Dear my lovely newsletter subcribers ,

:: Concerts Update ::

Denny Euprasart’s Concert “Denny & Friends” at Overtone (RCA)

I’m chosen to be a featured vocalist at Ajarn Den’ Euprasert’s concert at Overtone (RCA) on Sunday October 26th . I will be singing a couple of jazz standards, and one of his original composition For more information about Denny please visit http://www.myspace.com/dennyeuprasert. For more information about the venue please visit: http://www.prartmusic.com/overtone.

Denny is considered one of the best pianists/composer/music director in Thailand at the moment. He has won numerous awards including the Louis Armstrong Jazz Award (1988), IAJE Outstanding Piano Soloist Award from San Diego City College Jazz Festival (1988) and Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival (1990), Jacobsen Scholarships (1988-1990), Jazz Studies Scholarship from University of North Texas (1996-98), IAJE Outstanding Musicianship Award from Wichita Jazz Festival (1997) and Greeley Jazz Festival (2001), Del Dykins Composition Award (2003), and the Downbeat Student Awards (2003, 2004). He has composed numerous works for piano solo, piano and orchestra, chamber groups, chorus, jazz ensemble, jazz orchestra, voice and piano, and contemporary media, including popular music. He has performed at many international jazz festivals in Thailand and abroad. He was the Director of Jazz Studies and the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs at Mahidol University College of Music (1994-1996, 1998-2000), and he has taught at the University of Northern Colorado School of Music (2001-2004). Denny is currently the Dean of Rangsit University Conservatory of Music and is the conductor of Rangsit Philharmonic Orchestra. (excerpt from his biography)

You don’t want to miss this if you are in town!

:: Gigs Update ::

Just some little local updates – I will be singing at Stardust Jazz Pub at Liberty Plaza right on Thonglor every Friday 9.00 – 11.00pm. [ http://www.stardust-bkk.com ] for details and directions. The pub just had its grand opening on October 8th, it is brand new. Anddd… they have a Grand Piano! (too bad Eugene is not here..) I will be singing with a trio consists of Ome (Percussions), Sunny (Double Bass), and Chat (Acoustic Guitar). Good food, good beer, and friendly people Bring friends! Instrumentalists are welcome to jam ^_^

Recently I discovered a very nice and classy place called NIU’s On Silom. Doug, the pianist that I curently work with, plays regular gigs there every sunday with a quartet. I went to check out the band and they are very talented musicians of my age and some are even younger then me! I met with the owner and he had me try out with the band. He then decided that he wants me to sing there regularly and would love to arrange a Thursday and Saturday evening slots for me 8.00 – 10.00pm Very lovely people.. NIU’s is a jazz & blues restaurant/bar. It’s located on Silom road (around Soi 17). Directions available on their website. The place is very hi-end. Smart casual dress code applies I will start singing at NIU’s next Thursday (Oct, 23rd) and we will be playing on the second floor.

:: News & Interviews ::

Mellow Motif Interview with Viva Bangkok is now out and availble (and probably all gone already!), so I’m scanning it so you can check it out online

I also recently got a call from pi Boyd Kosiyabong about possible future project collaboration. He’s interested in having Mellow Motif do the Boyd Kosiyabong Jazz Songbook! It’s a great news because Pi Boyd is considered to be one of the legends in the music world as a composer and producer. He has written many hit songs and his name is undoubtedly one of the most talked about names. I’m in the process of choosing songs and looking for some possibilities right now. This is still for the future as I am mainly busy with Mellow Motif’s own album that’s having its debut soon! Please feel free to drop me an email if you have any thoughts about this project or would like to recommend some lesser known songs of pi Boyd for us to re-arrange

I hope everyone is doing well Please feel free to contact me if anything! ^_^

Love,
Natasha

Q: Are you signed with Mellow Tone, RS Promotions?

