CK News Update June 28, 2009
1. During my blogging absence, I’ve been writing and recording some songs at home. I’ve had numerous friends and acquaintances, amateurs to professionals, anyone who can lend me a hand and putting songs together, coming to my home. Also finished two shows, I know it doesn’t sound a lot… but I can use some rest.
2. I met a pianist-composer 2 weeks ago. He asked me to join him for his show coming in July here in Hong Kong. He assigned me 4 classically-inspired songs, one is a duet with another soprano, and one is in Hebrew. I’m just in awe with his moving and beautiful music. We’re really hitting it off.
3. Mom graduated from her master degree program!! Graduation went well, she received beautiful bouquets of flowers, it was very sweet.
4. Michael Jackson died yesterday. It’s so sad he died too young, too thin… He’s had such incredible moments, and such tragic moments. He is a genius, and a very strange man. He’s not just a musician - he’s an ICON… an incredible part of this generation.
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Few months ago, an acquaintance saw me perform in a local jazz bar… and she later asked me out for dinner to get further acquainted, and mentioned she would love to introduce me to her pianist-friend.
Weeks went by, and I got an invitation to a private party in a wine cellar tucked away in the valley. Never heard of that place till that evening. Never heard of this pianist either.
I arrived and walked into the smoking room and wine cellar. There on the grand piano, was a man in his mid-forties chatting about his adventure (and the politics behind the shows) from days ago during his visit (to perform) in Saudi Arabia.
The crowd was delighted after his story. Then he proceeded to ask the audience what they would like to hear. Something from Middle East? What about Spanish? How about some rock-n-roll? Ragtime? Beatles? Classical, of course… Beethoven, Grieg…
After the audience excitedly shouted out obscure songs, he thought for a moment, and started playing.
I don’t normally gush over musicians. I’ve met a lot of wonderful musicians and have been to alot of amazing performances. It’s either the formal classical recitals-performance or popular numbers at a club or a bar. Improvisation is usually a hit-and-miss pending the musician and the city, but almost always a delight.
But what he was doing, is something I’ve never witnessed before.
He weaved themes and melodic lines all together into one composition. Impromptu.
It was stunning and awe-inspiring.
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During the break, our acquaintance introduced us, and we chatted briefly. He inquired about what I do and musical styles that I dabble in. “I was raised doing the classical thing, then got into pop, then fell in love with jazz…”
He asked which piano composer I enjoy playing… I answered, “Chopin, of course.” He nodded.
He went back to the piano and again asked the audience for suggestions. Then he incorporated Chopin Nocturne in C-sharp minor with the Beatles, then a Spanish Rhapsody.
Several people from this private party knew me, and asked me to sing. I realized they were expecting a performance from me all along. So I just went up and improvized for a minute with him on the piano. We picked up each other’s cues nice, easy, and breezy. It was fun.
Later that evening, while we were having a glass of wine, chatting away, he invited me to perform with him in 3 weeks.
He assigned me 4 brand new classical-inspired original vocal pieces, one is in a completely foreign language, that I’ve never uttered nor imagined myself ever speaking.
This is a challenge I’ve never expected. I’m very excited about it.
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Mom graduated from school!! She’s finally earned her master degree!!! I’m so proud of her. She went to Israel for vacation and came back two nights ago. All is well with mom.
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So it’s been a whirlwind of rehearsals, song-writing, practicing, re-arranging. My brain finally had enough, and I took a break and just hung out with some friends today… and taking advantage of this rainy day, a wonderful break from the hot and humid weather that had been sticking around.
Sorry I haven’t blogged for so long. I’m really tired right now. Going to bed.
Junk party tomorrow.
Catch up with you in the comments below.
love always,
CK
June 28th, 2009 at 1:51 am
It’s a terrible shame that our biggest pop icon has died.
June 28th, 2009 at 6:07 am
Holy smokes!!!!!I’m so exited to be the first post that i have to get that out of the way before someone beats me to it!!!!
I’ll be back!
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June 28th, 2009 at 6:14 am
Ha, maybe I’ll get second post too!!!!
What an extraordinary life you lead my dear! Would love to see or hear some video/audio clips of your wonderful talents.
I can’t imagine speaking in a foreign language, much less singing in one?
I have heard some beautiful foreign songs that I couldn’t understand one word of, but it didn’t take away from the beauty of the music.
Congrats to your mom. Way to go. I’m losing brain cells/memory every day I age and she’s hard at work earning that Master’s!
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Thanks Jimmy. It’s the high point in my life right now… so yeah… it’s good. We’ll see how long this lasts.
My mom and I had a conversation about this before… it’s good to keep your mind in focus. It helps stopping us from deteriorate. She’s a tough one, I gotta admit.
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June 30th, 2009 at 12:04 am
Congratulations to you for making your love of music such a powerful part of your life. You truly are amazing, hon.
Congratulations to your mom, too. Extremely awesome.
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Thanks J. I’m doing best I can to keep it going.. and yeah, I do believe it’s a blessing. Thanks. Love you much.
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June 30th, 2009 at 5:52 am
CK! WOW! So much has been going on! I was thinking that this is about the time you usually come for a visit to the island. Miss you tons, girlfriend! I was thinking of the Red Lodge and our German meal there. Remember the sweet German couple to own/run the place? Did I tell you that the wife died last year? She just turned 50 when she died of cancer. It all happened pretty suddenly. The Red Lodge has since been sold, but will be run just as it was when the wife was alive. The new owners are keeping the name, theme and menu of the restaurant.
I love that you are so passionate about your music and I enjoy getting updates about your life in HK. Do you think you’ll be back in Canada anytime soon (even for just a visit)?
Later! XOXO
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Hiiiiiiiii C!
Yes, it’s that time of the year when I would drive up with our buddy Ken to the island, isn’t it? Oooh, I do miss this time of the year. I really loved the Red Lodge — I still dream of the red cozy home against the beautiful sky blue backdrop mirroring the equally blue water. Very sorry to hear the passing of the lady of the mansion. Very kind of the new handlers to respect their ways and keep it as is.
It’s disgustingly hot and humid here in Hong Kong… plus my allergy is beginning to take a toll on my health. It sucks. Thank God for music.
Don’t know when I’ll be back to the North. I will return. One day. I will. Looks like California wins this christmas.
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July 1st, 2009 at 11:34 pm
[...] Read the original here: CK News Update June 2009 [...]
July 4th, 2009 at 4:04 am
Wow, CK, so glad to read your update, and it’s some really exciting stuff happening for you, SO exciting! I think it’s so wonderful to be so passionate about what you’re doing, actually doing something that you love so much, and doing it well. What an exciting challenge to be performing in different languages as well. It sounds like you’re going in a new direction with your music, which is great. Sorry for all that gushing, still living vicariously through you…
And congrats to your Mom, a master’s degree is a huge accomplishment at any time, but particularly when you’re not as young (we won’t say old because she’s not). You must be so proud of her!
Now go have that nap, you deserve it ;)!
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July 14th, 2009 at 10:35 am
But there’s something about them, musicians, right?
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