Last Post

This is the last post to round off the lifespan of this blog.

I have moved to iamleb.tumblr.com

This blog has done me well. Good job. Goodbye.

-LeB-

HELLO WORLD - LADY ANTEBELLUM

I am loving this song now. And the lyrics are meaningful. :)

Traffic crawls, cell phone calls
Talk video screams at me
Through my tinted window I see
A little girl, rust red minivan
She's got chocolate on her face
Got little hands, and she waves at me
Ya, she smiles at me

Hello world
How've you been?
Good to see you, my old friend
Sometimes I feel cold as steel
Broken like I'm never gonna heal
I see a light little hole
In the little world

Hello world
Every day I drive by
A little white church
It's got these little white crosses
Like angels in the yard
Maybe I should stop on in
Say a prayer
Maybe talk to God
Like he is here
Oh I know he is there
Ya, I know he's there

Hello world
How've you been?
Good to see you, my old friend
Sometimes I feel as cold as steel
And broken like I'm never going to heal
I see a light
A little grace, a little faith unfurled
Hello world

Sometimes I forget what living's for
And I heave my life through my front door
And I'll be there
Oh I'm home again
I see my wife, little boy, little girl
Hello world
Hello world

All the empty disappears
I remember why I'm here
Just surrender and believe
I fall down on my knees
Oh hello world
Hello world
Hello world

Side-note:

SONG MEANING / about this...
- This string-laden song penned by Tom Douglas, Tony Lane and David Lee, is a track from Country music group Lady Antebellum's second album, Need You Now.

- The song talks about seeing God's miracles in life. AOL's the Boot asked LA member Charles Kelley what was the last thing he saw that made him remember that God is here? Kelley replied: "I can put myself in that spot, in the car, just sitting there in traffic absolutely about to explode and all of a sudden you look over and see something as innocent and cute as a child with chocolate on her face. And you go, 'I needed that, in that moment, to relax and remind myself that life is still sweet.'"

- LA member Hilary Scott told Billboard magazine: "That song found us. It was written by Tom Douglas, David Lee and Tony Lane, three of the greatest songwriters in Nashville. The first time I heard it, it wasn't even a pitch for us, it was just a friend saying, 'You need to hear this song.' I loved it, but I didn't even think about it for us. A couple of months later we're sitting in London, Ontario, and we're missing this one song that could round out the record, not about a relationship per se, but something that has a bigger thematic message. I said, 'Guys, I have something, I don't really know if you're going to hear it, but I know it's a beautiful lyric and it's a really well-written song.' I played it for the guys and they flipped."

-LeB-

Coporate Gig for Dualog, 9 Jun '10

I was cool doing a gig with a future schoolmate of mine. Haha! Cool because I would know beforehand that we would be schoolmates. :) I did a gig with Sheena; a corporate gig (thanks Sheena for asking me along) for the company Dualog. We did a 15mins set, just 4 songs, namely... What a Wonderful World, Man in the Mirror, Hey Jude and My Way. Sheena is a voice major heading to Berklee... and yes she does have a good voice! :) I just thought, wow, its really cool to be a voice major man. That I would never be able to do! Imagine going to a music college and just SINGING! hahah... but of course, there are other stuff on top of that as well.

It was nice doing the gig with her, at least now, I have another friend (that I already know) going to Berklee. So to date, this is my 2nd gig with a Berklee schoolmate. :) And we had lots to talk about; basically, all about music and Berklee. I am curious to see how we would fare in Berklee and how we would improve as musicians over time. :) My 1st was with Keith when we played for Alex W.'s gig.

The gig was at Grand Plaza Parkroyal. Its really near to Echo Music, but I've never been to the hotel. They had a poolside event in the evening and it was really nice. The layout, the ambience and the food. Haha... :) the CEO who engaged us was very hospitable also. And we could help ourselves to the food, that sure was a plus point. Haha... :) So I love music and I love food!

Some pics taken...






Sumptuous Spread...


