Michael Jackson 1958 - 2009

As early as 7am on a friday morning, I got one of the Most shocking news in the mist of a rehearsal for a show via sms stating: "Your Idol, Michael Jackson is dead"........then within the next 2 mins, another sms came in:"Your idol, Michael Jackson passed away in UCLA?"
A sudden gush of anxiety, confusion and questions boggled in mind instantly..Why? How? When? What?....The King of Pop is dead? thats like a forever thing which we couldnt turn back time to perform next month in London. That would probably be the Biggest comebacks of the century. I remember when i was young, a little kid perhaps, during the time i was still attending my piano and violin classes and practicing the instruments, i had a vague memory of watching his concerts on TV from time to time. Recalling his "hee hee" pitch, "OW...", crotch grabbing antics, and oh, how can one forget his signature dance moves especially the Moonwalk? both back ways and side ways. So in short, i practically grew up on his music..

Slowly, as i reach maturity in writing my own songs, composing and arranging it, besides performing it, i learned the passion of understanding Michael's music. He to me, is probably the one who redefined/ reinvented pop music. Back in the 70s & 80s, the pop music u have or listened to are the bee gees, the carpenters, New kids on the block...but Michael took it to a whole different level and infused it with RnB/ Hip hop vibes and flavours. If one listens attentively to Dirty Diana or Man in the Mirror, you would get what i mean by the groove of it. Not to mentioned his famous bass line for Billie Jean which still remains one of the clubs favorite. That inspired me to compose music and arrange it in a way that it would still be on the air waves 20 years from now..or rather it would still sound as new as before. Michael's influenced me not only to create new sounds, but also in the aspects of showmanship.

Performing is not only about going on stage, and showcasing your music...but is also about delivering the message..and Michael obviously execute it in a remarkable and sensational way. which made him an undeniably perfect performer both on the vocals and the dance at the same time. This has set the benchmark and influence modern day artistes like Usher, Rain, Chris Brown, Neyo & Justin Timberlake which emulated his "popping" dance style and moonwalk. For example, Justin Timberlake did the beatboxing thing in his "Rock Your Body" video..and the dance style is very much apparently in his concerts as well.

Apart from the media which in recent years focus more on his appearance and personal life more then his music, I personally feel that was a huge stress on him and led to his downfall. Yes, he may have changed his appearance, presentation in the public. But why the focus? There are many other freaky looking artistes, celebrities around with tattoos, piercings, drugs related cases. For example, Ozzy Osbourne, Kid Rock but why the media scrutiny? I sympathized on his upcoming Concert Tour that did not materialized which was a really unfortunate thing as I personally do follow his videos from time to time. From his interview with Oprah, his beat boxing, dance moves, in the studios with Will I.AM of the Black eye peas, rehearsals, etc...all on youtube.

Michael Jackson, is one of the most recognized figure on the planet and his Legacy as the Greatest Entertainer would last a life time in the heart of millions. Thank you for the music u have create, produced, performed and of course the impact you had in my life, musically. I will continue to be inspired by you and your music.
May you Rest in Peace.=)



Below are some of my favorite videos of the King Of Pop LIVE, hope you enjoyed it as much as i did.=)

Billie Jean Motown Classic LIVE

Smooth Criminal LIVE

Dangerous LIVE

Michael Jackson Beatboxing on Oprah Winfrey

Dirty Diana LIVE

Man in the Mirror LIVE

Thanks

Peace- Good Music, Better Place

God Bless!

Dennis Lau
www.mosaic.com.my

"Sudden Twist"- The Making 3@ The Factory- Horns & Guitars

Had an amazingly productive day in The Factory Music studios today. Laid down the Horns section with trumpeter,Eddie Wen and well, nothing sounds better then Real Brass=)As each session goes by, i cant wait to perform and showcase this song soon because this is the first time, I'm recording a song in The Factory LIVE with no use of Midi instruments. In the process of recording the Brass, we did layering which is basically a process of having the same instruments to play different parts, harmony and then putting them together sounding like one.

