CORD MUSIC MAGAZINE April 2013

CORD

April 2013

KIMBRA

GOLDEN GIRL KIWI MUSIC NOW

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Features

CONTENTS Kimbra - 10 Kiwi Music Now - 12

Martina San Diego - 15 Ed Sheeran 17

Sections 5 Cord Hits/ 21 Cord Images/ 23 Concert Review/ 25 Album Review/ 27 Music+Current/ 29 Haikus/ 30 Comics/ 36 Good Laugh/ 37 Kim & El/ 37 Mr Jeydi’s Witdom/ 38 Film Reviews

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From the Editor Time was when ABBA, the four member music group, was the most lucrative export of Sweden. Not only did ABBA bring earnings to their country, fans became interested about Sweden. Surely the group became the unofficial face of its tourism industry.

New Zealand, a country of a little more than 4 million people, does not have a group like ABBA, although the nearest one could be Crowded House (which Australia claims to be their own). Instead its most notable export earner in the field of entertainment is Peter Jackson who nearly single-handily put New Zealand on the map via The Lord of the Rings trilogy.

But there are signs that New Zealand may soon have a poster girl for Kiwi music. Nobody thought New Zealander Kimbra in association with Gotye would win the “Record of the Year” award in the Grammys for “Somebody That I Used to Know”. Now eyes are on Kimbra including that of firebrand actor Russell Brand (isn’t he annoying?)

How she will navigate her career as a solo artist is definitely a challenge, but more importantly, she needs to tell the world of her Kiwi origin, otherwise, she’ll end up to be just another artist that Australia will claim to be their own.

Though the market is small, New Zealand has a vibrant music scene, thanks primarily to the government that has put in place funding institutions; and media that has done its part in providing airtime for local artists.

In this issue CORD takes a look into Kiwi music, and rates its top artists Noho ora mai rā.

MEL B LIBRE Editor in Chief

Editor in Chief: Mel Libre Creative Director: Mel Elijan Libre Contributors: Christell Tudtud, Vincent Borromeo, Cyril Bas, Pilar Boyle, Tyke Villalonga, Eric Menguito

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CORD HITS

YOU ARE Colton Dixon

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YM8hxE-j4T8 Verse 1: D A When I can’t find the words to say how much it hurts D A You are the healing in my heart D A When all that I can see are broken memories D A You are the light that’s in the dark

Verse 2: D A And when my circumstance leaves me with empty hands.

D A You are the provider of my needs.

D A When all my dirtiness has left me helpless.

D A You are the rain that washes me.

Chorus: G You are the song, Bm A You are the song I’m singing.

G You are the air, Bm A You are the air I’m breathing G You are the hope, Bm A You are the hope I’m needing.

G Bm A Oh Oh Oh, You are

Chorus (x2) Bridge: (x2) D If I had no voice, G If I had no tongue, Bm A I would dance for you like the rising sun.

D G And when that day comes and I see your face.

Bm A I will shout your endless glorious praise.

Chorus (x2)

Interlude: D A

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WHOM SHALL I FEAR Chris Tomlin

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v=qOkImV2cJDg

Intro C G C You hear me when I call C You are my morning song G/C Though darkness fills the night G/C It cannot hide the light

Am G/C The God of angel armies C G C Is always by my side Am G C The One who reigns forever Am G C He is a friend of mine Am G/C The God of angel armies C G C Is always by my side C My strength is in Your name C For You alone can save G/C You will deliver me G/C Yours is the victory Am D Whom shall I fear Am G/C - G Whom shall I fear

Am D Whom shall I fear

Am G C I know who goes before me Am G C I know who stands behind Am G/C The God of angel armies C G C Is always by my side Am G C The One who reigns forever Am G C He is a friend of mine Am G/C The God of angel armies C G C Is always by my side

Am G C I know who goes before me Am G C I know who stands behind

F C G/C - G And nothing formed against me shall stand C Am You hold the whole world in Your hands

Am D Whom shall I fear C You crush the enemy C Underneath my feet G/C You are my sword and shield G/C Though troubles linger still

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F G/C G I'm holding on to Your promises Am You are faithful G/C G You are faithful Am G You are faithful Am G C I know who goes before me Am G C I know who stands behind Am G/C The God of angel armies C G C Is always by my side Am G C The One who reigns forever Am G C He is a friend of mine Am G/C The God of angel armies C G C Is always by my side Am G C I know who goes before me Am G C I know who stands behind Am G/C The God of angel armies C G C Is always by my side Am G C The One who reigns forever Am G C He is a friend of mine Am G/C The God of angel armies C G Is always by my side Am G/C The God of angel armies C G C Is always by my side

YOUR PRESENCE IS HEAVEN Israel Houghton & Micah Massey http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v=bMgGExYzzYI

Bm7 G D Who is like You Lord in all the earth?

Bm7 G D Matchless love and beauty, endless worth Bm7 G D Nothing in this world will satisfy Bm7 G D Jesus You're the cup that won't run dry A G D Your presence is heaven to me A G D Your presence is heaven to me Bm7 G D Treasure of my heart and of my soul Bm7 G D In my weakness you are merciful Bm7 G D Redeemer of my past and present wrongs Bm7 G D Holder of my future days to come A G D Your presence is heaven to me A G D Your presence is heaven to me A G D Your presence is heaven to me!!

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A G D Your presence is heaven to me!!!!

D Bm7 A Oh Jesus, Oh Jesus G Your presence is heaven to me D Bm7 A Oh Jesus, Oh Jesus G Your presence is heaven to me Bm7 G D All my days on earth I will await Bm7 G D The moment that I see You face to face Bm7 G D Nothing in this world will satisfy Bm7 G D 'Cause Jesus You're the cup that won't run dry Bm7 G D Nothing in this world will satisfy Bm7 G D Jesus You're the cup that won't run dry Bm7 G D Jesus You're the cup that won't run dry!!!!

A G D Your presence is heaven to me!

A G D Your presence is heaven to me!

A G D Your presence is heaven to me!