A pic with my future schoolmate, maybe classmate. Hahha. :)

-LeB-

John Williams - Home Alone Theme

Home Alone is one of my favourite movies of all time! Probably because of the festive mood, beautiful scenes of America, a touching reunion of the family, every kid's dream (maybe mine) of plotting traps against the baddies and it was the best kid's show around then! Love it! But not just that, the music had a part to play. The main theme is way moving; simple yet it tugs at the heartstrings. :) And I just recently found out that its composed by John Williams. John Williams is a prolific composer/musician and most notably famous for his film scores. Some of his works are... Star Wars, Superman, Home Alone and the first 3 Harry Potters. He's 78 this year and still composing! Amazing! I hope you would enjoy this piece as much as I do! I should get the soundtrack. :)

-LeB-

feels blessed... :)

feels blessed and appreciates it that i was paid for going down to my student's place, even when something cropped up for him and he missed the lesson.

feels blessed that we got a small tip for the corporate gig... :)

-LeB-

Gigs.

I used to count how many gigs I have in a week or how often I do gigs. These days, its been quite a natural thing to be doing performances. But I'm still gonna count them! For this week, I have done 4 gigs! :) Thank God for opportunities. Its been a busy week.

1. A substitute gig with Phoebee at Temasek Club, Wednesday
2. HK Cafe @ East Coast (C-Nai) with Fong + guest singer, Desmond, Thursday
3. HK Cafe @ East Coast (C-Nai) with Phoebee, Friday
4. LoveMeKnot Wedding Gig (Fong + Desmond) @ Mandai Orchid Park, Saturday. :)

I am thanking God and the people around me for every aspect of my life.

We (LoveMeKnot) had 2 gigs back-to-back today as well. Rock on team! :)

Keep the music alive and going! :)


Love, LoveMeKnot

-LeB-

keeping this blog alive... a little update...

i just came home from macdonalds. i went there to study some music theory. i have been tasked by my teacher to attempt a grade 8 theory paper. and after reading thru the grade 6 text and attempting the paper, i really do not know all these stuff. sheesh.

studying at macdonalds, or rather out of my house has been my habit since... secondary 3? and this method really works for me. just that... it is rather costly. especially when i do not exactly go budget. these days however, i have been trying to cut down on my expenditure and saving up as much as i can.

doing work and getting things done is quite a good feeling. slacking... isn't. well, too much of it that is. so, even though i struggled trying to learn some music theory, at least i got some things done. its been a while since i STUDIED again. and come 8 months time, i would be back to school.

i have stopped school for 2 years now. it seems like another cycle of army. not that i haven't been learning or studying stuff. i have but i guess going back to school and being a full-time student is gonna be different. but at the same time, this time around, it really is gonna be different. i am going to a music college. not the conventional school. i am excited but full of anticipation as well. i really do not know how things are gonna be like. and not just school is gonna be different, my lifestyle is gonna be different also. i would have to step out of my comfort zone and adapt to changes...

i am gonna embrace... EMBRACE it... :)

-LeB-

Admission Decision...

I.G.O.T.I.N.T.O.B.E.R.K.L.E.E !!! Ah!!! !!! !!! Praise the Lord!!!

-LeB-

Recalling Back... my trip to England...

Blogs are not quite the common thing these days. But still, I shall just pen down some thoughts and happenings; an attempt to revive the blog.

Its 3.18am and I am in Singapore. I wish I could sleep earlier and have a better sleeping habit. And talking about sleeping habits, I think my best sleeping habits are when I am overseas... faraway overseas. I remember when I was in America and recently in England, I really felt tired when nightfall came. I hardly feel that way in Singapore. Arggh!

Talking of which, I just thought of my time spent in England and it led me to my "moment" at Harrods. So Harrods is THE place in London and so I went there with my family. It was huge and lots to shop and I splitted up with my family for some "shopping time". I hardly did any shopping but I went to the section that sells musical instruments.

There it was, a young chap was playing the tune of Canon in D (which I think he played it in C Major). Then the sales person (a very good pianist) joined in on another grand piano playing some fill-ins and extra stuff... I secretly meddled around with another grand and softly added some notes. Soon, we had a crowd standing behind us. The sales man started playing much more and so did I... it was actually... to me, quite a beauty... I was like a conversation going on, a form of teamwork, spontaneously done. And I really enjoyed that moment. We ended and we had applause from the crowd. :) I thought to myself... its really cool! Its like... I PLAYED THE PIANO IN LONDON. wahhahah! At that time, it was yet another reaffirmation that I really LOVE music and thats what I want to do for the rest of my life. PLAY MUSIC. Thank God that I can play music and for the gifting :)

I am still in the midst of waiting for my Berklee results. Whatever the outcome, I know that He has plans for me. :)


A picture of Harrods in London.


