NEWS from Awaken & Nekokawa: love music ~ magnetic soul: 2010

n°20, 7th of October, 2010

www.awaken.be

[downloadable pdf version here]

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Here we are

Dear friends, fans and passing smiles,

thank you for being there last month, when Awa-news did its unintended come back. Actually, we didn't expect to be remembered this way. Faithful and loyal, so are you (even though I suspect you give an ear or two to other minor acts). To answer your questions, topic come and topics go, which means "Quote'n'Roll" might be back another issue.
Today, let's focus on discovering the groove of Mister Imani Zubeh who kindly accepted to be interviewed for you from Fukuoka, then we we can jump to Sài Gòn to understand the likes & dislikes, then then... well, what would be the use of the articles if everything was in the editorial part?

So, it's time to jump into Awa-news number 20!

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What are the hottest news in Awaken's Universe?

ACOUSTIC TUNES FOR YOUR WEARY EARS

You Awaken fans are familiar with studio leaks and some live takes, aren't you? You surely often check the demo & bootlegs page to check if a new one has been well... unreleased. :D

Nowadays, the Awa-studio is the scene of some live rehearsal. Rough: piano-voice, freely played, with no other goal than create an intimate contact between you and the magnetic soul of Awaken. The first volume of "Code Name: S-Natural" features 3 pieces recorded during these kinds of rehearsals (does it mean that the sleepy Feline is preparing to hit the stage alone? Keep connected to Awa-news!) and left as they are for your ears :

-My Last Evening In Ôita

-Riding The Yellow Line Gives Vibrations

- The Train Is Leaving Kokura

Jump here to listen (for free) and buy (to save on your iPod). Take care: this is for true fans only!

And by the way, if you wonder if the title 'S-natural' is a tribute to Steve Hogarth's 'H-natural', well... yes, it is.

PS: It is more than possible that more songs will leak in a near future.

Link: http://www.soundclick.com/gillessnowcatunplugged

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Good news : a live-in-studio acoustic version of "Yanagigaura" has been added yesterday! Click on the image to listen to the power of Kyuushuu Island:

Good news again : the Koiko CD "Vitamin!/Tasogare Bus" is now available on CD Japan: easy to order, even for foreigners.

It is an It's Oh! Music production, and a collaboration with the Awaken Universe.

Link: http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/detailview.html?KEY=DAKITSS-501

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Confessions

Our interview:

Imani Zubeh:

We really didn't need a light show, 'cause my smile was so big!

Imani Zubeh

Groove, you're looking for groove? The city of Fukuoka, Japan, should be proud to count Mr Imani Zubeh amongst its population: the man knows how to jazz a piano! You can hear Imani on various recordings, like Anita Baker's, or as a tour member of Cheryl Lynn and Ray Parker Jr's bands.

Mr Zubeh recntly released an album on CD Baby: From This Moment On. (review on next Awa-news) Today, lets ask him to tell us his groovy secrets and a litlle bit more about Fukuoka.

Cheryl Lynn Ray Parker JR Anita Baker

-Nice to meet you, Imani. Please use three words to introduce yourself.
-Imani Zubeh: Thank you Gilles, its nice to meet you also. 3 words huh? ummmmmm
1. Independent
2. Perfectionist
3. Studious

-What brought you to become an active musician?
-Imani Zubeh: My Mom truly thought I had talent and suggested that I take it seriously. Plus, its a FUN occupation if you can get work!

-You live in the beautiful city of Fukuoka. How do you feel the Japanese live scene is compared to your home country?
-Imani Zubeh: The live scene in Fukuoka is very active, but the musical genre is not as diverse as Detroit, Michigan where you get the best of everything, from Classical & Jazz to Metal Death, Rap or R&B, etc.

Fukuoka
Fukuoka by night

-On the everyday life part, what do you love or hate specially in Fukuoka?
-Imani Zubeh: Well, I wouldn't say its as cut and dry as "HATE" or "LOVE", but more of a Gray area of the "foreigners blues" sometimes.... where they look at you with that "Bi-ku-ri-shita" look or in English....the look of surprise, that you are there. Fukuoka, even though the largest city in Kyuushu, is still pretty much "i-na-ka" or country in its approach & acceptance of foreigners. Its not like Tokyo where they are used to seeing and interacting with us.... (foreigners)

-Artists often have a special relationship with Japan. Do you feel Fukuoka inspired you in a way that no other place could have done?
-Imani Zubeh: Yes, Japan in general, not just Fukuoka, has taught, inspired & instilled in me, patience.

From this moment on
The new album

-Among your work, what is the piece that you think represents you the most, and why?
-Imani Zubeh: I think number 5 on my CD, From This Moment On, because it has elements of classical...(the orchestration), Latin, Jazz and crunch guitar, which I just LOVE!