A G D Your presence is heaven to me!!

D Bm7 A Oh Jesus, Oh Jesus G Your presence is heaven to me D Bm7 A Oh Jesus, Oh Jesus G Your presence is heaven to me

PROMISES Sanctus Real

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QeLCuB8rU2Y 8

Intro: D, A, E 2X Verse 1: D A Sometimes it's hard to keep believing F#m E In what you can't see D A That everything happens for a reason E Even the worst life brings D A If you're reaching for an answer F#m E And you don't know what to pray D A Just open up the pages E Let His word be your strength Chorus: F#m D And hold on to the promises (Hold tight) A E Hold on to the promises (Alright) F#m D Jesus is alive so hold tight A E Hold on to the promises Inst: D, F#m, A, E Verse 2: D A All things work for the good F#m E Of those who love God D A He holds back nothing that will heal you

E Not even His own Son D A His love is everlasting F#m E His faithfulness unending D A Oh, if God is for us who can be against us E So if you feel weak (Back to chorus) Bridge: F#m D Neither life, nor death A E Could separate us F#m D From the eternal love A E Of our God who saves us (2X) (Chorus 2X) (Bridge, End on D)

YOUR LOVE NEVER FAILS Newsboys

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SgQ6vWEhH5E

Intro: F#m D A E F#m D Nothing can separate A E Even if I run away

Bm D A E Your love never fails F#m D I know I still make mistakes A E You have new mercy for me everyday Bm D A E Cause Your love never fails D A E You stay the same through the ages Bm D Your love never changes A There may be pain in the night E Bm But joy comes in the morning F#m D A E Verse 2: The wind is strong and the water's deep But I'm not alone here in these open seas Cause Your love never fails The chasm is far too wide I never thought I'd reach the other side But Your love never fails Chorus: You stay the same through the ages Your love never changes There may be pain in the night But joy comes in the morning And when the oceans rage I don't have to be afraid Because I know that You love me Your love never fails Quiet: D F#m E D F#m E You make all things work together for my good D F#m E You make all things work together for my good

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KIMBA: Kiwi Golden Girl

W

hat just happened? New

big project of Kiwi music’s golden girl, Russell

Zealand music artist Kimbra

Brand, for his part, is reportedly infatuated with

tweeted after receiving two

the Kiwi who made him “laugh his head off” at

major awards in the 55th

a party. One must realize though that Kimbra is

Grammy Awards in Los Angeles. Her col-

no flash in the pan. Kimbra Lee Johnson (born

laboration with Australian Gotye, “Somebody

March 27, 1990) has been writing songs as ear-

That I Used to Know” won as Record of the

ly as 10 years old and at 14 produced her first

Year and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance.

music video, “Smile”.

Even New Zealand Prime Minister John Key could not keep his excitement by tweet-

Responding in an interview by Ilana Kaplan,

ing, “Congratulations #Kimbra - winning two

on how she began her career, she said, “I was

Grammys is an incredible achievement. New

doing it from such a young age. I was writing

Zealand is very proud.”

songs and picked up a guitar at 13 or 14. So, it was always a thing that I had loved to have

With competition from Taylor Swift, The Black

done, but I didn’t necessarily think I could do

Keys, Kelly Clarkson, Fun and Frank Ocean, ev-

it. I prepared to go to university. I didn’t know if

eryone thought that the nomination for Record

I would have the opportunity, but then I got of-

of the Year of Gotye and Kimbra was just a con-

fered this amazing management contract with

solation and had no chance of beating out the

my manager, who is now one of my best friends.

biggies. “What happened?” surely it was not

We started working on my record, and at the

just Kimbra who was surprised.

age of 17, it was a chance to move to Australia and get into it. I think that was the point where I

Was it because of the nude painting video or the

realized, “Wow, I might actually make this a ca-

laudable singing? Or did the song just have that

reer.” It sounded very cool to pursue it; to do

commercial appeal that got everyone hooked, or

something really good with the thing I love to do

all of the above?

most.”

While everyone seems to be looking for the next

Record exec Mark Richardson signed her in

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independent label Forum 5 in Melbourne after he caught his at-

ulous in her music, Kimbra has gained fans because she makes extra effort

tention in her breakthrough music

in her music videos which

video, “Simply on My Lips”. Her as-

are creative and enter-

sociation with Gotye came about

taining.

when a preferred Australian singer

According to

bowed out in the re-

Richardson, Kimbra

cording of “Somebody

is thinking ahead

That I Used to Know”.

for the next album:

Earlier, Kimbra with

“She never stops

the song, “Cameo

writing, or thinking

Lover” had beat-

about her songs,

en Gotye to win

and we’re just start-

the 2011 Vanda &

ing to get focused

Young Songwriting

on what’s next mu-

Competition. Gotye’s

sically. In August

entry, “Somebody

she’s going to go and

That I Used to Know”

work with Damian Taylor

took third place.

[Bjork’s producer] in Montreal, spending a bit

“Vows” Kimbra’s debut album was re-

of time with him.”

leased in 2011 charting in New Zealand (No 3), Australia (No 5) and the US (No 14). It

Now that she is getting

includes “Cameo Lover” and “Good Intent”

attention, Kimbra has

the latter song was featured on an episode of

New Zealand behind her

ABC’s drama Grey’s Anatomy and appears in

and we’re saying: “Make

the video game, The Sims 3: Pets. While metic-

us proud, girl!”

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KIWI MUSIC NOW Keith Urban and Russell Crowe are Kiwis, that is New Zealanders. But the rest of the world know them to be Australians as they lived there longer and embarked their careers in the land of Oz. Urban (who has gone mainstream in American Idol) was born in Whangerie in the North Island, while Crowe (who did a decent job in Le Miserables) in Wellington. To make it safe, there are those who identify them as New Zealand-born Australians.

There are other musicians that the outside world are made to believe are Aussies, but are Kiwis in whole, if not in part, among others: Split Enz, Crowded House, Evermore, Gin Wigmore, and Kimbra.

