The Comeback Kid

2009 seems to be the year of comebacks.

First was Michael Jackson, who was supposed to be doing a world comeback tour but that wasn't meant to be.

Next is Whitney Houston, who's looking all cleaned up and glowing. Her latest studio album took 7 years in the making. She recently did a pre-listening party with the help of music mogul Clive Davis, who discovered her at the age of 16.

Curious, I did some research on the new album, and true enough I managed to find a couple of samples on YouTube. I was very interested in the song written by R. Kelly titled "I Look to You". When R. Kelly did a snippet of the song on his youtube months ago, I thought damn, that would be a great comeback song for Whitney. It nearly moved me to tears.

Well, upon hearing the final produced song which I downloaded from a radio rip, I couldn't help but think quite sadly that Whitney Houston's glorious singing days are over.

Now, don't get me wrong. I love Whitney. And I couldn't be happier that she's coming back to the scene. And I believe half the music industry is also anticipating her return too. But personal feelings aside, her voice is a shadow of its former self. Her vocal range has dropped considerably. Her tone is a lot huskier and thinner. No confident belt-outs. No powerful modulations. No silky smooth coos. Just a tired, almost resigned vocalist who sounded like she has seen better days. There were nuances of her former self as she engages certain turns in the song but they were subtle. I was really hoping she would soar like how she did in all her previous songs. But there was none of that.

"I Look to You" would most likely to be her flagship song from this album, and poignantly so. We all know she went through a pretty rough patch during the past ten years of bad marriage, alleged alcohol and drug abuse. And this album would probably mean much more to her lyrically than any of her previous albums.

Would this album be a number one album? Quite possibly so. Does it deserve to be a number one album? Well, at this stage, it doesn't really matter because Whitney Houston remains to be the comeback kid of our time. And every comeback kid deserves a second chance.

***"I Look To You" in stores on the 31st August, 2009.***

The Passing of a Story Teller

My heart weeps as I'm writing this.

When I met Yasmin Ahmad 7 years ago for the first time, it was for a brief for an ad. Before I could introduce myself, she interjected our meeting with a question:

"Name me three of your favourite movies. Don't think. Just say it." she asked excitedly.

From that day onwards I knew Yasmin was no ordinary person. She was spirited, creative, charming and inspiring.

Years later when she left the advertising industry and went into film making, I had the honour and privilege of working with her on several advertising spots and most recently, the movie Talentime.

When the preview screening was held at Leo Burnett's theatrette last year, many wept after the movie ended, almost everyone came up to Yasmin to either congratulate her or to embrace her.

I remember I walked up to her afterwards and said this while holding her hands:

"Thank you for doing what you do. You have no idea how much you inspire us with your craft."

And tonight, just after my late night shower, I got an SMS informing of her untimely demise. I only just saw and salaamed her on Tuesday when she came into the studio.

I am truly devastated. My heart weeps for the loss of a rare soul who truly understands what it means to be different, to embrace love as what it is regardless of race, colour, creed. She understands what it means to be human, what it means to be compassionate, what it means to be real. Her advertising campaigns and films are a great testimony to that.

Whenever she comes into the studio and we discuss music for her projects, we always end up talking about life. I love listening to her talk. There's such a delicate and intricate sense of awareness to her that's leaves me in awe all the time. And I can only say I'm thankful I got to spend these short but precious moments with her during the last 7 years.

I'm sure everyone who's worked with Yasmin only has fond and unforgettable memories to share. For me, nothing sums up her take on life better than one of my favourite songs by Sam Hui, which she used for the closing credits on Sepet:

浪子心聲 From the Heart of a Wanderer (1976)
by 許冠傑 Sam Hui

難分真與假　人面多險詐
It’s not easy to distinguish between truth and falsehood. Many humans are deceitful at heart.

幾許有共享榮華　簷畔水滴不分差
How many of them would share prosperity with you? To equally share even the waterdrops from the rim of a roof?

無知井裡蛙　徒望添聲價
(I was) an ignorant frog inside a well, looking in vain for prestige and fame.

空得意目光如麻　誰料金屋變敗瓦
Self-conceited and short-sighted, I never expected my elegant house would one day become a dilapidated wreck.

命裡有時終須有　命裡無時莫強求
We’ll eventually gain whatever as fate would have it. We’d not strive too hard for something not destined for us.

雷聲風雨打　何用多驚怕
We’ll meet thunders and storms, but we don’t have to be scared.

心公正白壁無暇　行善積福最樂也
Happiest are those who have a fair mind and a clear conscience, and who perform good deeds whenever possible.

人比海裡沙　毋用多牽掛
Human beings are just like the sand in the sea where nothing is to be worried.

君可見漫天落霞　名利息間似霧化
You can see the evening glow all over the sky. It’ll soon disappear like mist; so do fame and fortune.

To my dear Yasmin, thank you for everything. It has been a wonderful honour and privilege.

Forever, Michael

Michael Joseph Jackson (1959-2009)
The way I like to remember him.

Today, if you tune into the radio stations or flip through the TV channels, you will hear and see a myriad of news, condolences, tributes on Michael Jackson's passing.