-Any song you're ashamed of, and why?
-Imani Zubeh: Well, I wouldn't say "ashamed", but maybe just a little anxious to finish my CD and I'm a little sorry that I didn't mix the kick drum a little further down in the mix on the 1st tune on the CD. It just seems a little too loud for me.

-If you had a magic wand, in what band would you play right now?
-Imani Zubeh: "Sixun".... from France.

-What would you say to Awa-news readers who might not know you, to convince them to listen to your albums?
-Imani Zubeh: Whoa! GOOD QUESTION! Well, I think I'd say that I'm a fan of self-_expression and creativity and not following the norm, and if there's anyone else out there that likes being original, then you have a kindred spirit in me and maybe not only would you enjoy my music but maybe I'd also enjoy what you do, whether it be musical or not & I think our dialog would be enjoyable and beneficial for both of. And oh, sorry for the "run on" sentence..... ha ha ha

Cheryl Lynn Band
With Cheryl Lynn band

-Do you have a funny, surprising or stunning memory to share with us about playing with Cheryl Lynn?
-Imani Zubeh: Yes, I do. The 1st time I played with Cheryl, I was the only keyboardist and I didn't have much time to rehearse her music before hand because I was on the road with another artist at the time. Anyway, when the band landed, we set up at SIR Studio's in LA to begin rehearsals. I didn't have my gear, and was unfamiliar with what I had to work with. Anyway, to say the least, when she arrived and asked us to play "Got To Be Real, I sounded REALLY BAD. Unfamiliar gear and no rehearsal, you can imagine. Anyway, after a week of rehearsal, the show sounded great, but she was still raggin' on me about the horn sound... KNOWING that I wasn't using that gear on the actual tour, which was the Blue Notes in Japan. Anyway, I tweak and tweak the horns for hours, 'til it was to her liking or she was tired.... ha ha ha Of course I couldn't say.... "BUT CHERYL, THIS IS NOT THE GEAR THAT I ORDERED FOR THE ACTUAL GIG".... I just had to take it because, that's what being professional is all about... doing what the client asks for. Anyway, we arrived in Tokyo a day before we had to perform and I immediately began editing my sounds on all the keyboards and getting them sounding like the record. Up all night and then went to sound check.... When we hit the first song, she stopped it in the middle, looked at me and said.... WOW, THOSE KEYBOARDS SOUND GREAT! YEAH!!!!! That whole night we really didn't need a light show, 'cause my smile was so big, it light up the whole venue!

-Last but not least, would you openly admit that you are an Awaken fan?
-Imani Zubeh: Even though I am new to "Awaken", I am now and opening admit that I am a fan for life and look forward to being "Awakened" on a regular basis! Thanks so much for a great time Gilles, it was truly enjoyable!

Imani Zubeh

Thanks to you Imani, and keep on grooving!

Links: http://www.imanology.com/
http://smoothjazzspace.ning.com/profile/ImaniZubeh
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/imanizubeh

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Is Awa-news corrupted to the point of saying good things about fellow co-workers' albums? Let's discover the truth about today's record:

Midrone: Fascination

Midrone

Midrone might sound new to you but you heard his tune on Sousbock's "L'une & l'autre" album: "Un Homme En Sursis". Midrone's first album, "Fascination", is sung in English and Spanish and features a great mix of classy pop tunes and dance songs. With some predilection for romantic piano, Midrone is not far from composers such as Tony Banks, Alain Chamfort or the Bee Gees. Highly recommended!

Links: http://www.ilike.com/artist/midrone/album/Fascination
http://www.myspace.com/ktcmidrone
http://www.jamendo.com/en/album/75167

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It's happening outside:

Tôi yêu Việt Nam (nhưng đôi khi tôi không...)

Vietnam

Dear Vietnamese friends,

this par of the blog is written especially for you. You often ask me what I like and dislike about your S-shaped country. Some of our discussions can be too kind or to harsh. Vietnam doesn't let anyone mild. So I decided to compile once for all my likes and dislikes, how I see your everyday life, trying to put away our cultural differences and keep as neutral as possible. But I don't want to be harsh, and of course don't want to be too nice either. So you may smile and you may be angry, but knowing that honesty is usually a quality of yours, I want to play the game the same way.
If you search online, you'll find a bunch of blogs from foreigners having travelled to Vietnam and telling you their opinion. Usually you'll learn more about the foreigners themselves than about the country, and some of those blogs are or stupidly rude or ridiculously politically correct.
You asked several times what I think about Vietnam, how can I compare with Japan, how's the food, what I love, what I hate, etc etc... Apart from the drawbacks based on cultural differences but that I couldn't complain about, here are the Likes & Dislikes that you often asked me without having a long and detailed answer.