A: No, not yet. We have been on it for a while! But a major label requires that new artists sign a 5-6 years contract and I’m not sure if I want to get into that. My alternative is, pi Koh and other pi pi in Mellow Tone will guide me through their resources how to make and distribute CDs independently. Pi Koh, other pi pi at Mellow Tone, and me have very good time working together and we like each other’s sound so we will definitely collaborate on some projects that don’t require me getting into a long-term commitment. Maybe a compilation project in the future. It is sad that Mellow Tone works under RS Promotions which is a major label, they usually ask for a contract of this nature. However, this is not final, Mellow Tone is a new label and some policies might change, but I will see if it becomes reasonable for Mellow Motif to sign with them =) I do highly recommend this label as this new slot of artists that are coming out before the end of this year including pi Koh’s new album will be very good! =)

This is about knowing exactly what you want, being careful with your moves in the music business. Things might get a little late but I will not regret later, because no artists should settle for a contract that he/she isn’t happy with… and I can only hope that if I do release it on our own, people and our fans will continute to support independent artists with limited budget and promotional power, BUT with a TON of style! (and hopefully Talent, too!)….. yes? =)

Q: Where are you playing right now?

A: “Stardust Jazz Pub” http://www.stardust-bkk.com every Friday night 9.00 – 11.00pm =). “NIU’s Jazz & Blues Restaurant and Bar” http://www.niusonsilom.com every Thursday and Saturday night, 2nd floor. (Time TBA, will edit this part once finalized )….. check their websites for directions and details! *Dresscode applied at NIU’s*

I need to make it a point to promote our show at Stardust especially on Friday Oct 24th. Because that weekend Eugene will be back to join us again !!!! =) So if you wanna make it out one weekend… COME THAT NIGHT!

Stardust on Thonglor (at Liberty Plaza Bldg)

NIUs on Silom (on Silom, near Soi 17)

Q: So what’s with Mellow Motif & BOYd Kosiyabong?

A: I’ve managed to get our CD into pi BOYd’s hands last week. He called me back saying that he really likes what he hears but he’s uncertain about releasing an all jazz standard album. He wonders if I do any songs in Thai? I said I listen to his songs! LOL He said he’s interested in having us do a BOYd Kosiyabong Jazz/Latin songbook! (I’m interested too! and so is The group Exotic who plays percussions with us =)) This is for the future though because I would like to get my current album distribution straightened out first.. I’ve always wanted to work with pi BOYd of course Regarding the current album waiting for distribution, pi BOYd recommended that I contact someone at SONY, because what they have at that label might be what I’m looking for. I got some contact persons, fingers crossed =) Will update soon.

If I had already signed with a major label… this project is definitely OUT… =)…

Q: Is your Calendar updated YET?

A: Yes….. sorrry…. I’ve been off it for a while. Someone interested in getting me a manager? http://www.mellowmotif.com/calendar

OK I just came back to Bangkok… tiringgg trippp, and I just wanna be really quick. Brown Sugar has just stopped hiring all the early evening bands (all bands except the house band that starts at 10.30pm) because their business hasn’t been doing very well. So until further notice we won’t be playing at Brown Sugar on Sunday nights anymore.

We are considering a couple of other clubs to play at, but our schedule (and the final band members) won’t be finalized until maybe the end of the week or next week. Also the days we will be performing. We will get back in touch as soon as things are finalized

Mellow Motif and Exotic Percussion Ensemble recorded 2 songs live a couple of days ago in studio. Check them out. If we can finish others by Christmas, it will be released by holiday season (I really hope so because i’m LOVING the songs and how we do them!!!)

Thanks to pi Ome our percussionist who brought all the guys in with a lot of boxes LOL~ we had a really fun time in studio! Live recording kicks butt!

I’m seeing that it can possibly become an EP (of like 5 songs or so) due to everyone’s busy schedule and Eugene not being in Bangkok, but i will try hard to make it happen!

Let me know what you think of the music. Would you buy this for holiday season? hehe ^^
Love,
Natasha

PS. Those that are uploaded are “Lady is a Tramp”and “Santa Claus is Coming to Town”

SOOO our album, which was supposed to be out by mid-September, has to be pushed back again, BUT definitely NOT for a bad cause. Read on:

We had a meeting yesterday with a VERY nice man, he is pi Koh Mr. Saxman, one of the most known jazz/pop jazz saxophone player in Thailand and Southeast Asia. He just recently set up his own jazz record label under the umbrella of the mother company RS Promotions. The label is called Mellow Tone : ) (what a good coincidence!!)