You can’t blame ‘em Aussies though, as Kiwis need to have a springboard as the New Zealand with its population of more than four million cannot sustain within its shores some of its finest music artists. But one thing that NZ can’t be blamed is that it hones its talents to prepare them for the global stage.

The support of government has helped tremendously in the development of Kiwi musicians. Educational institutions provide programmes for musicians to develop their craft. NZ Music Month provides local acts all the possible venues for fans to show support. The New Zealand Music Awards give recognition to outstanding work each year. Most importantly, the local audience take care of their artists by supporting gigs.

NZ On Air is a government funded programme that invest in a colourful range of local television, radio, music and digital media content to extend choices for New Zealand audiences. In the field of music, NZ On Air aims to connect great NZ songs and videos with the audience on broadcast and digital platforms. Over $5 million each year is set aside in a mix of funding schemes and promotional strategies to help achieve this. The grants can cover for the production of new music materials (singles or album) and music videos to help promote a song/album.

Other than having new music aired both on radio and television, grants are given for artists to participate and perform in major music festivals around the world, hoping for the next international breakthrough artist of New Zealand.

Even with the limited opportunities for music artists, universities and other private educational institutions offer courses in all aspects of the music business from recording, composing, performing and event organizing, with student loans granted under the Ministry of Social Development.

NZ Music Month happens in May under the management of the NZ Music Commission in cooperation with NZ On Air, RIANZ, APRA, Independent Music NZ, and the Radio Broadcasters Association. First held in 2000, homegrown talents are featured in gigs all over the country, while radio and television give ample airtime. Fans go out of their way to celebrate the music of both upcoming artists as well as established ones.

It may not be as grand as the Grammys, but Kiwis make the New Zealand Music Awards (also known as the Tui Awards) the party-of-the-year as they can possibly 12

can: red carpet, limousines, outrageous gimmicks, great performers and adoring fans. Conferred by the Recording Industry Association of New Zealand, the event has a strong support from media and other companies.

While the market is quite small, the radio industry voluntarily adopted a 10% Kiwi music content target achieved in 2000, and by 2005 had reached 19%-20%. During summers, local councils put up free concerts, like Auckland’s “Music in Parks” every weekend in different public parks, not counting such big festivals as Parachute, Womad and Raggamuffin. When international acts play gigs in New Zealand more often than not, Kiwi artists warm up the crowd. Amazing as it may sound, but a look at the events calendar of New Zealand one discovers that there are far more gigs happening than there are masses in a diocese.

But it’s still a long way to go for Kiwi music to be as big internationally as Peter Jackson (Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit); but the persistence of all the stakeholders will pay off in the long term.

5 MOST INFLUENTIAL MUSIC ARTISTS OF NEW ZEALAND Finn Brothers

Finn Brothers is just one of the many groups of Tim and Neil Finn, and both have pursued solo careers as well. But it is their involvement in Split Enz and Crowded House that brought them international recognition. Split Enz attracted attention in Australia, UK and Canada for their music and stage attires, while Crowded House produced pop-rock tunes of high caliber, most notably “Don’t Dream It’s Over” and “Something So Wrong.” Both are treated as rock royalties in NZ, and are never short of projects. Tim contributed a song to the soundtrack of The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe entitled “Winter Light,” while Neil wrote the tune, 'Song of the Lonely Mountain' for Peter Jackson’s “The Hobbit”.

Dave Dobbyn

David Joseph Dobbyn is New Zealand’s answer to Bob Dylan (for the US), Neil Young (for Canada) and Freddie Aguilar (for the Philippines).

He is the “It Guy” when finding a tune that would represent New Zealand to the world. A member of the rock group Th' Dudes and the main creative force in pop band DD Smash, he established himself as a solo performer creating Kiwi anthems.

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Flight of the Conchords

Flight of the Conchords composed of Bret McKenzie and Jemaine Clement maybe one of the most recognizable Kiwis for comedy than music, with their breakthrough 2007 series on HBO called Flight of the Conchords. Chosen as the Best Alternative Comedy Act at the 2005 US Comedy Arts Festival and Best Newcomer at the Melbourne Comedy Festival, the band won the Grammy in 2008 for best comedy album for “The Distant Future”. Even with their international success, the duo maintained their Kiwi roots. On 31 March 2009 the duo performed in Masterton New Zealand to 2000 locals as a benefit for Jemaine's old college Makoura College raising around NZ$80,000 prior to setting off on a 50 date tour of the US. While Jermaine has pursued an acting career (Dinner for Schmucks, Men in Black 3) and as voice talent in “Despicable Me” and “Rio”, Bret proved his songwriting caliber as music supervisor for the 2011 film The Muppets, and won an Academy Award for Best Original Song for the song "Man or Muppet".

Shihad

Shihad is New Zealand’s premier alternative rock band, producing four number-one studio albums and three top-ten singles in New Zealand. Though the band has not penetrated the mainstream American rock scene, Shihad has a strong following in Australia and New Zealand including appearances in Splendour in the Grass, One Will Hear the Tour and Big Day Out. They toured with the Datsuns, opened for Evanescene, and supported AC/DC for the New Zealand leg of the AC/DC Black Ice World Tour in January/February 2010. In 2010 New Zealand Music Awards Shihad won the Legacy Award, and were inducted into the New Zealand Music Hall of Fame.

Kimbra

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Kimbra Lee Johnson, more famous as Kimbra, is a New Zealand singer-songwriter/guitarist who took the world by storm in the 2012 mega-hit “Somebody That I Used to Know” by Gotye. In 2011, she released her debut album Vows, which reached the top 5 in New Zealand and Australia and at number 14 on the US Billboard charts. She is the biggest female pop artist of New Zealand since Gin Wigmore (“Oh My”), Ladyhawke ("My Delirium") and Bic Runga (“Sway”).

CORD ARTIST: MARTINA SAN DIEGO HEARING HER SING on that lovely hallmark day was probably one of the most surreal experiences anyone could have, and yes, I’m not an exception to this romanticism.

