Good Music For Christmas

Ho! Ho! Your ex-audiophile, now-aspiring-music journalist (Nick Hornby wannabe!) strikes again!

Christmas is near, time to shop for some good CDs, shall we?

You know we have always been supportive of local efforts so once again, that label sharing the same name with Rickie Jones album, is once again in the limelight for two major releases this month, to usher in the festive season!

First in the limelight is local guitar maestro, Roger Wang's Greatest Hits album, his first compilation in 10 years. This album has 26 tracks in 2-CD culled from his best-selling 6 albums, including his partnership with Mia Palencia in the fab duo Double Take (one of the album is a Christmas album, hoho!), his collaboration with Gambus man, Farid Ali, his solo album "Journey Home" and of course his most successful collaborations with Leslie Loh, the guy behind pop pop music.

The 6 albums have been remastered by Keith Yip to ensure much better sound quality and consistency. In fact, all Roger Wang albums have good recording quality with plenty of sheen and energy on his Maton. We are eager to hear this new remastered CD!

Roger told us that to make this occasion special, he is giving away a special custom made guitar pick with his signature for the first 299 customers who order thru pop pop music. You can read Roger's personal feelings for this significant album in his blog.

For those who want the best of Roger Wang's music, this is the perfect time!

Next up is the highly-hyped Brasileiro (Chinese Bossa Nova) album with local singer Z Yan. From the sampler we heard, it is indeed refreshing music! Apparently many top Malaysian musicians are involved in the album, including Tay Cher Siang (JZ8 pianist), Roger Wang, Xiong (The Brasileiro guru who has the same hairstyle as our LS3/5a guru) and Salvador Guerzo, one of the top arrangers in Malaysia. There is even a promo video to highlight all the great musicians behind this project.

Interesting to note, the producer Stefano Chen, is a Beijing-trained tenor/vocal coach and he is the youngest brother of Kenny Sin, the boss of Hi-Way Laser!

Time to look for IGM Cheah and get some discounts!