Friday, February 28, 2025

Sejora @Bart Ridoos Benefit Gig | Hakikat Sebuah Cinta

Date: February 22, 2025
Event: Kuantan Busking & Jualan Amal Buat Bart Ridoos
Venue: Kompleks Teruntum, Kuantan 

Vocals: Jaz Bijan
Guitars: Rokhaizan, Saiful Azhar
Drums: Sham
Bass: Hafizul

Video Credit: Maya Syara
Audio/Lighting: Mus Galaxie Entertaiment

Song: Hakikat Sebuah Cinta
Songwriters: Ainol Jamal, Azam Dungun
Artist: Iklim
Album/Year: Satu Kesan Abadi/1990
Label/Cat: SCS/060-8137






Sejora @Bart Ridoos Benefit Gig | Peronda Jaket Biru

Date: February 22, 2025
Event: Kuantan Busking & Jualan Amal Buat Bart Ridoos
Venue: Kompleks Teruntum, Kuantan 

Vocals: Jaz Bijan
Guitars: Rokhaizan, Saiful Azhar
Drums: Sham
Bass: Hafizul

Video Credit: Maya Syara
Audio/Lighting: Mus Galaxie Entertaiment

Song: Peronda Jaket Biru
Songwriter: Usop
Artist: Wings
Album/Year: Belenggu Irama/1987
Label/Cat: Antarctic Sound Production/ASP 0030





Kumpulan Anak Kayan @Bart Ridoos Benefit Gig | Lapar

Date: February 22, 2025
Event: Kuantan Busking & Jualan Amal Buat Bart Ridoos
Venue: Kompleks Teruntum, Kuantan

Video Credit: Maya Syara
Audio/Lighting: Mus Galaxie Entertaiment

Song: Lapar
Songwriters: Pyanhabib, Man Kayan





Kumpulan Anak Kayan @Bart Ridoos Benefit Gig | Pertemuan

Date: February 22, 2025
Event: Kuantan Busking & Jualan Amal Buat Bart Ridoos
Venue: Kompleks Teruntum, Kuantan

Video Credit: Maya Syara
Audio/Lighting: Mus Galaxie Entertaiment







Kumpulan Anak Kayan @Bart Ridoos Benefit Gig | Pesan Datuk dan Nenek

Date: February 22, 2025
Event: Kuantan Busking & Jualan Amal Buat Bart Ridoos
Venue: Kompleks Teruntum, Kuantan

Video Credit: Maya Syara
Audio/Lighting: Mus Galaxie Entertaiment






Spending Time at Semenyih Dam and Tekala River Recreation Forest

Date: February 23, 2025
Video Credit: Ayu Soundflower





Thursday, February 27, 2025

Ivon Smith Gig @Little India Kuala Lumpur

Date: February 26, 2025
Event: Maha-Shivratri Celebration Gig
Venue: Little India, Brickfields

Guitar: Kiesel Vader
Speaker Cabinet: Barefaced Reformer 112





Jamming with Man Keedal @KARRISMA 2025

Date: February 22, 2025
Venue: Stadium Darul Makmur, Kuantan
Event: Karnival RISDA Madani Zon Timur 2025

Guitars: Man Keedal, Rauf
Keyboards: Rohaimin Remy
Vocals: Zaki
Drums: Jeroi
Bass: Black
Video Credit: Rohaimin Remy





Kumpulan Anak Kayan @Bart Ridoos Benefit Gig | Burung Kenek-Kenek

Date: February 22, 2025
Event: Kuantan Busking & Jualan Amal Buat Bart Ridoos
Venue: Kompleks Teruntum, Kuantan

Video Credit: Maya Syara
Audio/Lighting: Mus Galaxie Entertaiment





Sejora @Bart Ridoos Benefit Gig | Cinta Kristal

Date: February 22, 2025
Event: Kuantan Busking & Jualan Amal Buat Bart Ridoos
Venue: Kompleks Teruntum, Kuantan 

Vocals: Jaz Bijan
Guitars: Rokhaizan, Saiful Azhar
Drums: Sham
Bass: Hafizul

Video Credit: Maya Syara
Audio/Lighting: Mus Galaxie Entertaiment

Song: Cinta Kristal
Songwriters: M. Nasir, Nasir Jani
Artist: Rahim Maarof
Album/Year: Kristal/1988
Label: PMC
Cat: PMC/MAL 1020





