April 14th 2007: Bassists’ Artistic Series at KL Jamasia. The last time they had that was back in 2005, with AJ, Alda and Nakim.

This time around, with Zaim of Curtis Blues Review.

These guys were missing another guitarist, but they sounded solid and full as a trio.

Somebody wittily shouted, “BASS SOLO!”

While idling away, I popped a macro shot of a mike lying around.

Elements (Sujesh‘s band.) Kickass violin shredding. It was put to maximum use to such covers such as the excellent The Beatles – Norwegian Wood, and a slight tinge of the Mission Impossible Theme.

Featuring Wong, this was a sit-down fusion uh… world music band. I loved their melodies!

Sujesh himself, who does not suffer from Gadget Acquisition Syndrome, but rather, promotes it, by reviewing basses for The Star’s Audiofile.

That’s all they needed for percussions. Wong’s guitar provided a steady chiming rhythm, while the percussionist on mridhamgam just jammed some funky beats away. Very interesting concept since usually percussions keep rhythm and guitars run melodies.

Ken Chung and his band. Yeah, the current bassist of Estranged… with the almost-deported Zack of Cosmic Funk Express.

…and Elliot, who was a drummer for CFE too. Anyone who knows that Alda has played in bands starting with the letters A all the way to M would know the irony of this lineup.

Chicks!

Ken’s band played mostly jazz standards, in a funky fusion way. I like that kind of jazz. Y’know, the one with the notes flying all over the place randomly, almost scat-like, with a strong syncopation. I remember seeing that in Sesame Street whenever they had those pinball animations.

Guest star Fly!

And so, they ended with a jam as promised. Instead of 3 bassists however, this was 4!

I felt it was shortlived compared to the previous instalment.

Syefri! I miss you and your fro, bro. He uses the original styrofoam casing as a camera pouch, so please head to his blog and click on his ads.

Fast forward to Laundry Bar’s Anniversary, 19th April 2007.

This post was not supposed to have pictures because I was not supposed to enter the VIP area of Laundry Bar’s Anniversary.

I came in time for frequent-computer-crasher and Indomee buddy Izzy. Jangan tak rock! She gone electric, yo. Rhapsody had a liberal doping of 80’s keyboards (sounds like Ywenna suddenly got a effects pedal) and had that whole grand funky sound.

At this point it was open to the public.

I saw a crowd surfer for the first time in Laundry! He came from the left speaker just beyond the stairs, signalling to the crowd beforehand to catch him.

It also rained heavily outside.

Wafi the soundman joins the percussive orgy.

An interesting specimen! 🙂