Hi there,

We've upgraded our site and will no longer be updating the content in this blog. For historical reasons, we will be maintaining this site as a browsable archive.

Please check out the new site at http://alldatjazz.com

Eugene Ong
http://alldatjazz.com
Tel: +6 016 2096 777
Fax: +6 03 8941 1591

Dear friends and loyal readers!

Firstly, thanks for the overwhelming concern over my hard-disk crash last week. I'm glad to say that despite the irreplaceable lost of data, we're back in action. Before the crash, I managed to upload a draft of Salsa Celtica's performance and the photos, which are up now over here: http://www.alldatjazz.com/item/1819


I love what's happening in the local singer-songwriter scene so two Sunday evenings ago, Mel and I went over to MidValley to lend our support to Ms Mia Palencia on her roadshow (see http://www.alldatjazz.com/item/1813) to promote her singer-songwriter album, “Finding My Way”. It might not be jazz, but apart from possessing the vocal chops, she's lean and mean on that acoustic guitar. Oh yes, it wouldn't be complete without showing you a video so here it is:


(Pardon the degraded video quality)

[ Read More! ]

UPDATE: Apr 21, 2008 Eugene's computer got a little messed up, but if you take a look at the right hand bar, all the latest gig updates are already available. Cya
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Dear loyal readers,

Thank you for your continued support!

It has been a busy week for me finishing up 5 interviews and a few reviews all regarding the Genting International Jazz Festival 2008 with a few more to go. You can find them through the links mentioned below. Meanwhile your patience is appreciated as I complete the rest.

This dispatch has eight ( 8 ) sections so you can skip to the relevant section if you like.

1. UPCOMING CONCERT: GAMBUS GOES LATIN! (21 & 22 APR 08 )
2. UPCOMING CONCERT: MIRI INTERNATIONAL JAZZ FESTIVAL 2008 (9 & 10 MAY 08 )
3. NEW ALBUM RELEASES
4. JAZZIN' THE CITY!
5. JAZZ RADIO
6. JAZZ CD DISCOUNTS
7. GENTING INTERNATIONAL JAZZ FESTIVAL REPORT (PART 1)
8. PARTING WORDS

[ Read More! ]

AllDatJazz.Com is proud to lend our support to Mia Palencia, more fondly known as the lady with the Voice in her “coming of age” journey of sorts as she releases her first singer-songwriter album “Finding My Way”



Singer songwriter, jazz crooner, voice actor, public speaker and occasionally a theatre personality, Mia Palencia is a woman of many talents. She kicked off her career as the other half of well-known Malaysian local jazz act Double Take at the age of 14, with whom she has released two albums. She has sung for kings, traveled the world as a public speaker and a vocalist, and, most recently, begun exploring the world of cartoons as a voice actor. Mia released her first solo single, ‘Sayang’ in September 2006.

[ Read More! ]

Dear loyal readers,





I'm back from the 2nd Genting International Jazz Festival which to me, is the best that I've been to so far in terms of the bands, crowd participation - can anyone say salsa dancing - and not forgetting creature comfort with comfy pews and air-conditioned auditorium in an ultra-relaxed and cool environment way up in the highlands of Malaysia along the Titiwangsa range.

There's 6 gigabytes of photos to be sorted out as well as .mp3s to edit with articles and interviews to roll out before the end of this week; all from that festival. I've met so many wonderful people from all over the world and reconnected with long, lost friends but hey, let's save that for the actual articles.



Greeting me on the way back from work yesterday, I heard on Hot.FM 97.6 Ayamas' latest advertisement promoting its new line of frankfurters. I now welcome Ayamas to the list of companies that have used or are using jazz in their radio advertisements. The wonderful thing about it, is that it is in Bahasa Malaysia, the national language!

(Now, how about some sponsorship heading this way? Thank you in advance)



Yes I know I promised to publish the gigs by Friday, but knowing that I would be up in Gentings, all the gigs for the month has been updated on our website (http://alldatjazz.com) on the vertical bar on your right hand side.

1. Eric Li Jazz Trio @ No Black Tie (8 & 9 Apr 08 : Tue & Wed)
2. Wed Nite Live With Ina Fabregas & Llew Marsh @ The Attic (9 Apr 08 : Wed)
3. John Thomas Quartet @ Groove Junction (10 Apr 08 : Thu)
4. The Rizal Soliano Trio feat. Gina Panizales @ 7atenine (10 Apr 08: Thu )
5. Brazilian Sambas And Bossa Novas With Cheong & Nizam @ No Black Tie (10 Apr 08 : Thu)
6. International Jazz Series - Gwyn Jay Allen @ Alexis Ampang (10, 11 & 12 Apr 08 : Thu - Sat)
7. Funky Friday With Tokyo Blue @ The Attic (11 Apr 08 : Fri)
8. Eric Li's Jazz Latino @ Bangkok Jazz (11 & 12 Apr 08 : Fri & Sat)
9. Saturday Showtime @ The Attic with Fadzilah Yusof & Llew Marsh (12 Apr 08 : Sat)
10. Sunday Attic Jazz Jam @ The Attic (13 Apr 08 : Sun)

[ Read More! ]

Dear friends,

Please keep Charmayne Chung, a committee member of the Jazz Association of Malaysia (JAM) in your prayers as she is ill and was recently admitted to hospital. Hope she recovers quickly.