We will have another official meeting at the label on Monday to talk about paperwork.
We will also have a big debut concert which Eugene will fly back to play ^_^

Much Love – Thank you you guys for always been encouraging and supporting
Natasha

PS. Much thanks to Ajarn Den’ Euprasert for recommending us directly to pi Koh naka

VERY few Thai people don’t know T-Bone’s all-time favorite song – แรงดึงดูด (Gravity), ever since the time it was in a TV commercial and was made a record breaking popular song by the first and most established reggae band in Thailand, T-Bone. It is also one of the very few Thai songs that I actually think are brilliant both musically and lyrically.

This is a bossa nova rendition, we invited pi Gap T-Bone, the original singer of this song, and pi Golf T-Bone, the band’s guitarist to be our guest artists This is the first duet song I’ve recorded. The more I listen to it, the more I enjoy the contrast of our voices. pi Gap is a great reggae singer with a signature voice. I hope you like the song

While pi Golf is putting in his guitar track, I’m sneaking 1-2 min preview of the song for you to hear first

You can download it (even though it’s just a 2 min clip) if you have trouble streaming.

You can listen to the clip on our Band Page:
http://www.new.facebook.com/pages/Mellow-Motif/7586751699

On the album we also have another featured song with pi Art from Vacation Band! A great and popular song that he wrote pi Art is one of the few people whom I believe to have a great sense for music – simply a very musical person. I absolutely love working with him! Should I also mention that this song of his that we’re covering is REALLY HARD to sing??? Much harder than a lot of jazz standards that I’m singing x] Very big range.. >.<,,

This one is still in its mixing step I will let you know as soon as it becomes available.

Thanks guys,
Natasha

As we all know… Eugene our piano player will soon (in approximately 3 weeks) have to relocate to Singapore where he has a day-time work commitment. We are back AGAIN for your advice on places to play in Singapore – anything that you think a small jazz group like us will suit and enhance the atmosphere.

It is still uncertain whether or not we will all go or not (dependind on the demand/work flow here and there). But it is very likely that we would if we could book a show in the city, because it’s very near and everyone in the band all agree that we would like to do shows there : )

You’ve seen a message like this before when Mellow Motif wanted to gig in Bangkok this summer and I needed suggestions on clubs/bars/restaurants… Honestly, I wouldn’t have gotten this busy without the help of everyone and your suggestions, so I’d have to really “THANK YOU” again… for the kind and helpful messages from a lot of you : ) It all started from one place, and we are all over the place right now!

Now we need your advice again, if you are in/from Singapore and you know THE places to be – for live music : ) We’d appreciating anything from names/contacts of jazz clubs, pubs & restaurants, venues in hotels, etc. Please help us brainstorm guys : ] It’s very important for us, and we will try it out,

Thanks so much everyone,
Much Love,
Natasha gives hugs for Eugene, Ome, and Aoh ^_^

{ NEWS: }…………………….……………………..……..

INTERVIEW —- We are having a band interview with “Viva Bangkok Magazine” tomorrow where we will have a shoot and will talk about our new album as well (but yes… if you are on Facebook you are probably WAY ahead of everyone offline in terms of knowing what’s going on with it LOL!…I will probably even SCAN the thing for record and upload it here so our facebook fans are very blessed! I’m doing all the work! =)) It is a popular free city magazine and you can obtain your copy at The Emporium, Siam Paragorn, Siam Discovery, and any other upscale department stores in Bangkok : ) We will be on the September Issue (Any changes I will let you know)

{ GIG UPDATES: }…………………….……………………

This week schedule for the band (some are private events, but I’m just writing it down FYI

- Mon: Interview Viva Bangkok
- Wed: Gala Dinner @ Nai Lert Park Hotel (Host: สมาคมหอการค้าไทย-อิตาลี)
- Thu: GaZebo on Sukhumvit Soi 1 (9.00-10.00pm) — our first time at Gazebo! PLEASE come! : )
- Fri-Sat: Rendezvous Bar @ Landmark Hotel (Regular)
- Sun: Brown Sugar Pub (8.30-9.30pm)(Regular)
(*we are off of foodloft until further notice)

{ ALBUM UPDATES: }…………………….…………………….