Me! I think I like to "uglify" myself... smile!

:) -LeB-

My Best Days... Danny Gokey...

I needed some new albums for some listening pleasure. And I managed to grab one off the shelves of HMV. I got Danny Gokey's album. :) I enjoyed his recent performance on idol; singing "My Best Days"... He was quite a favourite of mine when he was competing on Idol and his album is not too bad :) He went country and I have been appreciating country music more now... I like that his album is very positive, speaks about hope and Jesus. :) I was blessed by a couple of songs on the album. It has good lyrics written and some nice catchy tunes. I particularly like this chunk of lyrics...

It's the love we make, it's the dreams we share
The friends we find in our short time here
It's knowing God's grace, the touch of a hand
Holding a baby, calling mom and dad
It's making the most of the moments we have
And getting to live long enough to look back
On the years, the sweet tears of joy and laughter
That's all that really matters...

-from the song "Tiny Life"

Lord, may You lead my life and help me to see what is important and not miss out on the details of living and living for You. :)

-LeB-

the pursuit of playing jazz...

I think my appreciation for jazz has heighten another level. I first liked jazz when I was around 17; listening to Diana Krall's album. Which is probably easier to listen to compared to other jazz artistes. Last time all I would and probably could say is that... "jazz... its nice, its classy..."

Diana Krall still remains as one of my favourite jazz artistes but along with her, I have widen my listening repertoire, to artistes like Hiromi (a sure favourite), Oscar Peterson, Art Tatum, Keith Jarrett, Red Garland and of late... Vince Guaraldi. I went to HMV yesterday to get some albums to listen to... and I got Art Tatum's and Vince Guaraldi's album. Its my first time listening to Vince Guaraldi, who is best known for his compositions for Charles Schulz's Peanuts. I have to say that his playing is very tasteful, not extremely complex but he definitely has his chops. And I like it :)

However, when it comes to playing jazz, I still have a long way to go. But whats comforting is that... I do see myself improving (although probably, I should be improving faster), still its better than nothing. At least now, I can play some licks that sounds really quite jazz; whereas last time I could play... Some licks that are so predictable, all my friends would know I am playing the piano/keys. Hahah! And I really enjoy seeing myself improve and playing stuff that really sounds jazz. I give myself a pat on my shoulders. :)


Vince Guaraldi's album... I like the album cover :)

-LeB-

doesn't know what will happen...

Its exactly 2 weeks to the Berklee auditions again. So fast and 1 year has gone by.

What will I feel when April comes? And where will I be in 6 months time?

Praying and trusting in the Lord.

-LeB-

I'd really love to see you tonight

I heard this song being sung at barstop last Monday. And it sounded really familiar, still I wasn't too sure if I had heard this song before. Especially when it dates back to 1976??? I wasn't even born yet. In any case, this is a great song and I love it!!! :) It has that "country sound" I think... and that I like.

I love oldies.

-LeB-

张克帆 - 爱错了

currently learning this song for Wendy's student for open mic tomorrow. quite a nice song. I really think i'm an oldie. what crossed my mind is that... 张克帆, he's really got a good good voice! really nice voice. :)

-LeB-

a night of music... :)

I've always liked to watch live performances. Last time I would stroll by the walks of Esplanade and catch the outdoor performances, that was when I was 17!!??!? Today I decided to take a break and decided to chill out with some live music.

Pheebs and I decided on bar stop. We've heard a lot of the place but we've both not been there. Its a nice place to chill, quite comfy. Today's act was David & Wendy. We totally had no idea who these 2 people are, still, we decided to give it a shot. And boy were they good!!! :) I had a great time listening to their music. It was just a simple acoustic set up, guitar + vocals with occasional flute and tambourine; it was nice, full and sincere. They are both really good singers. David has a very nice tone to his voice, somewhat of a country tone. And Wendy glides through her singing, one word SOOTHING. Do all Wendys have a "smooth" voice? Haha... They were very comfortable on stage, just doing their thing. And I felt their sincerity through the songs. They also sang 2 of my requests. 2 of my favourite English songs. 1) Leader of the Band 2) Put Your Records On. Thanks to the duo for the great night of music! :)