As promised I had posted next week's gigs YESTERDAY on JAM's Facebook-page based on the information that I currently have at this time of writing. There will be more to follow as soon as I get them.

1. Eric Li's Jazz Trio @ No Black Tie (1 & 2 Apr 08 @ 9.30 pm)
2. Rizal Soliano Trio feat Gina Panizales @ 7atenine (3 Apr 08 @ 9.00 p.m.)
3. Brazilian Sambas and Bossa Novas with Cheong and Nizam @ No Black Tie (3 Apr 08 @ 9.30 p.m.)
4. Gentings International Jazz Festival 08 @ Genting International Showroom (4 & 5 Apr 08 @ 7.00 p.m.)
5. Maria Angela @ No Black Tie (4 & 5 Apr 08 @ 10.30 p.m.)
6. Ida Mariana @ Alexis Ampang (4 & 5 Apr 08 @ 10.30 p.m.)
7. Michelle Nunis @ Bangkok Jazz (4 & 5 Apr 08 @ 10.00 p.m.)

UPDATE:
8. Wed Nite Live Acoustic Musings with Ana Raffali, Koko & Bo @ The Attic (2 Apr 08 @ 8.30 p.m.)
9. Funky Friday with Tokyo Blue @ The Attic (4 Apr 08 @ 9.00 p.m.)
10. Saturday Showtime @ The Attic with Janet Lee & Llew Marsh (5 Apr 08 @ 9.30 p.m.)
11. Sunday Attic Jazz Jam @ The Attic (6 Apr 08 @ 7.30 p.m.)

For a bit more detailed information, please visit the left-hand site navigation bar on http://www.alldatjazz.com

There is a new joint open called 7atenine where The Rizal Soliano Trio will be performing every Thursday evening next month. Joining them will be the lovely Gina Panizales.

Also, has anyone noticed that the International Jazz Series at Alexis is gaining in popularity? On that point, shouldn't Greg Lyon's bill last night be considered as one too? Food for thought.



Don't forget to catch Sharizan's “It's Swing Time” tonight on Lite.FM and Jezza and Maya's Jazz Selekta on Traxx.FM every Tuesday evening from 10.00 p.m. onwards.

I have to indulge in a little gossip here; has anyone noticed that Miley Cyrus (yes, that Miley Cyrus of Hannah Montana fame) sounds a lot like our Maya Suraya?



LAST CALL for the 2nd installment of the Genting International Jazz Festival this weekend, 4th & 5th April 2008. For more details, please visit: http://www.gentingjazz.com

Our friends in East Malaysia can look forward to the Miri International Jazz Festival from 9th & 10th May 2008.


I'm also pleased to announce the inaugural performance of Farid Ali (http://www.mrgambus.com) at the Dewan Filharmonik Petronas from on 21st and 22nd April 2008. The rejuvenated performer will be introducing a new MALAYSIAN invention, the gambus-star in what is billed as a marriage of Latin and Gambus.

So please keep those dates blocked.

Best regards,

Eugene Ong
http://alldatjazz.com
Updated: 30 March 2008

Hola!

I had a good weekend last week and I finally managed to catch a fleeting glimpse of Atilia Haron at Bangkok Jazz as well as catch up with Hakim Amir of Astro on what's happening at AF6.

I was surprised to read yesterday that the ADUN or State Assemblyman for Teratai likes Jazz.

And how can I not forget the weekly ritual of posting your weekly gigs?



1. Eric Li Jazz Trio @ No Black Tie (25 & 26 Mar 08 )
2. Ladies Nite @ Bangkok Jazz (26 Mar 08 )
3. Wed Nite Live With Elvira Arul @ The Attic (26 Mar 08 )
4. Jazz Jam Session @ Bangkok Jazz (27 Mar 08 )
5. Cheong @ No Black Tie (27 Mar 08 )
6. Tristano Soliano & Tricia De Cruz @ Groove Junction (27 March 08 )
7. Jose Thomas @ Groove Junction (28 March 08 )
8. Funky Friday With Tokyo Blue @ The Attic (28 March 08 )
9. Wave Alchemist @ Bangkok Jazz (28 & 29 March 08 )
10. Eric Li Jazz Quintet @ No Black Tie (28 & 29 Mar 08 )
11. Elvira Arul @ Groove Junction (29 Mar 08 )
12. Saturday Showtime @ The Attic (29 Mar 08 )
13. Sunday Attic Jazz Jam @ The Attic (30 Mar 08 )

Now time does not permit me to go into the merits of each gig, but if you really want to know more, please click on the links at the right hand side.