My mate, Yuri too lay down his solos and rhythm with his electric guitar providing "Sudden Twist" a fuller sounding.
2 more sessions to go and we are all ready to Rock!=)


Eddie Wen on Trumpets


Thanks

Peace- Good Music, Better Place

God Bless!

Dennis Lau
www.mosaic.com.my

"Sudden Twist"- The Making 2@ StarMount Studio

Its always Refreshing to explore new territories, new boundaries, new instruments, new music & of course new ppl.
DiversiFy, the album has indeed took a "Sudden Twist" in its recording process frm recording within its own capabilities to new technical expects. Introducing a new Studio located in the suburbs of Kuala Lumpur- StarMount Studio.=)
Founded by a new friend of mine, Alex Tan introduced by my mate, Yuri Wong. He was indeed a very nice person to work with and i highly recommend this studio to anyone who would like to have a good piece of recording done, equipped with amazing sound and recording engineering technologies. It's also Yuri's first experience and I must say, we did enjoyed every process of it.

As you can see frm my last post, the last time round, i recorded the keyboard to the song with the bass and drums. That process was just a guide to the latter instruments as because today, the focus was recording with this all new Yamaha Grand C1 with MIDI Functions which I myself have heard so much about it. Indeed, the feel of it was different as its an all new Grand. The touch was amazing and i must say, the reverb and sustain pedal of it really captures the essence of the Rubato part of the recording.=)

Now after laying all the basic instruments of the recording, or in other words, the "Frame". We would head back to the studio to work and lay down the guitar, horns, sax and violin parts. So much work to be done, but I'm looking forward to updating you guys more about it alright.*winks*

So, below is a sneak peak of my session, enjoy!

C1 Yamaha Grand with MIDI Function

StarMount Studio


Dennis & the Yamaha C1

Feeling the Baby....

Thanks Yuri for the shots=)

My Comrade trying it as well.

The Vocal booth

The other equipments

Dennis & Alex- Thanks for the session


Thanks Rio for the recording of the videos, cheers mate!=)

Thanks

Peace- Good Music, Better Place

God Bless!

Dennis Lau
www.mosaic.com.my

"Sudden Twist"- The Making 1

"INSPIRED" by someone who shares the same passion, "Sudden Twist" finally kicked off in Full Throttle in The Factory Music Studios. This time with a live band setting, with drummer Lewis Pragasam, Bassist Ken Chung & myself on keys. However, the "twist" is that Lewis let it all loose on an all new Roland's Electronic Drumkit.

The recording was a success, with all of us including engineer/ producer Yuri Wong getting the vibe and feel of the song better as the rehearsals cum recording sessions pass. And I'm glad Lewis did got used to the kit which just arrived last Friday. and He was the first to lay the groove down. Each Kick, Snare, Toms, Cymbals very much resembles an original acoustic kit and it will be great fun experimenting with Live Style of playing with Electric Beats later in the stage of production. "Sudden Twist" is based on a concept of which It would be included in the album as well after some considerations and dilemma. I thought why not let the violin shows its prowess and versatility and the ability to blend in with a funky live setting with solos from each instruments- Sax, Violin, Electric Guitar and the Drums. You will get what i mean when this project's done, in time. Also, the ideology and music arrangements of the song would have the influence of Babyface and KC & Jojo.*winks*

I laid down the keys this morning as a guide before heading towards another Studio on Thursday to record the Grand. A good one i believe after much recommendation frm my mate, Yuri. and similarly, i pray the session then would be a good one..or better!=)

Wish me Luck alright!


Dennis on Keys with Phillip STarck *winks*

Factory's latest Baby

& Everyone wants to give it a try on it.....=)


*winks*

Ken Chung on Fender Bass

Lewis laying the Groove


Its a Wrap for the first session of recording!- Ken Chung, Lewis Pragasam, Dennis Lau, Yuri Wong


Here's a Sneak Peak of our session earlier this morning=)

Thanks

Peace- Good Music, Better Place

God Bless!

Dennis Lau
www.mosaic.com.my