Familia Buskers feat. Nik Sara @Karrisma 2025 | நான் பெற வேண்டும்

Nik Sara delights the audience with a Tamil version of the evergreen dangdut hit "Penasaran"

Date: February 23, 2025
Event: Karnival RISDA Madani Zon Timur 2025
Venue: Stadium Darul Makmur, Kuantan 
Video Credit: Maya Syara

Song: Penasaran
Songwriter: Rhoma Irama
Artist: Rhoma Irama
OST Oma Irama Penasaran
©1976 Soneta Records






Wednesday, February 26, 2025

Al Terry's Blues Syndicate @Jao Tim KL | I'm Ready

Date: February 25, 2024
Event: Blues Jam Session
Venue: Jao Tim Kuala Lumpur

Blues Harp & Vocals: Al Terry
Guitars: Dominic Lee, Josh Thomas
Keyboards: Lord Lokman  
Bass: Shah Shariff 
Drums: Agy Idrus
Video Credit: Ivon Smith

Song: I'm Ready
Songwriter: Willie Dixon
Artist: Muddy Waters 
Single: I'm Ready/I Don't Know Why
Year: 1954
Label/Cat: Chess/1579





Blues Jam Session @Jao Tim KL | Slide Guitar Duel

Date: February 25, 2024
Event: Blues Jam Session
Venue: Jao Tim Kuala Lumpur

Guitars: Dom Turner, Julian Mokhtar
Keyboards: Lord Lokman  
Bass: Shah Shariff 
Drums: Agy Idrus
Video Credit: Ivon Smith






Al Terry's Blues Syndicate @Jao Tim KL | Reggae Jam

Date: February 25, 2024
Event: Blues Jam Session
Venue: Jao Tim Kuala Lumpur

Blues Harp: Al Terry
Guitars: Julian Mokhtar, Dom Turner
Keyboards: Lord Lokman  
Bass: Shah Shariff 
Drums: Agy Idrus
Video Credit: Ivon Smith






Al Terry's Blues Syndicate @Jao Tim KL | Help Me

Date: February 25, 2024
Event: Blues Jam Session
Venue: Jao Tim Kuala Lumpur

Vocals & Blues Harp: Al Terry
Guitars: Ivon Smith, Awis Qorni
Keyboards: Lord Lokman  
Bass: Shah Shariff 
Drums: Agy Idrus
Video Credit: Ivon Smith

Song: Help Me
Songwriters: Williamson, Dixon, Bass
Artist: Sonny Boy Williamson
Single: Bye Bye Bird/Help Me
Year: 1963
Label/Cat: Checker/1036





Tuesday, February 25, 2025

Julian Mokhtar @Jao Tim KL | Fingerpicking in D

Date: February 25, 2024
Event: Blues Jam Session
Venue: Jao Tim Kuala Lumpur

Blues Harp: Al Terry
Guitars: Julian Mokhtar, Dom Turner
Keyboards: Lord Lokman  
Bass: Shah Shariff 
Drums: Agy Idrus
Video Credit: Ivon Smith






Six Elements @KARRISMA Battle of the Bands 2025

The date is February 23, 2025. Six Elements presents a medley of catchy tunes, much to the delight of the audience at Stadium Darul Makmur, Kuantan. This is not just any performance, though. It's the finals of the Karnival RISDA Madani Zon Timur Battle of the Bands competition. Six Elements ends the night with 3rd placing, a cash prize of RM700, and a really close encounter of the rock kind with none other than legendary stratmeister Man Keedal.





