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THE AWAKENING Live Concert (Wed, 4 Jun.)
Concert Info:
Date: 3 October 2007 Venue: The Actors’ Studio @ BSC, KL Time: 8 PM Attire: Smart Casual Ticketing Info: Price: RM 38 (inclusive of ticket charges) Box Office: The Actors’ Studio,Level 3, West Wing, Bangsar Shopping Centre, 285, Jalan Maarof, 59000 KL
Kuala Lumpur , 1 Sept 2007 – Once in awhile in the musical incubator of the downtown club scene, a truly musically sophisticated work with broad appeal emerges as if from nowhere. The truth, of course, is that these gems are the results of years of hard work, artistic development and unique musical vision: all these crystallize the release of self-titled debut album "GruvAvénue" in 2005.
Formally known as "Black Machine", GruvAvénue exploded into the KL music scene with its inaugural performance in The Actors Studio, Plaza Putra in 2001. The band continued to make special appearances at jazz clubs such as the legendary No Black Tie, Alexis Wine Bar & Bistro, Jazz Bar @ The Orange, Bangkok Jazz, Livehouse Niche and various Jazz Festivals. Soon after, the band enjoyed heavy rotation on Australian smooth jazz station, The Breeze106.3 and constant airplay on national radio station, Traxx FM, Jazz Selekta.
Looking forward, GruvAvénue is set to wow audience again with yet another feat – the first Malaysian Jazz group to record a live album. Scheduled for October 3, 2007, at The Actor’s Studio, the band will captivate audience with their full range of original compositions. The elements are delicate melodies, strong rhythmic sense, vibrant harmonic nuances and pulsating grooves!
GruvAvénue keeps a simple and yet organic instrumentation – bass, saxophone, drum, keys and vocals. As a collective, "GruvAvenue" artists come from a wide range of jazz backgrounds which sees as a binding force. These musicians embrace not only free improvisations but also appreciate tonal composition and extended musical forms and changes. Any brief moments of conventionality are trumped by eclecticism, an excellent composing transcends the established musical borders and stares down current definitions of what jazz should be. They have come together with a love for the new as well as the old…each bringing a universal quality that reaches out to varied audience.
Vincent Ong, bassist described as a friendly iconoclast, an artist who enthusiastically explores new concepts at the cutting edge of jazz. A stylistic chameleon that uses different textures and colors to create tension and augment a song’s complexity.
Tay Cher Siang , pianist with flawless embrace for the keys presents the ’sweet’ touch. Somewhat authoritative yet moving, he hovers somewhere between homage and prayer while slowly building and then writhing the mood.
Martin Ngim, drummer brings the groove with strong rhythmic sense and tenacity. Moving from seductive percussion works to vivacious raw grooves, he adds vigor to the group.
Shazee Ishak, saxophonist and rapper brings forth sensual harmonic nuances on his wind instrument and expands the group’s spectrum of sound with intoxicating loops through modern technology.
Vanessa Tan, a gift to jazz buffs. Not just for her exuberance but her ability to articulate without resorting to imitation, synthesizes with her own estimable talent and results is eye-opening and entertaining. She can shift from one color and feel to the next deftly, moving from throaty version to swinging up-tempo.
Five amazing talents, one amazing sound. "The Awakening" Live Concert promises a dynamic group and energetic performance.
Thanks to the support from all you guys who came to Rick’s Cafe Casablanca, and our fellow musicians, Julian, Kevin, Eddie and many more, we managed to get a full house! For everyone who would like to check out this new cafe, our new CD, our new lineup, here’s the details:
Thanks to everyone who turned up at Alexis last weekend. Both nights were really packed! Our CDs are selling fast, and most important of all, we’re having a lot of fun performing!
If you would like to check out this new cafe, our new CD, our new lineup, here’s the details:
Formerly known as "Black Machine", GruvAvénue exploded into the KL music scene with its inaugural performance in The Actors Studio in 2001. Since then, GruvAvénue has continued performing actively, securing regular stints in jazz clubs and festivals around the country. The self-titled debut album “GruvAvénue” consisting of entirely original materials previewed at Alexis in July 2005. They return this time round to showcase their latest album, The Awakening. Fans who turn up at Alexis on the 9th will get the opportunity to purchase this NEW RELEASE, and autographs before it hits the retail stores from 10 Nov 07 onwards.
GruvAvénue keeps a simple and yet organic instrumentation – bass, saxophone, drum & keys. GruvAvenue’s musicians come from a wide range of jazz backgrounds and together they embrace not only free improvisations but also appreciate tonal composition and extended musical forms and changes. They have come together with a love for the new jazz as well as the old- each bringing their own unique quality that reaches out to a varied audience.
Vincent Ong bass Tay Cher Siang piano Martin Ngim drum Shazee Ishak saxophone
Admission is free. Show starts at 10.30pm Table bookings for diners only. For more information, please call 4260-2288 or email info@alexis.com.my
Alexis Bistro Ampang Great Eastern Mall 303 Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur
Lovers Electric ( 0 minutes ago )
indie disco will make u dance here come lovers electric. Get our second album from First Stance Recordings.email: firstance@yahoo.com www.myspace.com/firstance Po Box 13060 Kuala Lumpur 50798 Malaysi
Nice groove... We love your music... And you have a very cool sound. Wish all the success for you... Please visit our AMP page to listen to ours... Thank you so much... Greetings from INDONESIA...