Who would have thought that this young lady would choose to grace the music scene in Cebu instead of becoming a pop star in an allgirl band in United States? Her name is Martina San Diego. She grew up in Glendale, California and was raised in Lorton, Virginia -- and she’s absolutely a true blue Cebuana.

She learned to play the guitar when she was 12 years old and started writing songs when she was 15. “I got the voice from my mother and the showmanship from my father.” Martina added. Even though she is a natural born singer, she is grateful that she took some singing lessons because this helped her become a wellrounded vocalist.

Ironically, Martina carries a surname known by many here in Cebu for professional standards of dancing.

“I never considered dancing aside from singing, but we always laugh that Photo Credit: Angelo Kangleon and April Ordesta maybe I could’ve Marti, as what her been a great dancer if I grew up here” Martina family and friends usually call her, said “I deexplained, referring to her dance stints with cided to take a year off to live in Cebu to expeher uncle Val San Diego. In terms of songwritrience the lifestyle here.” It was a decision that ing, Martina grew up listening to 90’s alternashe and her parents mutually agreed on. And tive rock, a thing that strongly so she set off, leaving behind a place she can influenced her. Dolores O’Riordan from The call her comfort zone.

Cranberries, Robert Smith from The Cure, and Eva Cassidy are big inspirations for Mar“I’ve been singing practically all my life,” Martina as an artist as well. One little trivia about tina said. Equipped with minus one tracks, she Martina is that she was the lead vocalist of started singing at the age of 3 in family parties.

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an all-girl band called Ivy Rose that became one of the contestants in an American reality show, America’s Got Talent. She is thankful for the opportunity to be on national television with Ivy Rose. “I learned to be proud of my abilities as an artist and musician no matter what showbiz thinks.” Before the band took its hiatus, Ivy Rose released two albums: “This Adventure” (2010) and “Rain” (2012). The three other girls in the band were sisters and their dad recorded the band’s tracks in their home studio.

Her decision to come here in Cebu became a turning point for her in becoming a solo artist.

Martina feels that it is a great way of seizing the chance to discover more of herself and her taste in music. “I’m so excited to have the opportunity to show listeners who Martina San Diego is as an individual with this solo album. This is the first time that all songs will be solely my own compositions, which is an exciting and scary thing at the same time!”

As a newly added artist of 22 Tango Records, Martina is excited to make great music that people can listen and relate to. “I really agree with Cattski’s vision to bring new music for people to discover and think about. All the artists under 22 Tango Records are great, and I’m blessed to be the newest member. ” She looks up to Cattski and sees her as one of her biggest inspirations. “I was really humbled when she approached me to produce my first solo album. I’m excited to see my songs take on a life of their own with her guidance in the studio. ” When asked about the nickname “East Coast Bisdak”, Martina replied, “I take the jeepney to work, I love kwek-

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kwek, corn with cheese and squid roll sold from street vendors, and I like shopping for deals at Colon just like any other Filipino born in Cebu. I also really value our culture and traditions as Cebuanos. Yes, I grew up in the States but I am beyond proud to be an East Coast Bisdak! I really embrace that nickname that Cattski coined for me.”

It’s inspiring to see a ‘bisdak’ from the East Coast starting a new adventure in her own mother land. We’ll definitely be hearing soon from Martina’s upcoming album and yes, her quest for self-exploration and music doesn’t end here...

by Christell Tudtud

FACT SHEET:

ED SHEERAN

Birth name: Edward Christopher Sheeran Date of Birth: February 17, 1991 Place of Birth: Framlingham, England Genres: Pop, Folk, Acoustic Occupations: Singer-songwriter, Producer

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LEGO HOUSE

Ed Sheeran

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c4BLVznuWnU C Am I’m gonna pick up the pieces, G C and build a lego house G Am (Am7) if things go wrong we can knock it down C Am My three words have two meanings, G C there’s one thing on my mind G Am G It’s all for you C Am G And it’s dark in a cold December, but I’ve got you to keep me warm C Am and if you’re broken I’ll mend you and keep you sheltered from the storm G that’s raging on

Chorus C I’m out of touch, I’m out of love Am Am7 G I’ll pick you up when you’re getting down F G C and of all these things I’ve done I think I love you better now C I’m out of sight, I’m out of mind Am Am7 G I’ll do it all for you in time F G C And of all these things I’ve done I think I love you better now C Am I’m gonna paint you by numbers G C and colour you in

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C Am G if things go right we can frame it, and put you on a wall C Am G And it’s so hard to say it but I’ve been here before C G F now I’ll surrender up my heart G and swap it for yours Chorus (2x) C I’m out of touch, I’m out of love Am Am7 G I’ll pick you up when you’re getting down F G C and of all these things I’ve done I think I love you better now Am(Am7) F Don’t hold me down G F G I think my braces are breaking and it’s more than I can take C Am G And it’s dark in a cold December, but I’ve got you to keep me warm C Am and if you’re broken I’ll mend you and keep you sheltered from the storm G that’s raging on

TIMES TWO

by Vincent Borromeo

In February 2013, I was in Bulacan, Philippines that is known for the Loud Fire Crackers that shoos away the demons during the first day of every year. However something louder and bigger has come to Bulacan! The Music from Sazi’s Bar! Remember Mayric's -Sazi's? It’s alive: the first Alternative Rock joint in Bulacan, the fire C’ Rocking City.

It was the place where you heard real music; the place where new music was always given their first earshot. Many bands with their original music of whatever genre could always play and be given a hearing in Mayric’s that transformed into “Sazi’s”. It was the venue where the pulse of the people was felt. Here one could experience the primal screams of artists trying to apply brakes to a society going crazy; screaming their heads off against the traffic, corruption, the institutionalized wrongs society was getting blind to, and of course serenading silly love songs were all in the menu.

