Night 7 - Dream A Little Dream

I was terribly tired tonight.

In fact, I was so tired I plonked into bed right after the gig. So I am typing this on night 8. Haha, so honestly I do not remember much.

All I have in my head today was Noh theatre. I was rehearsing for a Noh performance with some friends from about 8 to maybe 11am. We also had a healthy organic vegetarian lunch. Ok! I confess. I didn't sleep after my gig from night 6 until right after this lunch which ended about 2pm. So I trained home and slept till 6, after which I headed to Holiday Inn Atrium still feeling a little tired.

It wasn't busy tonight, so I was very relaxed and I even closed my eyes to rest during songs. It seemed to fit well with the songs though. :-)

Night 6 - Imagine

Quiet Night of Quiet Stars. Yes it was.

But we didn't do that song. We started late tonight on account of me. Rushing from Jurong Camp 2, not 1, but 2. It has to be very clear or one will get lost. The sad and simple, even funny and annoying, reason why I and a whole lot of others got lost was that we were sent an email with the map for Jurong Camp 1. Grrrr....

Thanks to an efficient cab driver who also made great conversation, I made it to the Holiday Inn Atrium by 8:06pm. And our first set went on without a hitch. Very quiet but intimate and friendly. Some regulars were there, a few tourists were chatting at the bar, and a business meeting was going on just behind us right outside the lounge area. We had a request for "Fly Me To The Moon", one of my favourites.

I am happy that we did some fresh songs together. I last sang these at weddings in the last few months but never at the Lobby Lounge: "La Bamba" & "Over The Rainbow". I butchered "Misty" so will master that soon. Sigh. For the very first time, I crooned "Ue o muite arukō" (meaning "I look up when I walk" aka "Sukiyaki") and explained it was a sad song despite its hopeful melody. That worked out quite spectacularly so am raring to do it again especially if we have Japanese guests!

I told everyone how Billy Joel's drummer would sing along on stage just in case Joel forgot his own lyrics. As a songwriter myself (I'm so not a big deal though), I know how common that is. "Just The Way You Are" was written for his first wife so after the divorce, his drummer would sing "I could not love her any longer. She took the house, she took the car..." (it varies a little) and sometimes Joel would sing that by mistake. So I put that in too!

Instead of chatting with the guests since I only walked around to say hi to the few who weren't engaged in serious business, I chatted with the staff and daydreamed. So it was apt to deliver "Imagine" and "What a Wonderful World". It used to make me cry at the line "they're really saying I love you".

There isn't much else to say but personally, dinner tonight was very satisfying. Yes I had time for a small one. Grilled potato cubes in sambal with squid. And loose bales of chicken skin! Nic the bartender made me a special drink since I couldn't decide on what I wanted. He made an orange-yellow mocktail with fruit pieces in it. Pineapple or mango, maybe both. It tasted like something I knew but I didn't know what it was. Nonetheless it was a delightful thirst quencher! Got me thinking: If I could only taste that familiar sunrise through sleepy eyes, how happy I'd be.

Night 5 - Cheek to Cheek

Tonight was lighthearted and intimate.

I had some locals who were regulars to the lounge. One of the tables requested "Close to You" which was a lovely song to describe the evening. Another song which not only gives one a sense of warmth and joy, but was also dedicated to my dear friend, Nanda, was "Cheek to Cheek". He mentioned recently that this song was on repeat on his mental jukebox so I just had to do it. This talented actor & playwright came as early as 7 to wait for what he called my grand entrance. So cute la... We are now working together on some Noh plays that he has written so beautifully. More on that in my upcoming posts!

I am very sleepy now because I spent the afternoon checking out a friend's recording studio which is lovely and has a positive friendly vibe. I'm excited to say the least. :-) Therefore I will keep this short.

A few other friends came by too and livened up the mood, which also made it more relaxed for everyone. I even had time for a spot of stand-up comedy. I'll be the first to say that it wasn't impressive but seemed to entertain. It was a true story about how a little girl went "reindeer" whenever I asked her to fill in the blanks for the song "Rudolph" during a Christmas gig. Keeping that mischievous mood, I sang "Quando Quando Quando" with a snippet of a parody I couldn't help but think up:

Tell me where do you reside? Is it condo condo condo?
Not a HDB like me, or a landed property...

My friends enjoyed it and it somewhat reflected Singapore's preoccupation with property. There were more locals than tourists at the Lobby Lounge tonight. For those outside our little island, HDB stands for Housing Development Board, or what I like to call shelved living. At the end of the night, I took pictures and asked for my friends' permission to post them on my blog. There is one more who took the picture. Haha! Aren't they sweet?