Caleb is now feeling... satisfied and inspired :)

-LeB-

YouDuoShaoAiKeYiChongLai(有多少爱可以重来) --- Hao Ge(郝歌)From Africa

I've always wondered how would an african sound like singing in Mandarin. And here it is... Cool man! Interesting! I think his Mandarin diction is even better than mine! Soulful singing!!! :)

-LeB-

Hiromi_Chou à la crème

there will only ever be 1 Hiromi... She is a genius! No! more than a genius... arggh! Superb, brilliant, fantastic, fantabulous... just... Great!!!

american idol season 7 - Angela Martin

from season 7... look how she blossomed... :)

Angela Martin American Idol 9 Audition Just Fine by Mary J. Blige

3rd time auditionee for American Idol. I like this girl! She's got the voice, great vibes!!! Woohoo~!~! I hope she goes far... and as she says... "I can't give up until I touch my dream" :)

Cover: Shadowfeet (Brook Fraser) w/ AJ Rafael, plus Luie-talk!

Two very talented people... Jane Lui + AJ Rafael. Brilliant! And both playing keys and singing! Phew! Way to go Jane!!! :)

-LeB-

Things to be happy about :)

Today I first received a sms from WangDaJie. The contents of the message was... "Wah! I can't help but to share tis to u all! Wendy is playing violin 4 ah mei next wk!! Yeah!" When I saw the message I was thinking to myself... Who is ah mei? Some friend of ours or someone we know... I thought harder then I realized... Its Zhang Hui Mei! Oh my goodness!!! WendyMAMA is gonna play for ah mei!!! Yes, she's going to play the violin for ah mei! I am totally elated and excited for her! Especially when ah mei is one of Wendy's favourite singer. Way to go MAMA! Jia you!

Then a few days back, Simin was updating us about her collaboration with the chinese ensemble. Looks like things are looking bright on her side too. And they had their gig at St. Regis... Way cool! :) :) :)

I truly feel happy when good things happen to the people around me... the joy is just so infectious :) at least I feel joyous!

Today's gig at C-Nai... It was nice to have my elder brother and sister-in-law coming down to support. And it was unexpected but great to have Minhui and Yiling dropping by too. :) Thanks!

This week I had the privilege to spend some time with my younger brother too... wahahhah! I brought him out to do CNY shopping. Treated him to Kenny Rogers which at first he thought the place was called Carls' Jr. Haha... He's such a loveable brother. Its just a joy to have him as my brother. :)

Once again, I thank God for the many blessings I have in my life. And... He provides. :)

-LeB-

Assuredly Yours - Paradise

I finally found this song! I love this Christian song and its... just lovely. Enjoy! :)

Take my life, Lord... make me Assuredly Yours. :)

-LeB-

A good start to the year 2010~!~!

I played at the Esplanade! Its a dream come true... Haha! I have always wanted to play at the Esplanade and I did it at the start of this new year. A good kick off to the year 2010!

I was involved in Alex Wang's "No Explanation" Concert @ Esplanade's Recital Studio. I played 2nd keys... yeah! It was a very enjoyable time and I enjoyed it much more than I thought I would. And praise the Lord for a good show and the opportunity! It felt really good to be playing with a band, especially when they are all great musicians! I enjoyed the songs I was playing too... Initially it was hard to digest but after playing it a couple of times, it gets to you. Nice songs composed by Alex. And I think all of us saw Alex's spirit and enthusiasm in doing things; something that we all felt is good to learn. :)

To conclude, I really had a great time! Although because of the concert and other commitments I was quite burned out, but everytime we went on stage, I felt the energy coming back! It feels good to be doing something you like and I feel ignited in my passion for music after this... keep going Caleb! Its going to be an arduous journey but keep to it... :)

The band

From (L-R) Meow Leng, Simon, Tiffany, Kailun, ME! (Caleb), Desmond, Jonathan, Liang Hong and Keith


Day 2 and final show (The band + Alex Wang and Ashley Foo)

Next Gig (Wedding Gig)... 08 Jan '10 (a total headache, I need to play JAZZ!!! faintz)

But press on!

-LeB-