Don't forget to tune in to Traxx.FM tonight (March 18, 2008 ) starting 10 pm for jazz tunes spun by Jezza and Maya!

* KL/Selangor/W. Pahang - 90.3/100.1 FM
* Cameron Highlands - 101.1 FM
* Negeri Sembilan/South Selangor - 88.7 FM
* Taiping/Perak - 105.3 FM
* Ipoh/Perak - 90.1 FM
* Malacca/Tangkak Johor - 97.4 FM
* Penang - 98.7 FM
* Bintulu, Sarawak - 98.5 FM
* Miri, Sarawak - 104.5 FM
* Gunung Kinabalu, Sabah - 105.3 FM
* Kota Belud, Sabah - 102.5 FM
* Sandakan, Sabah - 94.3 FM
* Brunei - 102.3 FM

Fill your Sunday weekend with Lite.FM's “It's Swing Time” hosted by Malaysia's King of Swing, Sharizan Borhan


The Genting International Jazz Festival is slightly less than 2 weeks away (April 4 & 5, 08 ) so please book your tickets now. Click here for more details where you can find links to the biodata of each group that will be performing.

Lest we forget, fans of Jazz over in East Malaysia also have their very own Miri Jazz Festival (May 9 & 10, 2008 ).

As per popular demand, we'll make it a weekly ritual from now on to bring you the gigs list earlier, i.e. latest by the Saturday the week before.

See you Fri/Sat!

Eugene
http://alldatjazz.com
25 March 2008

Here's all my favourite things:


1. RCW Jazz @ Groove Junction (18 March 2008 )
2. Eric Li Jazz Trio @ No Black Tie (18 Mar 2008 )
3. Cheong @ No Black Tie (20 Mar 08 )
4. Tristano Soliano & Tricia De Cruz @ Groove Junction (20 March 2008 )
5. Funky Friday With The Troubled Clefs @ The Attic KL (21 March 08 )
6. Eddie Wen (Urban Tribes) @ Groove Junction (21 Mar 08 )
7. GruvAvenue @ Alexis Bistro Ampang (21 & 22 March 2008 )
8. Eric Li Jazz Quartet @ No Black Tie (21 & 22 Mar 2008 )
9. Atilia Haron @ Bangkok Jazz (21 & 22 March 2008 )
10. Rizal Soliano Special @ Groove Junction (22 Mar 2008 )

As you can see, there is the Soliano invasion (a good thing!) at Groove Junction while Eric Li is resident pianist at No Black Tie. Meanwhile, Attic promises lots of fun with The Troubled Clefs. Our friends, GruvAvenue are playing at Alexis Ampang this weekend.





Don't forget to tune in to Traxx.FM tonight (March 18, 2008 ) starting 10 pm for jazz tunes spun by Jezza and Maya!

* KL/Selangor/W. Pahang - 90.3/100.1 FM
* Cameron Highlands - 101.1 FM
* Negeri Sembilan/South Selangor - 88.7 FM
* Taiping/Perak - 105.3 FM
* Ipoh/Perak - 90.1 FM
* Malacca/Tangkak Johor - 97.4 FM
* Penang - 98.7 FM
* Bintulu, Sarawak - 98.5 FM
* Miri, Sarawak - 104.5 FM
* Gunung Kinabalu, Sabah - 105.3 FM
* Kota Belud, Sabah - 102.5 FM
* Sandakan, Sabah - 94.3 FM
* Brunei - 102.3 FM

Please support Malaysia's King of Swing, Sharizan Borhan's (I owe you lots!) radio show “It's Swing Time” this Sunday on Lite.FM ok?


Right, Atilia Haron who will be performing at Bangkok Jazz this weekend has just returned from Jakarta fresh from the Jakarta International Java Jazz Festival 2008 - I bet she's at a peak so try to catch the Bangkok Jazz gig ok?

Apart from that, I must remind you of the Gentings Jazz Festival 2008 which will be held on 4th and 5th April 2008. You can read the individual performer profiles by clicking here.

In May 2008, there'll be the Miri Jazz Festival on 9th and 10th May 2008 and we hope to get in touch with Michael Lu's representative as soon as possible to bring you more inside news

As most of you would have guessed, work has picked up for me so please keep me in your prayers. Thank you

Eugene Ong
http://alldatjazz.com
March 08

Greetings everyone! We're back!