Night 4 - I Will Survive

Tonight, tonight, won't be just any night.

And I was right. Confidence pays off. When I am confident, I trust myself and others, and relax! I always said that when you enjoy the moment sincerely, others will too. Tonight was a lovely night with fantastic guests. Adi and I did songs we never even mentioned before. That was part of the fun. :-)

Our first request of the night came from a couple who visited us last night. By us, I mean the entire Lobby Lounge. We work together but our origins are in Vietnam, China, Philippines, Burma... and Singapore! The elegant waitresses tell me this couple visits very regularly. They enjoyed our delivery of "Smile" so they wanted to hear it again tonight. Your wish is our command, gladly!

Our first set was positive. I suggested a song which I butchered last night, because I know it had been spectacular before. Also, I had to make peace with it. It worked out perfectly this time! Then we did "I Will Survive" which had me slightly nervous for a split second because the last time I performed it was almost a year ago (though I have sung it in jest, not for work). It was met with toe-tapping, dance-walking, sing-alongs and smiles. Just as they were leaving, our regular couple told us, "Smile and I Will Survive!"

For the next 2 sets, we also had fun with "Straighten Up and Fly Right" and "I'm Beginning To See The Light". A lot of upbeat melodies tonight. We also partied "Under The Boardwalk" which starts almost the same way as "Save The Last Dance For Me". So much so I couldn't help myself but deliberately mingle the two at the start of the latter. Both songs were hits for the Drifters in the 60's. Speaking of drifting, we delivered "Route 66" to inspire our travellers to get their kicks on the legendary highway.

Of course we did a few numbers for the romantics: "Close to You" and "The Nearness of You", which now I realise sound so alike in title. Isn't that what really matters? Being with, near, next to, your loved one? Another song we never did together was "Leaving On A Jet Plane", dedicated to those flying off tomorrow, especially the Australian couple with whom I've had insightful chats with. John Denver gave me the blues with it. Adi and I made it bluesy for the lounge. Pity I didn't take pictures with them. I shall miss them.

We had a satisfying dinner too at the buffet on the 4th floor. One reason why I love working for hotels: food and drinks are always provided! But I am hungry again. Ok, off to supper. I feel like I sang for it. :-)

Night 3 - Where do I begin?

Tonight didn't go as smoothly as I had hoped. But it was fine.

Well, I fluffed up a little. GASP! But covered it each time, by improvising or scatting, and for some songs, it sounded really nice. Heh. The guests were so supportive, most of them hearing every note (some which I felt were waaaay off) and applauding every song. One of them who visited before was dancing again which always makes me glow inside. So I hope I see him tomorrow too. :-)

Had a request for "Blue Bayou" which went very well and the requester said he loved it. But he mentioned that I sounded like Linda Ronstadt though he preferred Roy Orbison's rendition. Note to self: ask if there is a version the requester prefers.

Sad to say, I was a total scatterbrain tonight (and not just from scatting). There are some songs I know so well and do not need lyrics in front of me. But for the rest, I have what I call insurance, or my lyric book, also affectionately known as my messy black file. So scatterbrain Jil couldn't find her lyrics when she needed them. Which forced me to sing a few songs without my safety net (totally psychological I realise), and I must say... I surprised myself. I knew them by heart after all. I supposed I knew that I knew them all along.

It was only when I doubted myself that the fluffs happened. Why oh why? And I even missed my stop because I was so engrossed with sorting out my lyrics on the bus on my way home, which made me think I still hadn't reached my stop. And the next thing I knew I was miles away from home! (so the time of this post publication isn't the actual time)

I felt so angry, I refused to take a cab since it was my own darn fault and I sure as hell did not deserve a cushy extravagant cab ride home. Frustration got the better of me as I walked. Fortunately, it dissipated as quickly as it exploded and by the time my senses beckoned me to flag a cab, there was none to be found. Feeling terribly irresponsible and not very smart, I called my dear mom who picked me up from the street like a hungry stray. I normally wouldn't call her for anything, so I felt guilty and found it slightly awkward but also very sweet. The last time she drove to my rescue was Chinese New Year last year when she thought I was dying from sepsis, which was almost true. Long story. In her car, amidst her gentle reprimanding, I was saying "sorry" a lot, then I turned it into "thank you".

Perhaps tonight was a lesson of sorts. Mostly that I gotta be more confident. The show is on. Tomorrow is going to be unmistakably awesome!

Night 2 at Holiday Inn - Grateful

2nd of January.

It was a nice day for me and I slept quite well the night, ok morning, before. I still have positive vibes and thoughts from the Blue Moon night and my wish was still clear in my mind and heart. Not taking it too seriously actually but happy to be given the opportunity to make a magical wish!