Sazi Cosino, this exemplary lady painstakingly kept the fire alive notwithstanding the predicament of reality stuck to her guns and stood her ground. She said, “These young musicians and their followers do not have the buying power yet, unlike the ones who only want to hear their own old stories and music again the, “the lumang tugtugin” have one beer and go back to memory lane. Only these breed of people want to go forward, not look back and give it all to fix what is broken well, they truly are the future for the past is dead.”

Well we were there to pay tribute to Sazi's Bulakan!

The Renegades of Rock: Tour de Force 2013 paid tribute to Sazi’s on February. There they saw they played and they conquered.

There has always been a group of musicians who never bowed down to commercialism.

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They treat their art as Sacred not to be messed around with and never to be brought to the level of the formula. The formula is where music is made for the idea of a “Massa mentality” insulting our intelligence as a musical people with thick cranium structures. No, No Way. This Band of musicians will give you their heart, their minds and even their souls to play their own music no matter what; to bring you to what is real.

Having the venue blessed with the Renegades presence it revealed more of Sazi’s heart and passion. Going beyond just letting them have artistic license and a venue to play their hearts out, she also has plans for their physical and spiritual wellbeing. Sazi sees more than just a need of expression for these street fighters, as she has realized that artists are fully left brained, they cannot think of other things like business as they give their being to their art.

She has envisioned to help them “maybe as they play in my venue, I will buy land where they can have a farm that will earn them some-

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thing to live by.” She envisions of giving them have a livelihood. I think her concept is still in the development stage. It is hard for me to imagine a music bar and a farm, but that’s what dreams are, some have it some don’t.

She mentioned also about her concern for their health, so the place came transform into one for rest and recreation for musicians, a place where they can write their masterpieces or just chill. Digesting the thoughts of Sazi is not easy; she herself being an artist or a patron of the artists The Renegades of Rock are defenders of the hard and heavy music faith from The Old Testament. The bands seeing action in "Tour de Force 2013" haven't wimped out or bowed to commercialism owing it to their set of principles and their legion of fans, the core of everything that they do. That is the way it has been done from the very beginning - and will remain until the very end. Renegades of Rock slogan: The Power is in the Music! Truly Music has been rated the most spiritual of all the arts…so be it.

CORD IMAGES

by Cyril Bas

Long Bay, Okura Marine Reserve – Auckland NZ Germany

Wairangi Wharf , Herne Bay – Auckland NZ

https://www.facebook.com/Cyril.Bas.Photography

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Wainui Beach, Gisborne NZ

Long Bay, Okura Marine Reserve – Auckland NZ 22

https://www.facebook.com/Cyril.Bas.Photography

CONCERT REVIEW PAUL SIMON

Auckland, NZ - March 8 Rhymin’ Simon has got rhythm, bless him. He gave 12,000 fans a real good time in his sold out Auckland stop on 8 April 2013.

From start to finish with a few mellow numbers in between, the drums and percussions were the instruments driving the music journey only Paul Simon could take us to – sounds of African township, the Caribbean Tropicana, New Orleans brass and of course, American rock ‘n roll and folk.

While most of his familiar works were played, he successfully injected new materials and some personal favourites that didn’t disturb the experience. Commencing with the South African beat in “Gumboots”, anthems like “Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes”, “Slip Slidin’ Away”, “Kodachrome”, “50 Ways to Leave Your Lover”, “Me and Julio Down by the School Yard” and of course “Graceland”, not necessarily in that order, pulsated through everyone’s veins.

It is amazing how Simon was able to transcend his iconic association with Art Garfunkel in Simon and Garfunkel; but he had it in him early on in his career attempting to pursue a solo career as Jerry Landis which didn’t work. While he does not have that angelic voice of Garfunkel, Simon is first and foremost a songwriter, and that is the factor that given his longevity.

While 90% of the songs were upbeat, only a few people dared to dance preferring to relish Simon’s poetry immersed in melodies that were given optimum treatment by his A-1 band players. He treated the audience with S&G classics such as “The Sound of Silence”, “The Only Living Boy in New York” and “The Boxer”. And that seemed enough. Surprisingly he covered George Harrison’s “Here Comes the Sun” allowing him to show off his guitar playing skills as well.

At 70, Simon has maintained his patented voice. Though not as smooth when he was younger, the roughness in his singing gives more emotional substance to the lines delivered. We didn’t seem to miss the harmonies of Garfunkel as his more than competent musicians were able to provide gospel-like backing vocals when required.

Apparently, Rhymin’ Simon doesn’t have rhythmic feet, but then nobody really expected him to lead in a line-dance. He had few adlibs, and rightly so, for people came to listen to him sing rather than preach. (Which reminds of an event featuring Julie Andrews that specifically says she will talk but not sing; What!)

But most uplifting was the demonstration of the character of the man – generosity. He was persuaded twice to give an encore, and graciously he came back with not just one song, but several. Paul Simon is the true artist who finds joy in making people happy as long as he is able. Even without performing the obligatory, ‘Bridge over Troubled Water”, we are grateful, Paul for your performance, for your music, for your being. (CORD)

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RONAN KEATING Auckland, NZ - February 27

Ronan Keating opened his show with the chart-topping single "Fires" (a personal favorite) from his album of the same title with spectacular lighting displays to resemble fires surrounding him.

He sang songs from his different albums. Another favorite, “Time After Time“, gave me goose bumps. It was a brilliant performance by a singer/entertainer who has been in the music scene for over two decades.