Wow, what a weekend and the people have truly spoken. Although AllDatJazz.Com has to remain apolitical, I think it is safe to say that we're on the side of civil society. Alright, let's get down to business:

Firstly, your Jezza-and-Maya style “Jazz in the City” update:

1. RCW Jazz @ Groove Junction (11 March 2008 )
2. Eric Li Jazz Trio @ No Black Tie (11 & 12 Mar 2008 )
3. Cheong @ No Black Tie (13 Mar 08 )
4. Tokyo Blue @ The Attic (14 March 2008 )
5. Jose Thomas @ Groove Junction (14 March 2008 )
6. Janet Lee Goes Shanghai @ Bangkok Jazz (14 & 15 Mac 08 )
7. International Jazz Series - Bonnie Jensen @ Alexis Bistro Ampang (13, 14 & 15 March 2008 )
8. Nial Djuliarso Jazz Trio @ No Black Tie (14 & 15 March 2008 )
9. Tristano Soliano & Tricia @ Groove Junction (15 March 2008 )
10. Ladies Nite @ Bangkok Jazz (Every Wednesday )
11. Jazz Jam Session @ Bangkok Jazz (Every Thursday )
12. Cheong @ No Black Tie (13 Mar 08 )
13. Sunday Attic Jazz Jam @ The Attic (Every Sunday )

The week looks packed with activities and if I were able to clone myself, I'd go for every single one of them. For more details please check the right hand side gigs listing.



Don't forget to tune in to Traxx.FM tonight (March 11, 2008 ) starting 10 pm for jazz tunes spun by Jezza and Maya!

* KL/Selangor/W. Pahang - 90.3/100.1 FM
* Cameron Highlands - 101.1 FM
* Negeri Sembilan/South Selangor - 88.7 FM
* Taiping/Perak - 105.3 FM
* Ipoh/Perak - 90.1 FM
* Malacca/Tangkak Johor - 97.4 FM
* Penang - 98.7 FM
* Bintulu, Sarawak - 98.5 FM
* Miri, Sarawak - 104.5 FM
* Gunung Kinabalu, Sabah - 105.3 FM
* Kota Belud, Sabah - 102.5 FM
* Sandakan, Sabah - 94.3 FM
* Brunei - 102.3 FM

Thanks for bearing with us this past two weeks while I was away.

Till next time,

Happy Jazzing!

Eugene Ong
http://www.alldatjazz.com
March 08

Greetings everyone!

We have been extremely busy behind the scenes with a lot of preparations (work, the new site, and of course the impending elections this Saturday). Our apologies for not delivering as we should due to the overwhelming amount of work coming our way.

Firstly, your Jezza-and-Maya style “Jazz in the City” update:

1. Triba : Live in a Jazz Tradition @ Groove Junction (4 Mar 08 )
2. Wed Nite Live @ The Attic (5 Mar 08 )
3. Eric Li Jazz Trio @ No Black Tie (4th & 5th Mar 2008 )
4. Urban Tribes 5Tet @ Centro (6 March 2008 )
5. Mama and the Boys @ Bangkok Jazz (7 & 8 Mac 08 )

Granted this is not exhaustive, but hey it's election week! So keep on checking our right hand side gigs listing bar for the latest in updates.

I'm sure the super rich among you will be attending Harry Connick Jr.'s concert at DFP tonight (yes it is expensive, you hear me Harry?) while seasoned travelers will be supporting vocalist Atilia Haron at the 4th Java Jazz Fest 08. It's not too late to get your tickets and special travel package for the festival through http://www.jazzmaster.com.my - Go and support her! And oh, there's the Mosaic going on in Singapore too.

I'd love to join in the fun, but is very important for me to exercise my right and duty as a voter in the coming elections this Saturday which will involve some traveling back to my hometown. I urge all Malaysians to vote in a government who would be fair and just without fear or favour. The last few nights for me have been spent as a volunteer for a campaign team. And please, if you are voting, don't try to “split your vote” between BN and Barisan Rakyat i.e. vote one for State Assembly and the other for Parliament. It just won't work. Ok enough of politics.



Don't forget to tune in to Traxx.FM tonight (Feb 19, 2008 ) starting 10 pm for jazz tunes spun by Jezza and Maya!

* KL/Selangor/W. Pahang - 90.3/100.1 FM
* Cameron Highlands - 101.1 FM
* Negeri Sembilan/South Selangor - 88.7 FM
* Taiping/Perak - 105.3 FM
* Ipoh/Perak - 90.1 FM
* Malacca/Tangkak Johor - 97.4 FM
* Penang - 98.7 FM
* Bintulu, Sarawak - 98.5 FM
* Miri, Sarawak - 104.5 FM
* Gunung Kinabalu, Sabah - 105.3 FM
* Kota Belud, Sabah - 102.5 FM
* Sandakan, Sabah - 94.3 FM
* Brunei - 102.3 FM

Till next time,

Happy Jazzing!

Eugene Ong
http://www.alldatjazz.com
March 08