Catrina! Singapore? Before we get into bashing a certain country some more,
how aware are you of the Scottish presence in Chinese and Japanese history,
for two examples?
Politically and historically, I'm of Scottish Highland descent, to let you know.
Other than that, thanks for your compliments. My guitar makes me a better player.
We might have more in common than you think.
Malaysian manufacture of electronics is seen as upscale, like my Canon camera.
And that's as close to Singapore as I can get.
Thank you for learning English, or we wouldn't be getting into it.
Too bad my friend Cristeta isn't here or she could give me some words for you.
Oh! I turned on my Altec Lansing computer speakers and....
I listened to "The High Road" and got right into it, eventually being very impressed.
Please let me be open and honest here.
At first I thought it was going to just be a cultural, ethnic thing, hearing your instruments,
thinking it's all acoustic, but the dynamics changed.
This made me think it's soundtrack music, something to represent your countries heritage,
that could be used in a movie. That's very sophisticated, being up there with cinematic.
But then it changed again, and believe it or not, reminded me of Miles Davis "Bitches Brew",
a seminal late 60's jazz album with every player becoming a superstar by himself.
Beautiful, just beautiful! And definite electronic sounds in the background show it's not all acoustic.
And let me address your line about madness, between us both being here.
I can't say that about you after hearing such sensitive and demanding music,
but's it's madness for me to be sitting here typing for free when I've got so much to do.
I first developed an interest in India when I was a teenager, the Bhagavad-Gita, Upanishads,
many Vedas, learning from Bhudda too. So I know tablas and raga, playing it myself.
Your percussion doesn't work up a lather as fast as they do. What's the difference?
Did you use a machine to add them? Is there one drummer playing all the percussion, overdubbed?
That's how unsure I am about how you put this together. It sounds like musicians playing, but it changes.
One other thing I like is what sounded like a guitar. At first I thought the bass was moving up front,
hearing what sounded like an upright bass, a little lighter in tone, sounding like it's going to solo,
but as it moved over another passage and got higher in pitch it sounded like a murky nylon string classical.
But I'm not sure. It changed again.
You are totally subtle. Miles was jamming his trumpet, the sax, that crunchy sound of the first Fender Rhodes,
right into your ear. You found the same sonic atmosphere and musical energy with a softer tone and feel.
If you don't mind me typing this, I might be able to help you.
I've read you quite a bit, but your music speaks out more than your use of English.
I'm going to comment on your line about half the proceeds going to charity and how it looks to read.
It's not good. I'm sure you've heard about the financial difficulties the States is having.
Charity groups have been coming under fire for corruption for a long time now, new laws being passed,
and people only donating to established groups they have confidence in.
So there's a high level of distrust already, and look at your paragraph.
It's messed up, not even reading properly, like you're not serious about it.
And not being serious can make you look more fraudulent.
Listening to you I felt calm, like I was sitting there, meditating.
I could almost smell some incense, chandan.
Catrina! I hope to hear from you again and I'll be back to listen to your next recording.
