Archive for the ‘ Composers ’ Category

Summer plans

Surely this summer, like the ones before, will include awesome travel plans. (I never say no to an opportunity to travel abroad, especially with a concert or show involved.) But this summer will be alittle different because I will be on the road with WAITIKI. Now that “things” have changed in the band, Randy envisions a specific kind of sound and is now using me more than before, which I am happy about. Now that June is just around the corner, I’m excited about our trip to Berlin as we will be performing in the Water Festival. More information can be found here and there.

In August, I will be performing on keyboards with WAITIKI in Robert Drasin’s Voodoo band at the Tiki Oasis Festival (San Diego, CA). The last time I performed in Drasnin’s band was in Hukilau 2007, where we played a bunch of stuff from his Voodoo II album. It’s pretty mellow stuff with some catchy melodies and harmonies. My favorite is Puente Doble. I’m just simply attracted to those Latin grooves.

2008
05/27
CATEGORY
Composers
Concerts & Gigs
Write comment

NPR

Recently I’ve been listening to NPR while driving to various gigs. I especially look forward to their Jokes segment and the hour filled with random/interesting news about musicians and composers. Today I heard a short interview with Jennifer Higdon, a composer who has gained a huge amount of popularity within a very short time, and her notes about her piece, Blue Cathedral. I only managed to hear the first few minutes, but it was quite captivating how she used bell-like sounds and strings to indicate the light shining and reflecting through the crystal edifice in the sky. She also commented on the psychological journey from being introspective to being extroverted as one ages and goes through life with the purpose (?) or natural tendency to become associated with many people. Being introverted myself and having to coerce myself to meet new people as I expand my career, hearing that statement by Higdon made me want to listen to the piece and others written by her, perhaps for chamber ensemble. I am curious to hear how she translated all of the above into a cohesive work for orchestra.

2008
03/13
CATEGORY
Composers
Write comment

Mozart?!

Sigh… I wish there was some quick and easy rule on how to play Mozart. I know I’m not the only one who loves to listen to Mozart, yet is hesitant and reluctant to play it. Must I be a diva of some sort and force myself to come up with crazy imaginative dramatic episodes/dramas about whatevers to play Mozart well? (Yes, it was once one of my assignments for a Mozart sonata I had to learn when I was a Heifetz student in college). Am I scarred for life? Maybe I’m just too lazy. Okay, back to learning the G major Vln & Vla Duo.

2008
03/11
CATEGORY
Composers
Practicing
Write comment

LUNA DUO