The past week has been filled with outings every night after work, as I struggle to meet as many of my friends and enjoy the sights, smells and sounds of KL before I trade it all away for Singapore.

Putrajaya with Sandie

Went for a dinner/supper at Bangsar Delicious, and both of us being reluctant to go home – decided to take a drive down to Putrajaya. We arrived at 2am, and the place was utterly deserted – not a soul in sight (probably cause its still Raya). The whole humongous driveway belonged to us. We walked a bit, took some photos, before heading home.

Thanks for an unforgettable night Sandie.. Those regular gym workouts look like they definitely paid off!

Giant Timeline & Elvira – Bangkok Jazz

When I found out that Lik Chen was very likely not going to be able to meet up wth me at a planned ‘Gilagathering’ at No Black Tie next Wed, we made a spontaneous decision to head down to Bangkok Jazz instead to catch another of Faz’s performance there. I haven’t met Lik Chen in yearrrsss – I’ve really missed her and it was great catching up once more..

One of their instrumental intros minus Elvira..

And we finally meet again!

This is also probably the last time I will ever hear Elvira and Giant Timeline perform. They surprisingly sounded pretty good that night compared to the other times I heard them play…

Look Out Point with Immi

Second time to Look Out Point this month – much easier to find now cause I’ve been there earlier, and this time used a different way to get there via GPS. After admiring the view for a bit, we then went over to Gasoline Cafe for supper and some heart to heart chit chat.

After our late night supper…

Immi wrote a particularly touching blog post about me on her private blog recently. To protect her blog’s privacy, I’ve just included a screenshot of that post here. It’s the most touching thing anyone has ever written for me.. *sobz*.. Thanks a lot Immi. And don’t worry – I’ll still be around, if not in person.. at least online.

Dinner at Nando’s Jaya One

This was an impromptu meet-up, with Immi’s group of wonderful friends that I’ve gotten to know over the last year.

L:R – Mee Theng, Emily, FoOie, Immi, Su Wei, Barry, and Cheesie (sitting down)

Sorry I couldn’t stay longer guys!

No Black Tie with Pui Ling

FoOie : Hey, Mei Chern is performing at No Black Tie tonight..
Rachel : Really ar? Take me, Take me!
FoOie : Okay..
Rachel : Hey I bring my cousin along okay? Introduce you to leng lui..
FoOie : Sure!

And that’s how we ended up there, 1 night before the original NBT plan. Me with 2 beautiful girls in tow..

2 cousins, both single.. anyone?

The gig kick started with a performance by The Glance. Lead singer Amy belted our some pretty amazing jazz vocals and ballads. Felt that her Malay songs were way better than her English renditions, but she was amazing nonetheless. Her partner in crime was ‘Mad’ (not literally), I think was playing the guitar on the left. They both play other instruments as well.. not bad really..

Second up was the fairly new Mili’z – lead singer Michelle and keyboardist Ling doing an acoustic set of their alternative emo pop (that sounds borderline upbeat with the quick piano, yet tilting towards depressive with dark lyrics..). They did play one cover track though that I quite enjoyed – Coldplay’s Yellow.

The highlight of the night for us! I’ve loved her singing since I first heard “Feels Like Falling” (which also happens to be Pui Ling’s favorite) many years ago, and have heard her perform a number of times in various spots. She sang all of the songs on her new album EXCEPT for Feels Like Falling, but it was okay because those songs were great! Introspective melodies that will connect with you and tug you along gently. I just HAD to buy her album that night..

The last to come on, was the entertaining, and equally good Zalila Lee – an underrated singer songwriter who’s been around for quite awhile. I found her ability to lose herself in her music and inject expressions into her singing, extremely riveting (both to watch and hear). She sang a few thought provoking numbers – very intelligently written songs, and to the final cries of ‘encore’ and ‘one more’, invited Reza to sing and beatbox on stage with her.

No Black Tie – Thing One’s Debut

The supposed ‘Gilagather’ didn’t take place – call it bad timing. It rained heavily, and everyone who was invited / confirmed was either not feeling up for it or was caught up in work. I went anyway, and my original table reservation for 5 turned out pretty useful because the place was PACKED!

First to perform was Tony Leo Selvaraj – a young popular chap who’s been getting a lot of exposure lately with his contributions to the local music scene. Great opener with a mix of electro-acoustic pop, although admittedly I didn’t pay much attention since I arrived midway..

Faz, Fook and Jonathan (minus Nish hidden on the far left on keyboards)

Second up was none other than Thing One! Faz’s brand new band, playing a full set of their original fusion instrumental jazz compositions. Haha, first time I heard Faz speak so much on stage and they were pretty awesome for a first show – I wonder when I can see them play again. Keep it up guys!

Fourletterstory (sorry no photo) came on after them, and truth be told – I didn’t find them very entertaining. They played a mixture of cover and original rock songs, which was really out of place in No Black Tie especially after two technical instrumental / jazzy performances. The singsongscreaming didn’t help much either.. Ashamedly, I spent the rest of this time chit chatting and taking photos

Last band was Adil Johan Trio. First time I’ve heard Adil perform, and honestly – I was completely BLOWN away. Was told by a friend that he teaches music at Sedaya College – he alternates between singing and playing the sax. Invited a great number of guests artists to perform with him as well – Otam, Melissa and another amazing saxophonist amongst others. Blended jazz with blues and hip hop. Kow Tow Bro.

Happy Birthday once again Christina!

That’s the keyboardist / pianist right there!

Ms. Reptile, Predator, Rastafarian, Cosplayer giving me a death hug…

Clockwise from lower left : Christina, FoOie!, Christine (hand only), Nish, Tanya, Laura, Michelle, Sue Ann (not looking), Fira, Uma, Fook and Faz on camera.

I’ll miss you guys, werewolves and all..

No Black Tie with Sophia

3rd night of No Black Tie in a row! Spontaneous decision to head here for dinner with Sophia to celebrate both her birthday and my farewell. Sorry ar, she’s very shy and has forbidden me to upload any photos of her here.

So instead, I’ll just talk about the first 2 performances there – we couldn’t stay on for the rest cause she had to be home early..

Rendra Zawawi with his solo acoustic original pop songs. Also fairly new to the scene, but has quickly established a fan base for himself with his entertaining songs. He’s also released an EP too.. which I failed to get that night..

Reza Salleh – I’ve heard him perform quite a number of times now, but this one had an unexpected twist. He invited Shahrider (another guitarist slotted to perform later) to join him on stage for an impromptu jam.. Basically Shah just contributed to Reza’s standard songs with his own complement of guitar solos – and he was AMAZING. Shah’s ad-hoc improvisations added an entire new dimension to Reza’s tracks – and he did it all by ear and instinct, like a local version of Santana. Damnit, regret not being able to stay for his performance later.

Phew, that was a long one. That’s it for now.. more on my final week in Malaysia in the upcoming posts!