A significant recording of original, smooth jazz compositions by one of the finest young names in Kuala Lumpur. The improvisational element is evident through-out with ample helpings of legato saxophone lead, fluid piano and punchy bass lines. It’s definitely worth getting and leaves me wanting more! It’s only the beginning and let’s watch what’s forthcoming in future. - All Dat Jazz ‘N’ More
A collection of original tracks, a mixture of smooth urban jazz and modern fusion, all instrumental and everything executed to near-perfection. A six-track EP that reflects Vincent’s musical passion and beliefs. There’s an edge in the performance that lends the EP a natural, organic touch. - The Star Newspaper
If the mood is one of refinement and style, romantic, intimate, or simply chilled and laid back, give this a go! - Her World Magazine
smooth jazz of delicate melody and intricate harmony. The album combines smooth and contemporary jazz with elements of pop and R&B. - 106.3 The Breeze, Smooth Jazz Radio
This is how it begins.
Formally known as "Black Machine", GruvAvénue exploded onto the KL music scene with its inaugural performance in The Actors Studio, Plaza Putra in 2001. The show saw the dynamic band combining its aptitude for improvisation to an eclectic selection of music.
Black Machine has continued performing actively, securing regular stints in jazz clubs such as the legendary No Black Tie, Jazz Bar @ The Orange and Livehouse Niche along the way. The year 2004 saw Black Machine making its successful debut in the Sunrise Carlsberg Jazz Festival. The band is also a regular feature in many local jazz-themed restaurants, cafés, bistros and wine bars.
Not keen to rest on its laurels, the self-titled debut album "GruvAvenue" consisting of entirely original compositions was released in August 2005. Preceding to this, a sneak preview was held at Alexis Wine Bar & Bistro, Ampang in July, followed by a major re-introduction of the band at the regional foremost music festival - Sunrise Jazz & Rhythm Fest in August.
The band headed back to Avanti Italian American Ristorante in Sept, enthralling jazz aficionados with their brand new musical styles and approaches; while their music is in heavy rotation in Australian smooth jazz station - The Breeze106.3 on the coastline overlooking the remarkable Great Barrier Reef. In October, revolutionary national radio program - Jazz Selecta interviewed GruvAvénue. The two-hour interview was air nationwide live on Traxx.FM (90.3 /100.1 FM in the Klang Valley) and available for live streaming globally. The band invaded Bangkok Jazz Thai Bistro in November and developed a close rapport with a full house. Whilst experimenting with modern technology, the band paid homage to jazz legend on showcase at Cotton Club in December. The debut album, "GruvAvénue" is available in Tower Records.
In March 2006, GruvAvénue geared back to jazz-themed restaurant - Avanti, beguiling patrons with their intimate originals and contrasting electronica pulse. The group returned by popular demand to the Sunrise Jazz & Rhythm Fest in July 2006 and took thousands of audience by storm with their festive moods and funky grooves, cross-genre rapping by local hip hop artiste, Shazzy, and new addition of powerful vocal - Vanessa. Their one-off performance at Alexis Oct 2006 and Feb 2007 were a full house with cheers from fans and supporters.
After their sold-out concert at The Actor's Studio Bangsar October 2007, GruvAvenue brings you their second album - THE AWAKENING! (Click Here for Media Review). The album comprised entirely of all new authentic compositions, is a live recording of the concert. This CD captures the true beauty of a live jazz concert with their musical communications, intensity, and the wholehearted emotion for the music. For listener to experience first hand: "The Awakening" is available in Tower RecordsLOT 10 within Kuala Lumpur, Tower Records1 UTAMA & SUNWAY PYRAMID within Petaling Jaya, and Tower RecordsPLAZA GURNEY within Pulau Pinang (Penang). And don’t forget to check out their debut album "GruvAvenue" as the band has evolved and went through an interesting musical metamorphosis.
The Music
As contemporary jazz band, GruvAvénue keeps a simple and yet organic instrumentation bass, saxophone, drum and keys. In the studio, GruvAvénue blends traditional jazz harmony and heartfelt original melodies with contemporary grooves to create a unique and sincere sound. Their music absolutely captivating, full of delicate melodies, subtle intricate changes, strong rhythmic sense, vibrant harmonic nuances, are perfected by flawless live playing. On stage, they take their energetic performance a step up by incorporating pulsating grooves and intoxicating loops through modern technology.
Reluctant to stay in their comfort zone of nostalgic standard jazz music format, the band constantly expand their signature sound spectrums and experiment with a wide diversity of musical genres ranging from soul, traditional swing, House, R&B, hip hop, dance beats, pop and fusion. Masters in projecting both: sophisticated seduction of intimate acoustic jazz and vivacious raw grooves of electronica, here’s the amazing sound!
Getting Personals
Started with four members, GruvAvénue was re-organised in January 2005 by Black Machine founder - double bassist and producer, Vincent Ong. He was joined by Shazzy on saxophone (from 2004) and other stellar sessionists on keyboards, drums and other instruments. Each member is an accomplished musician and skilled arranger. Vincent, the band leader doubles as the songwriter, while Shazzy is commonly known by local press and media as the most promising hip hop recording artiste. The group had a reunion with Black Machine’s original member, Justin on keys during his recent summer holiday in KL at the Sunrise Jazz & Rhythm Fest 2006. Other members include Julian, Benjamin and Kevin on Saxes, and Vanessa on Vocal. New additions of the group in year 2007 include Martin on Drums and educator Cher Siang on keys after completing his BA in University of West Virginia.
