an hour. I answered them jokingly saying I rather look at these instruments for 8 long hours than folding clothes for 8 long hours. Back there, I get to meet people who shares the same interest as me. Sometimes views are exchanged, numbers too, needless to say, experiences. These are the things you can't just find anywhere.

The ultimate motive? To meet an Jazz artist who is willing to take me as disciple!
Let fate decide whether this day will come.

2009-11-30T12:49:00.000+11:00

A Great Jazz Solo consist of :

1% magic

99% stuff that is

Explainable

Analyzable

Categorizeable

Doable

Quoted from 1996 Mark Levine's "The Jazz Theory Book"

A Love Affair

2009-11-27T19:50:00.002+11:00

She's beautiful.

It has been months since I started noticing her. At times she can be smoothing, cool and exciting. But I still prefer the cool side of her. Its hard to understand her and needless to say, feel her. Courtship has never been this difficult. Many tried to tame and woo her. It probably will take many years before one succeed. But success is always sweet and I can say its worth the time.

I blame myself. I blame myself for realizing such a wonderful thing exists in the world so late.

Those whom do not know her will probably find her cold-blooded and sometimes irritating. But in my eyes & to my ears, you just need more time and listen to her vividly to fully appreciate what she is telling you.

And the love affair goes on..........Jazz

23

2009-10-17T23:47:00.000+08:00

Ok...Things happened last week and I am just too busy to upload & blog about it. Went out to celebrate Dorcas birthday at the Boat/Clark Quay and gave her a surprise by playing a birthday song for her.

To Dorcas: It was nice to have you as my friend. Thanks for teaching me so many things and the support you gave me when I needed it. As the saying goes, "What are Friends for?". You should know the answer....Nevertheless, please get a GOOD man soon to celebrate for you as you are not getting any younger!

Hopping back onto the train....

2009-10-04T17:19:00.000+08:00

Oh dear! It has been 10 days since I blog. Well, its break time and I suppose my blog needs a break too. I did some catching up during my term break and had a much slower pace compared to my normal school days. Once again, the train will commence when school reopens tomorrow and it will be moving towards final examinations occurring at the end of November.

This time is real business as it will decide whether I make any "take away" modules to the next semester. I can't afford to make any mistakes. Another two months will be my semester break and thinking of that just simply thrills me! Free from worries, studies, more free time....Whoohooo!!!!!

Lets DO it!

Drawing Near.....

2009-09-24T23:03:00.000+08:00

Alright...CA(Part 1) has just ended yesterday. Part 2, which there will be 1 last paper after the term break. Finally term break has arrived. Time for 20% relax and 80% study. I decided not to slack during this term break for long term benefits. Thinking of re-building my foundation so that when 2nd term starts, I am able to understand what the Profs are talking about.

Relax part? So many things to do with so little time.

1. Date Vichelle and have a sumptuous meal after 2 months of NTU food.

2. Hang out with my gals. Tentatively thinking of going for a pinic and kite flying at Marina Barage

3. Practice my Saxophone and prepare for my coming showcase.

4. Play soccer with my Sec. school mates. Its been a long time I have a good workout!I feel so weak~~~

Hopefully I am able to complete these task stated above. Let's enjoy our coming weekend!

Jamming my Way away from studies!

2009-09-16T23:48:00.000+08:00

Hi guys, I just came back from my 1st jamming session with my jazz band. It was great and I learnt a lot about real Jazz! The next session will be Wednesday again and its after my CA, perfect! I can play with ease and not see music notes as any integration or differentiation (fellow & ex-engineers should know this) sign again. Hah! Work is needed to be done to improve my knowledge about jazz and put some classical style behind.

I would like to thank Dorcas, Sandy, Regina and definitely not forgetting my honey for all the support and concern for me since I entered the "living hell", I mean NTU.

PS: Gals, if you are reading my blog, please make yourself free on 26th Sep. That's the only date I can meet up and PLAY the whole Singapore upside down!

Goodnight!!!

Routine Update?

2009-09-12T22:17:00.000+08:00

Oh Shit! I didn't realise it had been 10 days I do an entry! Time passes real fast and it sure waits for no man. Marching towards the 6th week of my studies, CA is drawing real near which I occur in few days time. I do hope to score well for my CA so that it won't add any burden to my overall marks.

Derrick is down with chick pox, that means both of us are on our own to survive in this cruel world. It will be so lonely @ school without him. Hopefully he will recover in no time!

Coming Wednesday will be my 1st jamming session with my ban which consists of 2 Vocalist, 1 Guitarist, 1 Keyboardist, 1 Bassist and of course, the one and only Saxophonist in NTU Jazz & Blues Band and that's me!

