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Swinging Down To Business
The brainchild of Mia Palencia, Swinging Down to Business was essentially aimed at educating Malaysians
about jazz singing in the most fun and entertaining way possible. With Mia Palencia in front, a sensational
band of professional musicians created a real 'swinging' atmosphere.
The songs performed throughout the show featured different legendary jazz singers: their unique styles and
techniques of singing, their manner of dressing, their typical speech as well as their ways of interacting
with the audience. The famous names selected for this show included the likes of Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald
and Frank Sinatra.
The Usual Suspects
Rozhan Razman
Bass
Well-known in KL for his versatility and onstage charisma, Rozhan has played with a string of big Malaysian
names and is a frequent face at all the jazz festivals. Besides having played for Poetic Ammo, Dayang Nurfaezah,
Hazami, Sheila Majid, Zainal Abidin, Ferhad and numerous others, this young bassist has won many competitions,
been on TV countless times, and played in places as far-flung as Krgyzstan. It is no wonder that he is a role-model
for all young aspiring musicians. Rozhan has a Bachelor's Degree in Music and is continuing his
apprenticeship with the greats at Berklee College of Music in Boston this year.
Eric Li Yuan
Piano
Eric's speed and grace on the piano belie his 24 years. He started his musical education in Shanghai at the
Conservatory of Music and is currently wrapping up his Bachelor's Degree here in Malaysia. His amazing solos and
diverse abilities have wowed and wooed crowds all over the country, even enticing an endorsement deal from
Roland. He has played for both internation and local singers, like Any Lau and Sheila Majid. Eric also plays
regularly for Groove Unction, Farid Ali and Steve Thornton. Whether it's jazz, latin, pop, R&B, soul, funk,
fusion or folk on the menu, this man can cook up a storm.
Kevin Choo
Saxophone
This young and ambitious entrepreneur works so hard it is a wonder that he still finds enough hours in a day
to blow his horn on the side. Fresh in the jazz scene, Kevin is a self-made jazz saxophonist. Playing with the
greats has certainly rubbed off on this young fella. His three years with Jose Thomas' Groove Unction has left
him with a polished and beautifully soulful tone. Kevin has played at the Mont Kiara Jazz Festival three years
in a row and has also been involved in the Heineken Green Room Sessions. He is also a sessionist for local
albums and television commercials. Kevin's smooth and delicious solos leave no room for dessert.
Bruce Hurn
Trumpet
Originally from British Columbia, Canada, Bruce is relatively new to the KL music scene. He holds a Master's
Degree in Music Composition and Theory and has had a musical career spanning over 30 years. In Canada, he has
performed with artists such as Michael Buble, David Foster, The Glenn Miller Orchestra and The Temptations.
Now living in Kuala Lumpur, Bruce has been performing and recording with local jazz artist Greg Lyons,
Reshmonu, KRU and 'Malaysia Idol' Jaclyn Victor. His compositions, arrangements and performances have been
featured on numerous jazz and R&B recordings, as well as TV and radio commercials. Bruce also arranged most of
the material for this show.
Shazee Ishak
Tenor Saxophone
Shazee obtained his Bachelor's Degree in Music from Universiti Sains Malaysia as well as a Certificate in
Music Production and Engineering from Hits Recording Studios, Penang. This young musician polished his skills
as a saxophonist by performing very actively with the USM Jazz Band as well as with other Penang-based jazz
musicians. Shazee's jazz festival debut was at the Philip's Jazz Festival at Bukit Jalil 5 years ago. Since
then, he has performed with the likes of David Gomes and has also recorded with the RTM Orchestra on numerous
occasions. Unbeknownst to most people in the jazz circuit, Shazee is also quietly a very accomplished rap artist.
His rapping skills can be heard on Ajai & Nurul's 'Terlalu Lama', and more recently, on Misha Omar's
'Tak Ingin Lagi' which can be found on her album 'Aksara'.
Saizuddin bin Bibin
Drums
A former student of ITM, Sudin is a wondefully reliable drummer. He makes keeping the rhythm section running
smoothly look so easy. He is also very versatile in different styles of music, and flexible working with
and number of people in a band. Sudin has a full-time job during the day, and emerges as a musician in the night.
He is an active member of the Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur Orchestra.
Reviews and Video
Selected reviews and video clip available soon.
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