================I LIKE================

-Welcome to lively Asia: If, like Sinatra, you want to wake up in a city that never sleeps, no need to go to New-York: Sài Gòn will welcome you with its frenzy and lively atmosphere, that never seems to cease. Asia has stunning nights (you already know it don't you?) and Sài Gòn is no exception. Once you leave the airport you'll immerge into a real Asian atmosphere. And, if you decided to go to Vietnam, I assume that's what you're looking for. Noises, music, perfumes, smells, this is life.

-Food, food, food: Asia is a place for gourmets, Vietnam doesn't derogate to the rule. You can eat anywhere, from the cheapest and dirtiest street restaurant to the most prestigious one, chances are you will hardly be disappointed. The food is almost always superb, and in the few cases it's not, there's nothing to complain about either. Of course I mention the food, not the service <grin grin>.

-Kindness: Some population still fight hundreds of years after the start of a conflict, just because their ancestors did. Vietnamese are clever enough to avoid that stupid game, and people who come from countries who were their 'enemies' not long ago (America, France) can travel in the S-shaped country without any trouble. Furthermore, they will be welcome like kings and queens: it's easy to talk to locals (they usually come to you) and have a drink in the street to pursue the conversation. It is not uncommon to have someone starting a talk with you in the bus or in a restaurant. And if you're in a bad mood and don't wanna talk, just smile and say sorry, they will hardly insist. Also, don't take indiscreet questions too personally: asking about age and 'Are you married?' as starter is the rule there.

-Cost of life: If you come in Vietnam with a salary earned abroad, you will feel like the world belongs to you, the cost of life being wonderfully low. Tip: if you notice you've been overcharged in a shop, before trying to bargain or complain, compare with the price in your own country. And remember that your overcharge is nothing for you but may mean a lot to staff who can't count on a plentiful salary. Be nice!

-Sceneries: Leave the city for a while and the stunning beauty of nature will make you feel happy to be alive, believe me...

-Skilful : How they can ride (rather) safely in such a traffic, how they can carry a whole family and luggage on a small bike, how they can make a new bike with spare parts from a bicycle, a truck or -why not- a helicopter is a permanent amazement for me. Vietnamese are the most resourceful and craftiest people I've ever seen -and it's a compliment.

-Language: I find Vietnamese language pleasant to hear (except when used to argue, needless to say): the intonations make it sound like a melody in itself. Music, music... If they had kept the kanji (Chinese characters, dumped because of a lazy missionary -long story-) instead of that alphabet bình thường, it would have been perfect, but at least it's now easy to read.

-Songs: A beautiful language enlights the songs it is used in, don't you think? Even more, Vietnamese language becomes more than pleasant when it becomes part of a piece of music. Modern music (pop) seems to be made for that language, and artists like Mỹ Tâm or Hồ Quỳnh Hương, who would sound average if they sang in English, offer something unique in their pop thanks to their language. Highly recommended. Moreover, the melancholic tone often brings the listener

-Free girls in a macho world: Although men are supposed to rule and decide of everything, women are far to be prisoner of that macho attitude. They live their life, wear the clothes they want and talk to whoever they want, men have no choice but accept. And if they argue, well... let them argue.

-Safe: As it often happens in countries where Buddhism statistically dominates, street criminality is rather low. Oh sure you can't expect the levels you'll find in Japan, sure you'll have to take care of bag-snatching, but in most of the cases you can walk freely without fearing to receive a bullet between your eyes.

-Bus: One of the best surprises you can have in Saigon is the Saigon Bus company: in such a tricky traffic, you can enjoy rather comfortable busses, with a true Vietnamese feeling (the seats seem to come from the 60's), with a refreshing fan, for a low cost and with a staff that can often help you to find your way.

-People are true...: In Sài Gòn, you will be amazed that flattery is hardly used and when you ask someone their opinion, they will give it to you as honestly as possible. It's kinda great, except that........

================I DISLIKE================

-...but dramatically lacking diplomacy: ......telling a weak point to someone could be done with class and with a will to help him/her doing better. Unfortunately, in Sài Gòn I mostly heard criticisms told a rude way. This doesn't help much to want to improve...

-Money obsession: It is perfectly understandable that when the salary is low and the government wouldn't help much in case of job loss, Vietnamese have to be careful about money. However, they unfortunately seem to go to the point of giving money a higher value than anything, almost like a god in itself. You shouldn't be surprised if, after telling a Vietnamese friend you ate in a restaurant, he/she will not ask what you ate, nor if it was good, but... if it was expensive. If you want to fight with a Vietnamese (but why would you?), no need to show a weapon or to be aggressive: just talk about money and I bet that within 5 minutes you will harshly argue with him/her.