Man Keedal @KARRISMA 2025 | Isi Atau Kulit

Date: February 22, 2025
Venue: Stadium Darul Makmur, Kuantan
Event: Karnival RISDA Madani Zon Timur 2025

Guitars: Man Keedal, Rauf
Vocals: Kama
Drums: Epoll MASA
Bass: Black

Song: Isi Atau Kulit
Songwriters: M. Nasir, S. Amin Shahab
Artist: Search
Album/Year: Cinta Buatan Malaysia/1985
Label/Cat: Polygram/826112-4





Monday, February 24, 2025

Awi & Angah @Me'nate Kuantan | Belaian Jiwa

Date: February 23, 2025
Venue: Me'nate Kuantan  

Vocals: Angah
Acoustic Guitar: Awi

Song: Belaian Jiwa
Writers: Simon Justin Leo, Nana Pawan Chik
Artist: Carefree
Album/Year: Kebebasan II/1979
Label/Cat: EMI/EMGS 5540





February 23 | Final Day of Karnival RISDA Madani Zon Timur 2025

Karnival RISDA Madani Zon Timur 2025 was held for three days this month at Stadium Darul Makmur, Kuantan. This post covers the final day [February 23] of the carnival from morning, through lunch, and till late afternoon; when Sjora Band took to the stage for their soundcheck. Images in this post are courtesy of Maya Shara and Rohaimin Remy.



KARRISMA 2025 Logo

Maya on the way to Stadium Darul Makmur


Happy to be Here

Time for Some Lunch


Familia Buskers




Backstage Area

Rohaimin Manap with Man Kidal




Stage is Ready


Sejora Band Sound Check



Bart Ridoos Benefit Gig @Kompleks Teruntum

Here are a few images from "Kuantan Busking & Jualan Amal Buat Bart Ridoos" at Kompleks Teruntum on February 22, 2025. Proceeds from this benefit gig were donated to Kuantan didgeridoo legend Bart Ridoos and his beloved wife; both of whom are currently undergoing medical treatment. 

This event was jointly organized by Kompleks Teruntum, Geng Muzik Kuantan and Mus Galaxie Entertainment. Among the musicians who performed at this gig were Sejora Band, Kumpulan Anak Kayan, Aku Arejax, Jaz Bijan, Nik Sara, and Mohd Safri @Poq. Images on this page are courtesy of Mus Galaxie, Maya Syara and Rokhaizan Sejora.



Bart Ridoos Benefit Gig Poster

Mus Galaxie

Aku Arejax Jamming on Drums

Aku Arejax Jamming on Drums

Sejora Band Before the Gig

Aku Arejax

Kumpulan Anak Kayan

Jaz Bijan

Nik Sara

Mohd Safri @Poq

Jaz Bijan/Nik Sara Duet

Rokhaizan - Guitar/Bandleader

Hafizul - Bass

Jaz Bijan

Post-Gig Group Photo



Sejora Sound Check @KARRISMA Battle of the Bands

Date: February 23, 2025
Event: Battle of the Bands
Program: Karnival RISDA Madani Zon Timur
Venue: Stadium Darul Makmur, Kuantan

Vocals: Mohd Safri
Guitars: Rokhaizan, Saiful Azhar
Keyboards: Shaha Rudd
Drums: Fairuz Rizal
Bass: Fadhil

Song: Debunga Wangi
Songwriters: Suhaime Roa, Jabar Isnin
Artist: Lefthanded
Album/Year: Keadilan/1986
Label/Cat: WEA/M40 93537





Bluez Bugs - Janda Blues | Live @Selangor FM Radio

This video was recorded on November 13, 2024 at Seksyen Berita Radio RTM

Dzicky Fyemmy: Guitar, Vocals
Pak Tam: Bass
Kecik Smith: Drums

Song: Janda Blues
Songwriter: Dzicky Fyemmy
Album/Year: Electrobluez/2022





Sunday, February 23, 2025

Sejora @Kompleks Teruntum | Senja Nan Merah

Date: February 8, 2025
Venue: Kompleks Teruntum, Kuantan

Vocals: Mohd Safri, Nik Sara
Guitars: Rokhaizan, Saiful Azhar
Drums: Fairuz Rizal
Bass: Hafizal
Video Credit: Maya Syara

Song: Senja Nan Merah
Songwriters: M. Nasir, Syed Seth
Artists: Awie, Ziana Zain
Album/Year: Merah - Original Soundtrack/1996
Label/Cat: BMG/74321-43980-2





Al Terry's Blues Syndicate @BoboKL | Full Moon Over Dallas

Date: April 6, 2024
Event: Bobo Blues Blast-Out!
Venue: Bobo KL, Bangsar
Videography: Ayu Soundflower