There will be a showcase in the term break for the seniors. So......its SHOWTIME!!!

Ready to Rock & Roll....

2009-09-02T23:00:00.000+08:00

Today is a relatively relax day. Usually, I am working on every Wednesday. However, due to heavy work/study load, I decided to drop it. Hence, I manage to have dinner with my Mum & Granny at last since I started school.

Things are going quite well at school this week. I didn't fall asleep during classes and manage to understand what the Professors are talking at last, after 3 weeks! I can feel the fuel burning in me, once its converted to heat energy (sounds so Engineering), my engine will be ready and nothing will stop my way!

Lets hope for the best in the coming weeks!

I am in.....

2009-08-31T23:05:00.000+08:00

Dear all,

Thank you for your support in coming down to audition for the Jazz and Blues Band.

As much as we would like to help all of you excel in your music, we simply do not have enough resources. Hence, we have come to a consensus about the current intake, after hours of evaluation and planning.

We are pleased to inform you that you are now a musician of NTU Jazz and Blues!

Best Regards,

Pradita Septiwerdani

Secretary

NTU CAC Jazz and Blues Club

Alright guys, I received this email early in the morning today. Yes, I am in! Finally I can jam with people who really enjoy playing jazz.

I didn't do much over the weekend but studied @ home. Thanks honey for accompanying me whole day while I am mugging. Because of me studying, I dragged her down too and destroyed her lovely weekend.

Today marks the 4th week of my study. I can't wait for the one week recess break in late September. Hopefully I can have a good rest from everything and dedicate time for the people I love.

Squeezing Time

2009-08-26T23:11:00.001+08:00

Oh dear, it has been some days since I blog.As you can see the frequency of me writing is dropping. School work is making me breathless. Today is the audition for Jazz Band. Everything went smoothly except my knowledge on jazz is still very weak. Results will be out next week and I think I have a 50/50 chance. Lets leave the rest to fate.

Time past real fast when you are busy and 2 more days to weekend. Going into my 4th week of study @ NTU, CA is drawing even nearer. Soldiers, brace yourself and prepare for BATTLE!!! Chill....

It's Back!

2009-08-21T23:25:00.000+08:00

TGIF!Yes, once again its Friday. It has been almost 2 weeks since I started school and things were already starting to pile up. Like what I always say, "Life's like that, full of UPS & DOWNS".
Anyway my Sax is back from a major surgery which I didn't expect it to be done so fast. Rushed down after class to collect it. I can now play both my Middle & Low Bb with ease now!
Tomorrow there will be a Secondary School gathering which I pretty much look forward to see my old friends. Hopefully most of them will turn up.
That's all for today folks! Enjoy our weekends before things go monotone again on Monday.

Life has changed...

2009-08-20T22:44:00.000+08:00

As the title suggest, life is different at University. In comparison to my Poly life, the syllabus is much more profound, no "spoon feeding", faster pace, without much friends around and "bullet train" professors. All these sum up to form a hard life for me in NTU. On top of the academic issues, work @ Yamaha and giving 3 tuition class a week pile things up even more.
With all the time constraints, I have to make time for Jazz Band practices once a week, provided I get in which I am sure I will. Time for revision is getting lesser & lesser. Nevertheless, I have to hang on despite the challenges ahead. Once solider, always a soldier!
At least I feel much fuller than when I am in NS. Time waits for no man and I am going to squeeze every single time available and make full use of it.
Alright, I shall stop here & go for some revision on my Thermodynamics.
Cheers!

My Journey embarks here...

2009-08-19T23:21:00.004+08:00

Went for NTU's Jazz Band exclusive lunchtime concert. It was a good performance,with the vocalist projecting very well. From my understanding, NTU's Jazz Band is split into many small ensembles(groups)consisting of vocalist,guitarist,keyboardist & bassist. There are 3 groups performing today,aim to educate the audience what Jazz, Bosa Nova & Swing is all about. After their performance, I enquired few things about the band and found out there isn't any saxophonist in the band. The previous one had graduated thus leaving a blank spot. Hopefully I can fit in well but a pity that there won't be anyone guiding me on the Sax. Next Wed will be the audition & interviews. I hurriedly sent my Sax for repair as there are leakages and will be ready for collection on Monday. Luckily I did some PR with the repairman whom will visit Yamaha(PS), if not it will take 2 weeks at least. So guys, do look out for updates on my audition!

Back for more action!

2009-08-19T23:21:00.003+08:00

Ahemmm! I am back into blogging in case you are unaware that I did once blog before. That was n years ago I guess. Anyway, hope you will enjoy your stay here!
Thanks Honey, for helping me set up this blog.