So I put on my Blue-moon-charged silver locket and off I went, armed with new handwritten lyrics of songs which I had promised to some guests tonight.

I decided on a tube top with a festive sheen to go with a long black skirt, a pretty hand-me-down from someone from last year. I would normally be wise enough to bring my performance outfit in my bag and change just before my gig, but decided today to wear it right after my shower. That's right, I showered! Alas, when I got to the mouth of the station, I saw that the train travelling in my desired direction was arriving in 1 minute and the next would only appear 6 minutes later.

So?

I ran.

And of course people do not stand on one side on the escalator steps. Instead they stand rooted side by side each other, without realising that some other people are trying to get through. A dozen excuse-me's later and a vain race up the escalators, I discovered that my tube top was kinda sticky from my workout. Eeyew.

For the next 5 minutes, I waited along the platform, wishing I hadn't bothered to shower.

At the hotel, I had a lovely night with Adi and the guests. My marvellous friends from What The, a band of talented, creative and passionate musicians, came for the 2nd and 3rd set. How sweet and encouraging of them! I was thrilled also when the same Australian couple from last night returned. They wanted to hear Rod Stewart and so I belted out my proudly scribbled "Have I Told You Lately" originally by Van Morrison for his 1989 album Avalon Sunset, which became a hit for Stewart in 1993. The Japanese guests from Friday asked for a Japanese song so I prepared "Ue o muite arukō" (meaning "I look up when I walk" but more popularly known as "Sukiyaki"). However they hadn't return, yet. So I will save that for another time which means I can perfect it on my own.

Just before the last set ended, a request for "Besame Mucho" came in along with a few other songs but time wasn't on our side. Closing the set with the 1940 Mexican classic, I reminded everyone that they can find Adi and me at the Lobby Lounge on Mondays to Saturdays. Someone commented (not rudely) that I talked a lot so I asked back with a smile (definitely not a challenge) after I was off the microphone, if he preferred my singing or talking. His reply was adorable: "Can you sing Hokkien song?" And I said "if you return I shall prepare one for you!" He was pleasant and yes, I may do one for him soon. :-)

Before I went home, I went around chatting with the Australian couple, my friends and the family who requested "Besame Mucho". The Australian couple offered another drink but I still had my once-hot chocolate. The family were very generous with their compliments and we talked a little about spirituality. They liked my description of religion as a tool so much they had me write it down. Then they gave me a little book entitled "Heart Of A Buddha" filled with wisdom & kindness.

I was too late but wish I had taken care of the bill for What The, who patiently and kindly listened to and applauded each song. I will find a way to take care of that, perhaps at our jam session later on (it's past 6am on Sunday morning).

Someone who came by towards the end of our last set was a dear to send me all the way home in the bus. :-) I definitely had fun on my second night and am grateful for everything from the book, the hot chocolate, the music and most importantly, I am immensely grateful for everyone who was there.

Adi was very kind to lend me his camcorder on this night so I shall find a way to put videos up. So watch this space!

Jan 1st at Hol Inn

Hi 2010! So it is a new year now. January 1st.

Did my first night at Holiday Inn. It went ok but really coulda been better. Sequencing files hadn't been sent yet and many songs were not familiar to all. Quite disappointing, mostly because we have done so well together. So comparatively, I have to say I wasn't very happy about tonight. But it was still worthy and entertaining overall. My soul pal was there for my first night, so thanks for the support. :-)

Had a fun chat with the staff and the guests. The staff were friendly and warmed up quickly. Quite a few were from Burma, Vietnam, China and perhaps a few more neighbouring countries. So nice and sweet of them to make ME, the local, feel welcome without trying at all. :-)

The guests were few but very appreciative. A few were rowdy and they would dance along and request for Metallica. But I always prefer a rowdier crowd to one that's asleep or dying of boredom. I managed to speak to some. I met one during my sound check before a family lunch, so was very glad he came back for a set before he set off to check out some clubs since he was flying the next day. A couple who had been singing along and even apologised for talking over my singing (oh come on, it's absolutely fine!!), chatted with me about politics and even generously bought me a drink. Thank you!

That chat about governments and politics has led me to deduce that there is no right view or wrong view, and no one can ever know everything for sure. And even when you do think you have all the facts, something new can happen, or something from the past can be unearthed and all of a sudden, everything changes again. So I guess I deduce... eh... Hahaha!

Anyway... I will now prepare a few Rod Stewart songs for this couple and a few other songs for the folks working at the bar and a request for a Japanese song. Then it will be time for bed sweet bed. :-)