I grew up from the mid 70s right through the 80s and yes, I couldn't think of a better era of music to grow up in. Michael Jackson, like it or not, was a breakthrough artiste and performer of his time. He defined the pop and urban music scene of the 80s and was one of the most influential talents of our time. Till today, people across the world are still mimicking his signature dance moves and singing style.

How could anyone forget the 'lock-and-pop' dance steps, or the screeching 'hee-hee' in most of his songs, or even the sequinned glove and white sock look? More importantly, how could anyone forget the impressive repertoire of memorable songs he shared with the world?

But having said that, I wouldn't consider myself a real big MJ fan. I do enjoy his music but I never idolized him. I appreciate his musical talents, and even more so today as a musician myself. His sudden departure is certainly a real sad loss to the music industry.

His music production was one of the finest, his beats were poppin' and his grooves were tight. His redefined MTV with his revolutionary music videoclips. He was definitely on top of his game and his craft.

The irony of it is this: Despite the controversies, MJ remained one of the most respected, loved and idolized artistes in the music industry and I always believe his talents would give him the comeback that he needed. But he always seemed to be overshadowed by his troubled past and I think sadly in the end he became his own victim.

There will always be other Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake or Beyonce. But there can only be one Michael Jackson.

To the world's King of Pop: We shall always remember the wonderful memories you gave us.

R.I.P.

***Photo courtesy of the internet***

Cinta

I know I haven't blogged in a while.

Four months to be exact.

Oh well, life goes on.

But having lunch with this couple last week has inspired me once again to start penning entries on life's little journeys and adventures.

My friends Audi and Nikki are having their wedding reception in June this year. What was interesting was that nobody knew about them dating for almost 2 years. They've got to be one of the most understated couples I know.

The seemingly unlikely couple seemed really happy together. I mean, honestly happy. There was no over-the-top display of affection, no huge diamond ring to flaunt, no fancy reports or coverage on the news front. They're just two happy people in love with each other.

I always found wedding proposal videos to be somewhat cheesy and tacky but after watching the little clip he made of his 'surprise proposal' for her, I found myself strangely moved and getting a little misty at the end of it. Love, like it or not, is a truly powerful emotion.

"There are six BILLION people in the world
more or less
and it makes me feel quite small
But you're the one I love the most of all."
Nine Million Bicycles - Katie Melua

***©All photographs and rights reserved by K:Rew's photography. Please do NOT post, print or distribute without permission.***

Talentime

"Words say too much. Love comes in silence."

There was laughter, there were tears but above all, there was a kindred spirit in the cosy auditorium that was filled with people from all walks of life, all age groups bound together by some form of involvement in a common project.

And that project is Yasmin Ahmad's latest film titled "Talentime".

This prolific film maker needs no introduction and her films, apart from winning some of the most prestigious awards in the film industry, always seem to touch the hearts of the people through her sensitive observation and lyrical storytelling.

I've only watched "Sepet" but that was enough to make me want to work with her at some point in my life.

The opportunity came a few months ago and Yasmin asked if we (my boss and I) could contribute a song to her latest film. Of course we jumped at the opportunity.

And tonight, after watching the first private screening at the screening room in her office, I felt really privileged and proud to be involved in such a wonderful project.

From the script, to the actors, to the soundtrack, "Talentime" is perhaps Yasmin Ahmad's most moving piece yet.

The young actors, all barely 20 years of age, brought forth such powerful performances that you wonder if they really went through life the way the story had told.

As the credit rolled and the lights came on, some of the actors were still moved to tears and others gave a heartfelt applause for having spent 2 hours of their life being inspired and enriched by this wonderful storyteller.

Yasmin Ahmad, a true talent of our time.

***Photo courtesy of Yasmin Ahmad. To find out more about "Talentime" the movie, visit "The Storyteller" ***

Baju Melayu Boys

What initially started as a fun pet project to photograph my friends in their baju Melayu has turned out into something a lot more meaningful than just pretty pictures.

15 guys from all walks of life and different backgrounds, kindly volunteered their time to be under the scrutiny of flashing studio lights and camera snapshots, and to share with me what baju Melayu means to them.

The results? Well, take a look for yourself but I couldn't have asked for a better bunch of models.

To all my Muslim friends, thank you for being a part of this special project and Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri.

To see the complete collection, please visit my flickr™.

***©All photographs and rights reserved by K:Rew's photography. Please do NOT post, print or distribute without permission.***

Berbuka

It's that time of the year again where Muslims all over the world would fast for 30 days in lieu of Ramadan.

Fasting month has always been a bit of an exciting affair for me. Apart from the wonderful kueh-kueh and ayam perciks, the sights and sounds during this period are always a welcome treat.

As usual, Esal extended his invitation for me to join him for the first berbuka at his mum's place. Umi, as always, cooked up a storm. And I never fail to scrap the last bit of rice from my plate. Her curry bubur is really really quite sensational.







Every year as I visit the household, Esal's nephews and nieces, 12 of them no less, all grow an inch taller. The younger ones are learning to walk. The older ones are starting to fast. The eldest one, well, he's already starting university.

I remember the time when we were growing up, my uncles and aunts would always be the ones saying how fast the kids are growing up. Now, it is us who take over that role. :)

Time certainly flies but it's comforting to know that traditions and family values will always stand the test of time.

***©All photographs and rights reserved by K:Rew's photography. Please do NOT post, print or distribute without permission.***