By Olivia Miwil - August 14, 2023 @ 12:10pm
KOTA KINABALU: In the heart of Kota Kinabalu, the air was charged with anticipation as music enthusiasts, spanning generations, converged at the Sabah International Convention Centre.
An enchanting evening awaited them, painted with the melodic brushstrokes of Malaysian Jazz Queen Datuk Sheila Majid's Big Band concert.
The venue stood as a canvas upon which an orchestra of emotions would be vividly painted.
As the first notes gracefully embraced the air, the audience was transported into a realm where timeless classics seamlessly intertwined with innovative melodies.
With a harmonious fusion of ageless tunes and the dynamic splendor of a complete Big Band ensemble, the concert was nothing short of a symphony of emotions.
"I am truly delighted to see a full house and to receive support from people of Sabah, Kuala Lumpur, Brunei — every individual converging as music unites hearts," Sheila welcomed the concertgoers, a distinguished assembly including Sabah Yang diPertua Negeri Tun Juhar Mahiruddin, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, and other state and federal cabinet ministers.
The evening's narrative unfolded through the delicate tapestry of melodies, reimagining Sheila's iconic compositions like "Sinaran," "Anya dan Jakarta," and "Lagenda" through the enchantment of the big band arrangements.
Big bands are closely associated with jazz and swing genres, characterised by the synergy of multiple horns weaving harmonised melodies and engaging in soul-stirring improvisational solos.
Under the direction of Mac Chew, the virtuoso ensemble for Saturday's concert featured Jenny Chin, Hanson Lee, Steve Thornton, Muhammad Khairul Aiman Mohd Radz, Ahmad Zapuwan Ismail Puasa, and John Ashley Thomas for the rhythm section.
The saxophone harmonies were skillfully brought to life by Then Wan Ying, Chan Ching Shung, and Kevin Choo, while the trumpet section resonated with the artistry of Mohamad Firdaus Zainal, Wen Keng Foong, Chee Chow Ming, and Ainul Basyirah binti Aznan.
Backing vocalists, Izzad Izzuddin Borhan, Norakmal binti Kamarulzaman, and Widyzalilawati Hamzah Baswan, lent their voices to the performance.
Throughout a mesmerising two-hour performance, Sheila paid a heartfelt tribute to the frontliners who braved the two-year Covid-19 pandemic, dedicating "Wira Hatiku," a song embodying gratitude and resilience.
She also rendered a medley of Tan Sri P.Ramlee favourites -"Aduh Sayang," "Getaran Jiwa," "Bunyi Gitar," "Tiru Macam Saya," "Manusia"- as a poignant reminder to concertgoers of the giants that have shaped our musical landscape.
The evening also shone a spotlight on the lesser-known Malaysian legend, Jimmy Boyle, a prolific composer and jazz pianist hailing from the captivating shores of Penang.
During the press conference, Sheila shared a moment from the meet-and-greet session, recalling Sabah Yang diPertua Negeri's enjoyment with the big band concept.
"I told him I agreed," she recounted, noting that a live band experience offers spontaneity unattainable with pre-recorded music.
"As a performer, when you do minus 1, you cannot be spontaneous, but when you do it with a live band, you can be spontaneous, you can stop and talk, and go back to the chorus."
Comments
Post a Comment