His voice was powerful in the high registers when warranted yet soft and melodious as in the song "When You Say nothing at All". Overall, the audience (that includes me) was so enthralled by his performance with standing ovations and prolonged clapping towards the end for an encore. He was on stage for one hour and thirty minutes, but time seemed so fleeting. Keating’s Auckland show was beautiful and heartfelt and at times feet-stomping. Now I can re-live in my memory that one night when Ronan Keating sang and danced for me. (Pilar Boyle)

JOURNEY/DEEP PURPLE Auckland, NZ - February 24

Two distinctive bands from different eras in one stage was a double-decker of a treat. Journey came to light in the time of glam rock bands like REO Speedwagon, Duran Duran and U2, while Deep Purple had the louder rock company of Black Sabbath, Aerosmith and AC/DC. With the entry of Filipino lead vocalist Arnel Pineda, Journey has a revived career thanks to plugs of “Don’t Stop Believing” in top rated TV shows, Sopranos and Glee. The first few songs of Journey must have come from their latest album as these didn’t sound familiar, though these carried their tightly packaged sound. The crowd began to warm up when they brought in their signature anthems (“Separate Ways”, “Who’s Crying Now” and “Open Arms”). Pineda delivered, but doing a lot of those high notes must have strained his voice, while crowd kept themselves gracious in their applause. I realized later that about ¾ of the 7,000 audience came to see Deep Purple with original singer Ian Gillan who at 67, can still rock and roll. It was obvious that when the other band members were doing adlibs, he hid at a special cubicle that also served as a backdrop.

What the band lacked in terms of energy was the proficiency and mastery in their craft; and the crowd just loved them. I did. (CORD) 24

ED SHEERAN

Auckland, NZ - March 10 At 22 years old, Ed Sheeran has done much in his rise to fame by self-producing a number of independent albums. This gutsy English musician even got Jamie Foxx allowing him to stay in his home and use his studio, as the latter was so impressed by his talent and songs. On his second tour in New Zealand, Sheeran had a near sold-out gig at Auckland’s biggest indoor stadium. From start (‘Give Me Love’) to finish, he charmed the audience with his voice, his compositions, his musical virtuosity, his humor and his stage leadership. The light effects even made his performances more magical.

With songs from ‘+’, his most successful album, the stadium was transformed into a huge karaoke sing-along party. When he sang a cover, ‘Wayfaring Stranger’, nobody dared create noise. When the familiar strains of ‘Lego House” began nobody dared not sing. Support acts Gabrielle and Passenger were themselves impressive. The guy was just so giving with more stuff that made everyone love him to the max. (CORD)

ALBUM REVIEW THOM CHACON

Thom Chacon

Storytelling has not been the forte of many musicians of the day.

So it is great to hear Tom Chacon delivering heartfelt tunes in the tradition of Paul Simon, Neil Young and Jackson Browne. Truth to tell, Chacon is the modern-day Bob Dylan in terms of poetry, vocal quality, guitar playing and even harmonica adlibs. The first song, “Innocent Man” gets you with the declaration, “I’m standing on the edge/I know who I am/You can all go to hell /I’m innocent man.” The second song is such an honest anthem about the distressing situation of people living “The American Dream”. “Ain't Gonna Take Us Alive” is another painful story complimented with a handclapping beat. Mesmerizing is “No More Trouble” with such lines as “I know you’re weak/with God on your side/You make it from here/No more trouble/No more fear.” This acoustic alternative artist deserves airplay for he speaks about his generation as Dylan did in the 60s. (CORD)

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ALL THAT FOR THIS Crystal Bowersox

I was disappointed that Crystal’s first album, Farmer’s Daughter, didn’t bring her to the top of the charts. But I guess that was meant to be – for that paved the way for her a second collection of songs, an album without pretense and compromise. This is vintage Crystal and yes, she bares her soul. The first song, Dead Weight, is the carrier single. It comes out raw and beautiful, nothing superficial, all real. Vocally, Crystal is strong and confident. As you listen through the album, you realize that it has a bit of folk, country, rock, but mostly blues. It is delightful to hear and clearly she’s having a good time recording the stuff. “I Am” is attractive with its acoustic guitar accompaniment. In “Shine”, Crystal opens her wounded heart, and it is one of the saddest songs I’ve heard in years. Definitely Alcoholics Anonymous will ban “Till the Whiskeys Gone”, the new anthem for pubs and bars. Her collaboration with Jakob Dylan, “Stiches” is a classic in the making. This song reminds me of Rita Coolidge and Kris Kristofferson in “Loving Arms”. The odd song in this album is “Here’s where the Story ends”, the arrangement has pop inclination that shows another angle of Crystal. This song has all the ingredients of a hit, with the perfect hook in the chorus. The final cut, “All that for this” is not melancholic rather it seems that Crystal’s telling us that she has more in store for us. You should be proud of this album, Mamasox. (CORD)

MORE THAN WORDS Brian McKnight

This album must have been homemade, with Brian McKnight experimenting sounds in his studio. This 15-songs collection feels like a tribute to some of the artists that McKnight look up to: from Quincy Jones to Smokey Robinson; from Michael McDonald to Wham! If you do that, you will always be compared, and that is where the problem lies in this album. It’s like having Quincy Jones absent while producing Brothers Johnson, so you get the groove in “Don’t Stop” and “Letsomebodyluvu”, or you’ve got Wham! sans George Michael (in “She doesn’t know”) or Smokey without the Miracles (“4th of July”). It is when McKnight is true to himself when the album sparkles. He gives the Brian McKnight performance in “Livewithoutyou”. In the final four songs where he strips down the arrangement, McKnight brings us to soul heaven in “Another”, “Trying not to fall asleep” and “Ireallydidntmeantoturnout”. The last one provides the entry of his son, Brian McKnight jr whose vocals should make Daddy proud. (CORD)

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MUSIC + CURRENT Grammy-Award winning star and Gospel music icon Kirk Franklin is joining forces with House of Blues and its venues across the United States to create a new Gospel Brunch experience as part of its year-long 20th Anniversary Celebration. House of Blues Gospel Brunch has been a staple of Sunday morning family entertainment around the country for over two decades. Now House of Blues has reinvented the renowned dining entertaining experience with even more spectacular interactive energy and excitement...

