This is the weekend of which I have my encounter with a book of “How Starbucks Saved My Live”, Jack Johnson new album and the 50th Grammy Awards album of the year. Michael Gates Gill, born into a priviidge family, worked hard, and years later to be fired from his job and life just went down hill from then on. One day, he happens to be on the right place and time he was offered a job as a barrista @ Starbucks. Starting then on, his views of life of what he used to be gradually transformed and found a whole new fulfilling life beyond his wildest dreams. An inspirational story, told in a narative matter. The writing style was simple and narative in nature. At every turn of the page, the structure will start with an introduction, and then a history, especially on the characters. Sometimes, I just felt that the history were too long or boring prompting me to skip. Then the main juice and gradually moves on to the next item of which an introduction starts, and the history and so on.

Jack Johnson have recently released a new album titled ‘Sleep Through The Static’. Not knowing what that meant exactly, I got the album as I have been a fan of Jack, ever since ‘Thicker Than Water’. His previous album ‘In Between Dreams’ was a little dissapointing. Though he stays true to his music, the catchy tunes were un-inspring and none stuck. This new album on the other hand was much better. Again, the entire album is laidback, perfect to accompany you anytime of the day when you feel like mellowing. A good album to add to your collection or Ipod, Jack is back with this one.

River: The Joni Letters by Herbie Hancock won the 50th Grammy Awards as the Best Album. For winning the best album of the year, I had to get it to check it out. Its Jazz, if you have not known it yet, and extremely suttle. All the songs are 5-8 minutes in length and the entire album will take you more than the hour to finish. i am not an advent fan for Jazz, so the album did not strike me that much. I will let it grow on me, since I only just got it.

These are the highlights of this weekend.

Jonathan Chan aka Jon Chan have been strumming his guitar since 1997. He plays in 3 bands, Plainsunset, Surreal and Sonic Edge Band. With all his time spent on 3 bands, I wonder where he find the energy and time to create such nice soothing piece. Titled ‘Security’, this song talks about having the special someone, note the repeated word “someone” through out the song. It also strike me that the “special someone” Jon is referring to in his song could also be God. Nevertheless, if Jon continues to product this kind of laid back guitar strumming music, he is on his way to be the Jack Johnson of Singapore.

[audio:Security.mp3]

To get this song, purchase Junk Magazine January 2008 issue and this song is in the free CD that comes with the magazine.

myspace/jonchan

If you have not heard of James Baum, its not too late. James, with a mix parentage of German & Indian (born and bread in Penang), brings with him a variety of R&B and Soul tracks that will knocks your socks off on a rainy afternoon. Specially tuned to R&B, James fills the space of local English R&B Genre. However, his work on the latest movie soundtrack for “Evolusi KL Drift” strike me the most, especially on the catchy rap tune. This goes to show that James talent not only lies in R&B. Check out his songs at amp and you can mail him (studioredroom+gmail.com) to get his EP (RM15.60).

amp.channelv.com/jamesbaum

Its time of the year again to Jazz up the Island. Happening from Nov 29 to Dec 2, this fun filled event will be fully loaded with concerts, workshops, competitions and exhibitions. This is the 4th installation and if you are wondering how it is like? check out my impressions last year. This years event will be graced by artist from China, Korea, Thailand, Singapore, Australia, Germany, UK, Philippines and Malaysia. I had a great time last year and planning to go this year. Check out the Penang Jazz site for tickets and programme informations.

[audio:lagu_untuk_mu.mp3]

A not that new Indie Rock band recently made headlines by landing a gig in the “Project Kami” TV series. The deal was one of the best thing that happen to the band, giving them unprecedented airtime to their music. “Lagu Untuk Mu”, the above song had stuck in my head for weeks, it even accompany me to Japan’s Imperial Palace. It took me a couple of days to shake it off in Japan. You can check them out through the Project Kami Album, together with all other Malaysian’s Underground Band.

Meet Uncle Hussain Myspace

www.projectkami.com