Thank you for all your questions!! I know you are all excited! (I AM! hehe =D) !! Our album is ALMOST done. I am waiting for the Special Thanks page from our drummer xD, and that really should be all : ) We are currently a little off track but it really should not take longer than another 3 weeks. (It’s very hard and time consuming scheduling everything and finding resources and sponsor and money by ourselves…)

We’ve decided to make 1,000 limited copies with the first 200 having band members’ signatures on them. So…. first come first serve ok? : ) (more than that and my wrist will be misaligned!) More details on where we sell them later. (But if you decided to buy it from us at one of our gigs, we can sign it on the spot too)

This past saturday we recorded แรงดึงดูด (Gravity) a very popular song cover from an established Reggae band in Thailand “T-Bone”. This song also features Gap T-Bone (The original singer) and Golf T-Bone (Gutarist) and is done in Bossa Nova. The other featuring song ยังรักเธอ (Still Love You) by Vacation Band (duet with Art the original singer) was also recorded last week, currently being mixed down.That was our last song in the album and now everything is being mixed down : )

Hi guys… Long time you haven’t heard from me because we’ve only been gigging and less on Facebook and blogging these days ^_^ —- Just to be quick, I want to let you know that we’re no longer playing at BamBlu Bar on Saturday nights. We’ve move to “selected” THURSDAY night bi-weekly (not weekly as usual) instead because of some scheduling conflict with Landmark Hotel. But we fell in love with BamBlu and the people there already so we tried our best to keep playing there as long as we can ^_^ As a result, we are on a bi-weekly rotating schedule with another band on their Thursday roster.

Here is our current schedule:

BamBlu Bar (Thonglor 10): THU 8.30 – 10.30pm (bi-weekly)*
*please see full event calendar at http://www.mellowmotif.com/calendar for more complete information*

Rendezvous Bar: FRI – SAT 7.00 – 10.00pm
at the Landmark Hotel, Sukhumvit Rd.

FoodLoft: SUN 12.00 – 2.00pm lunch
at Central Chidlom Dept. Store

Brown Sugar Jazz Pub: SUN 8.30 – 9.30pm
on Sarasin Rd., Lungsuan
=========================

*~{ Other Updates on our Upcoming Album }~*

We are working hard on the album right now. Next week will be fully dedicated to recording sessions. So far we’ve had a total of 7 high-caliber musicians collaborating in this album, most are coming in to record with us next week (me, Eugene, and Aoh, our bassist, has laid the basics down so far). We are expecting something of much much higher quality and more entertaining than our first baby-recordings, of course… now that me and Eugene have gotten better over the year (not to mention also after 6-hour-a-day of intensive gigging throughout last weekend at Central World Plaza!! now I don’t feel like doing anything but watch DVDs and just scratch the dogs at home.. I’m sure Eugene enjoys scratching my 4 dogs as much as playing piano! ^_^)

Album Guest Artists include:
- pi Ome (from Exotic Percussion Group)
- pi Aoh (from Arnond Jazz Band, Zao Zadung, and SkyKick Ranger)
- n”Mint (Saxophone, from Infinity Band)
- pi Ton (Captain Loma, our lovely producer, from BKK Connection and more)
- pi Gap T-Bone (on Bonus track)
- pi Golf T-Bone (on Bonus track)

Please find a preview of our new songs here (only a draft, only few tracks have been laid down):

We had our first studio session today! We recorded the core of 4 songs spending the whole day doing it… I will be back to record real vocal tracks in next week (also, Bongo will be recorded on the same day). This is a clip from the studio!…Sneak Preview of our new album for you This is “Tea For Two”, Mellow Motif style!

Mellow Motif – Behind The Scene (Part 1)

Just wanted to show you a clip from BamBlu Bar, where we play every weekend, Saturday =)

Live at BamBlu Bar (June, 2008)