Multi-Dove Awardwinning singer/ songwriter Cindy Morgan and critically-praised singer/songwriter Andrew Greer have joined forces once again to bring their popular "Hymns for Hunger" Tour to cities around the country this spring. Presented by Food for the Hungry, the innovative tour also helps raise awareness and resources for local hunger relief organizations... Show Hope™, a nonprofit orphan care ministry founded by GRAMMY® award winning Steven Curtis Chapman and his wife Mary Beth, is honored to announce a partnership with the Tim Tebow Foundation that will raise awareness and provide assistance for families, who have a desire to adopt children with special needs. "We are privileged to combine our efforts with funds provided by the Tim Tebow Foundation to provide critical help to waiting children with special needs," said Scott Hasenbalg, Executive Director, Show Hope... Season 11 alum Colton Dixon made a triumphant return to the American Idol performing "Love Has Come for Me" in front of millions of viewers. Colton is on the road right now opening for Third Day, promoting his debut album A Messenger... sixstepsrecords' Matt Redman has yet one more reason to celebrate another crowning achievement for his powerful worship anthem "10,000 Reasons (Bless The Lord)." After earning two GRAMMY® awards in the categories of Best Contemporary Christian Music Song and Best Gospel/Contemporary Christian Music Performance on February, the incredibly popular song was recently certified Digital Gold by the RIAA. As the first No. 1 single for co-writers Redman and Jonas Myrin, the song made an admirable 16-week run at No. 1 on Christian Radio and remained at No. 1 on the Billboard Christian Songs Chart for an impressive four months... Michael Barnes, lead singer of rock band RED, whose recent album "Release The Panic" landed on the Billboard Top Ten, announced that he will participate in the CURE Champion Program by running the Rock and Roll Marathon in Nashville. Established by CURE International, the Champion Program allows participants to meet a fitness goal while simul-

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taneously raising money for life-changing surgeries for children in emerging countries... Ushering in the first days of 2013, some of the most notable worship leaders of this generation-Chris Tomlin, Crowder, Matt Redman, Christy Nockels, Kristian Stanfill and Kari Jobe-filled Atlanta's Georgia Dome with songs of freedom and praise as they led more than 60,000 college students in worship at the significant, four-day gathering of Passion 2013. Capturing the power and energy of the conference, the 14-track, live worship album, Passion: Let The Future Begin, debuted in the Top 10 on the iTunes® Overall Albums Chart... Multi-platinum recording artist Owl City will be joined by Verve Records' artist Yuna for a one-time only live performance of "Shine Your Way" on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno on NBC. The original song was written especially for the new DreamWorks Animated film The Croods by two-time Academy Award® nominated composer Alan Silvestri along with Glen Ballard and the film's directors, Kirk DeMicco and Chris Sanders and was produced

by Owl City alongside Silvestri and Ballard…Word Entertainment will release a musical companion to the History Channel's miniseries "The Bible". The 12-track album highlighting themes from the miniseries features contemporary Christian's top artists including Meredith Andrews, Chris August, Francesca Battistelli, Big Daddy Weave, Jason Castro, Everfound, for KING & COUNTRY, Group 1 Crew, Dara Maclean, Point of Grace, and Sidewalk Prophets. Superstars Wynonna Judd and Kenny Rogers also come together on the compilation for a special rendition of "Mary Did You Know?" The breathtaking epic in one of its showing beat American Idol... Hillsong UNITED released the widely acclaimed studio project, Zion, which has earned the international worship band its highest ever Billboard 200 debut at No. 5 with a 25 percent increase from their last studio album Aftermath. The project, selling more than 34,100 units its first week, also topped the Billboard Christian & Gospel album and digital charts. UNITED peaked as the No. 1 album overall on iTunes in the United States, South Africa, Sweden, Dominican Republic, Brazil, Singapore.. Grammy-nominated and Dove Award-winning Christian recording artist Kari Jobe-along with an impressive list of global partners-is lending her support to the exciting new film NOT TODAY in the fight against human trafficking. Gripping, entertaining and ultimately redemptive, NOT TODAY helps audiences put a human face on the worldwide problem of modern slavery and exploitation. "We all have to play a role and do our part to fight against the plague that affects 27 million people and growing," Jobe said….

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Lahug, Cebu

HAIKUS

By M Batulan The park seems empty One by one, brethren they come It’s a Good Friday Gather all around Faithful on their way In our hearts He’s found Streets are deserted Then footsteps of a thousand The Cross is lifted Road to Calvary Along the streets of Auckland Help Jesus carry The body of Christ Laying still at the altar He conquers the beast No tears, just silence Kneel down, glorify the King Christ forever reigns

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GOOD LAUGH The priest was asked to say mass in a prison. During the procession towards the altar as the mass started, he didn’t realize that there was an elevation so he fell flat on his face. The prisoners laughed out loud. He stood up and continued with the mass. In his sermon he said, “When I fell down you all laughed, but didn’t you notice that I stood right back with dignity? You are here because you have fallen down, but you can stand right back. I am a sinner like you, the only difference between you and me is that you got caught, I wasn’t.” *** When NASA first started sending up astronauts, they quickly discovered that ball-point pens would not work in zero gravity. To combat this problem, NASA scientists spent a decade and $12 billion developing a pen that writes in zero gravity, upside down, underwater, on almost any surface including glass and at temperatures ranging from below freezing to over 300° C. The Russians use a pencil. *** A widow died and went to heaven. As she stood in front of Saint Peter at the Pearly Gates, she saw a huge wall of clocks behind him. She asked, "What are all those clocks?" Saint Peter answered, "Those are Lie-Clocks. Everyone on Earth has a Lie-Clock. Every time you lie, the hands on your clock will move.”

"Oh," said widow, "whose clock is that?"

"That's Blessed John Paul’s. The hands have never moved indicating that he never told a lie."

"Whose clock is that?"

"That's Abraham Lincoln's clock. The hands have only moved twice telling us that Abe only told 2 lies in his entire life."

"Where's my late husband’s clock?" the woman asked.

"Your husband's clock is in Jesus' office. He's using it as a ceiling fan." *** A lawyer, on his deathbed in the hospice, called to his wife. She rushed in and said, "What is it, darling?"

He told her to run and get the bible as soon as possible. Being a religious woman, she thought this was a good idea. She ran and got it, prepared to read him his favorite verse or something of the sort. He snatched it from her and began quickly scanning pages, his eyes darting right and left.