-Education: When education is based on fear, disdain, discrediting, you can't expect people to take much risk once they grew up, even if it's to get out of a pattern that doesn't work. Vietnamese parents will hardly encourage their kids to find their way or enhance their inner qualities. Instead, they'll easily scold and use the comparison tactic to make them feel inferior. Sure this happens everywhere in the world but it seems a bit too obvious on the S-shaped country.

-Shame : That education uses the kids to be ashamed and rely on their friends and neighbors' opinions before doing something (that has usually nothing to do wit hthe neighbors and friends, like what bike to chose...). Gossip has a strong power there and sometimes you can feel some Vietnamese being unhappy since they can't do something they'd like to. You ask them "Why don't you just do it?". They would quickly reply "If I fail my friends will laugh". "Soooo what!!?? If your friends laugh at you, THEY are stupid, not you!". This paralyzing situation might be one of the causes Vietnamese economy is so bad: not many people dare to take risks to think out of the box, cause for them a failure is not a way to learn but an end in itself. Sad.

-Staff? What staff? : It is sometimes surprising to hear Vietnamese sellers complaining about their lack of money, when you see their terrible attitude toward clients. How can they expect to make big sales when they treat the customers so rudely, throwing the change at their face, following them all through the shop, pushing them to buy what they don't need and never trying to show any smile? There are shops and markets when I came with the intention of buying something, but I left without anything in my bag because the sellers were so annoying...

-Slaves & Masters: Hierarchy is the rule: the chief, the teacher, the family can order anything, if you are Vietnamese you have no choice but to obey (or face endless arguments). Then back to your house, you'll have the right to scold your servants, children and so-called 'inferiors'. This slaves & masters rule is perfectly useless and rottens relationships but after years of living under a communist dictatorship, and still with a government who decides what's good and what's bad for the population, you shouldn't be surprised that the population sometimes works like an army. The boss can treat his employees like shit, since there's no help from the government if that poor one is fired, they can't answer back.

-Power cuts: Be prepared for wild power cuts in the hot season. Probably due to the increasing use of electric devices such as aircon and plasma screens linked to obsolete power plants, you never know when they happen nor how long they will last.

In conclusion: Vietnam is a wonderful place if you go there with an open mind (and stomach!), if you find a balance between being understanding and not too kind at the same time. Yes, being too nice will only get you troubles, but keep in mind that this is mostly cultural differences and just keep it cool.

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You have a secret question to ask Awaken? Be the interviewer! It's your turn to lead the interview by sending your fan question here. The answer will come within a day or two. Or 3.

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A good news for fans of good vintage cars (60's-70's-80's): the blog 4 Roues Dans Leur Jus provides vintage tests, catalogs, commercials and parallel topics about those almost-collectible vehicles. It's all in French language and it's there: http://dansleurjus.com

Link:http://dansleurjus.com

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You like Awaken? You *will* like this album:

沢田研二, 女たちよ (1983)

(Kenji Sawada, "Onnatachi Yo")

Star? Kenji Sawada, sometimes nicknamed "Julie", is what we can call an idol in Japan. Singer from The Tigers, he's also an actor, songwriter and solo act. The Tigers' song "Smile For Me" was written by no one else than the Bee Gees, to give you an idea of how big Sawada can be.

The album "Onnatachi Yo" is based on Japanese legends and doesn't feature any songwriting from Sawada. Instead, the job was offered to the brilliant Kyôhei Tsutsumi, famous hit-maker in the country of the Rising Sun. Far from Tsutsumi's delightful pop songs, "Onnatachi Yo" will offer you some arty, deep and soulful songs, sometimes not far from Japan (the band, not the country) or Dalis Car. Maybe not the easiest album to discover Japanese music but after a few listens the beauty of the album will appear to you and never leave you.

Link: http://www.co-colo.com

1man

You expect some extra cash to fill your pocket every month and don't want to deliver pizzas for the rest of your life? You have a blog and you like to convince new fans to discover music from your favorite artist? Don't look any further, you can become an official dealer of Awaken / Snowcat by just putting an easy CD Baby affiliate link on your blog or website. Each sale done through that link will get you 1 USD! And if 1USD looks like small money, understand that doing just 100 sales can bring you some nice pocket money. And your seller talent can bring you much more. It's all in your hands. :)

CD Baby will tell you exactly how to do once you follow this link => http://www.cdbaby.biz

Welcome to Awaken Inc.!

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More and more falling leaves will be on the ground. Well, it means no one knows what will be in your Awa-news n°21. You'll find the clues on our website!

In waiting, take care and see you!

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