The wife was curious, so she asked, "What are you doing, honey?" "I'm looking for loopholes!" he shouted.

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KIM & EL

MR JEYDI’S WITDOM

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FILM REVIEW Oz: The Great & Powerful

created a great and powerful prequel. (CORD)

Searching for Sugar Man

Silver Linings Playbook

Good ol’ fashion storytelling is one of the factors that make this film truly entertaining. If we thought that there could never be a film that can succeed the classic “Wizard of Oz”, director Sam Raini did honor to the original one with this most fascinating “Oz: The Great and Powerful.” It follows the path of magician-conman-womanizer Oscar Diggs to the yellow brick road as he presents himself as a wizard who would retake Oz from the evil witch or should we say witches.

How can a selfish and fake magician defeat genuinely powerful witches? It takes one beautiful witch and a china doll to transform the weakling not into a great and powerful wizard, but a wise and good person. James Franco makes a credible Oscar Diggs, while Michelle Williams is perfect as the good witch Glinda. Rachel Weisz and Mila Kunis are deliciously evil as witches Evanora and Theodora respectively. The transition from the black-and-white real world to the colorful Oz is clever. And for a moment, there was Avatar magic, as Diggs enters Oz. Raini may now be thinking about doing a remake of the Wizard of Oz, and it is but logical that he should, for he has

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Oftentimes, it is the film about the people who suffer from some sort of disorder that makes nteresting viewing. Silver Linings Playbook has two individuals who struggle through their conditions by coming together against all odds. Pat (Brad Cooper) has bipolar disorder, while Tiffany (Jennifer Lawrence) is a sex addict. Their unlikely friendship results in funny situations that do not take the usual route of slapstick, rather these bring us to a higher level of decent comedy. What the film reveals is that it is the normal people who are in a much worst condition than the two lead characters. For example there is this regular gentleman who seeks out Tiffany for sex, and Pat gives the man a lesson on decency. The funniest part of this movie is in its last few minutes, as the couple takes their routine in a dance competition. Lawrence deserves in winning the Oscars Best Actress trophy for her brilliant performance. The rest of the cast have done a great contribution to making this film full of heart. (CORD)

Sixto Rodriguez surfaced at the time in a genre when blind singerguitarist Jose Feliciano was at the height of his career. The song, “I Think of You” (with its Feliciano style of guitar playing and singing) was a hit in the Philippines in the early 70s and nothing was ever heard of Rodriguez again. In South Africa, the two albums that he released gained cult following, heralded by the psychedelic anthem, “Sugar Man” and a rumor that he had killed himself during one of his performances. The documentary follows the footsteps of two Cape Town fans who wanted to solve the mystery that was Rodriguez.

Their reaction on discovering that their hero was alive, after all the efforts, is heartwarming. The Rodriguez children were sentimental on discovering that their dad, who had gone back to the workforce, was a celebrity in South Africa.

The concert scene in South Africa is overwhelming as it becomes sort of a reunion between long lost brothers – Rodriquez and the people of South Africa. What makes this documentary click is the way that it was written and presented, laying first the back-

ground then eventually talking to the man himself, and culminating in the concert. It is said that Rodriguez intends to release some of his unrecorded compositions; that may be an interesting sequel to this beautiful film. (CORD)

Lincoln

Cloud Atlas

If you are meaning to have an entertaining time, don’t see this movie.

“Cloud Atlas” is a complex and long winding film that requires attention and thinking. Lana and Andy Wachowski, the filmmakers behind the Matrix Trilogy, produced this expensive independent epic film ($102 million) that even had most of the actors saying that it was one of the most difficult to make. Six of the actors (Tom Hanks, Halle Berry, Hugo Weaving, Jim Sturgess and Hugh Grant) each played characters through six timelines. To make it more difficult for the audience, the filmmakers changed the look of the actors in some of their reincarnations (like Halle Berry becoming a white woman). What makes this movie strange is the idea that even if you may be evil in a past life, you may become a hero in the next.

Though it was long (3 hours), I never got tired of it, as one wouldn’t know what will happen next. Definitely, this film deserves second and third viewings to be appreciated.

is totally convincing as Lincoln, and Sally Field tackles brilliantly the volatile character of the First Lady. Lincoln once again proves that Spielberg is as much a master in making an engaging historical opus, as he is in producing action films like Indiana Jones. (CORD)

The Intouchables

War is not only fought in the battleground, it is likewise, decided in meeting rooms.

“Lincoln” follows the life of US President Abraham Lincoln during the time of the Civil War. Though it occurs towards his assassination, that part is not even seen or highlighted.

This is about the bullheadedness of a president determined to free Afro-Americans from shackles of slavery. Steven Spielberg focuses on the political maneuverings that led toward the passage of the Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution in the House of Representatives. The film is filled with dialogues that illustrate the true character of President Lincoln. At times, one may need to be a dictator to get things right. Also highlighted is the relationship of Lincoln with his wife (First Lady Mary Todd Lincoln) and his oldest son (Robert Todd Lincoln).

This film is about Lincoln balancing his family life with that of his official functions.

Lincoln may have lost his life in the hands of an assassin, but he won the war in the battleground and in the congressional floor. Daniel Day-Lewis

This is a joyful bromance movie.

Driss (Omar Sy), a Senegal migrant in France with a criminal record, gets employed as caregiver to a quadriplegic aristocrat, Philippe (François Cluzet).

They are an unlikely partnership, but the two learn from each other.

Told about the criminal record of Driss, Philippe tells his advisor that he doesn’t mind his past, and that he likes him for he treats him as an equal. There are some side stories that add more fun to the comedic presentation. Unlike American bromance films (think “Hangover”) of late that are vulgar and despicable, The Intouchables delivers humor that doesn’t smell organic toilet. Omar Sy is a gem in his performance as Driss. The writers and directors Olivier Nakache and Eric Toledano have done a great job, that the French have toasted their work by voting it as the cultural event of 2011.

(CORD)

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