Al Terry: Blues Harp & Vocals
Lord Lokman: Keyboards
Dominic Lee: Guitar
Sunny Awaa Rashid: Bass
Agy Idrus: Drums

Song: Full Moon Over Dallas
Songwriter: Lee McBee
Artist: The Crawl
Album/Year: Full Moon Over Dallas/1992
Label/Cat: Black Top Records/CD BT-1080





Al Terry's Blues Syndicate @BoboKL | Caldonia

Date: April 6, 2024
Event: Bobo Blues Blast-Out!
Venue: Bobo KL, Bangsar
Videography: Ayu Soundflower

Al Terry: Blues Harp & Vocals
Lord Lokman: Keyboards
Dominic Lee: Guitar
Sunny Awaa Rashid: Bass
Agy Idrus: Drums

Song: Caldonia
Songwriters: Louis Jordan, Fleecie Moore
Artist: B.B. King
Album/Year: B.B. King in London/1971
Label/Cat: ABC Records/ABCX 730





Saturday, February 22, 2025

Dominic Lee @Jao Tim KL | Slow Blues Solo

Date: February 25, 2024
Event: Blues Jam Session

Al Terry: Blues Harp
Dominic Lee: Guitar
Lord Lokman: Keyboards  
Shah Shariff: Bass 
Agy Idrus: Drums 
Videography: Ayu Soundflower






Lawrence Wright Jazz Ensemble @Jao Tim KL

Date: February 8, 2025
Event: Jameson Malaysia Distilled Sounds
Videography: Ayu Soundflower






Ivon Smith @Jao Tim KL | Blues in A Minor

Date: February 25, 2024
Event: Blues Jam Session

Ivon Smith: Guitar
Lord Lokman: Keyboards  
Shah Shariff: Bass 
Agy Idrus: Drums 
Videography: Ayu Soundflower






The Retrogroovers @PacificRestaurantBarKL | I Want To Break Free

Date: February 19, 2025
Video Credit: Lord Drummer

Song: I Want To Break Free
Writer: John Deacon
Artist: Queen
Album/Year: The Works/1984
Label/Cat: EMI/2400141





SMK Bukit Rangin | Terima Kasih Guru Ku

Date: February 21, 2025
Event: Lambaian Kasih Sejambak Kenangan
Venue: SMK Bukit Rangin, Kuantan
Video Credit: Wan Kamarul Ariffin

Song: Terima Kasih Guru Ku 
Songwriters: M. Ramadoni, Aliyatul Azmi
©SDIT Nurul Azmi Medan





Sejora @Kompleks Teruntum | Stills from the February 8 Gig

You've watched the videos, now here are some stills from the February 8, 2025 gig at Kompleks Teruntum. These images are courtesy of Rokhaizan, Sejora guitarist and bandleader.



Sejora @Kompleks Teruntum. Feb 8 2025.

Sejora @Kompleks Teruntum. Feb 8 2025.

Sejora @Kompleks Teruntum. Feb 8 2025.

Sejora @Kompleks Teruntum. Feb 8 2025.

Sejora @Kompleks Teruntum. Feb 8 2025.



Fixing an Ashton AB2 Bass and Ashton HSS Electric Guitar

Preamble

There are times when clients are totally adamant about what they think needs to be fixed, and completely ignore my recommendations. Well, this was one of those occasions. Two Ashton instruments were in the shop, a four-string P-style bass and an HSS S-style. The bass was identified as an AB2, thanks to the truss rod cover. As for the guitar, I managed to locate a similar model at Southside Guitars, listed simply as "Ashton HSS Electric Guitar - Transparent Blue." Not even a model number, so there you go.



Ashton AB2 Headstock

 
Ashton HSS Electric Guitar Headstock


Although there was lots that needed to be done on both instruments, the client's only complaint was that they "made no sound." As such, my instructions were to limit myself to fixing the electronics, nothing more; and nothing less. Aye, aye, sir!

Ashton AB2 Bass

We'll begin with the AB2, then. Flipping the pickguard over revealed disconnected wires and only one intact solder joint. Any good news, then? Yes, there was. First, the pickup was in working order, and second; there was continuity between the bridge ground wire and bridge plate.



Someone Disconnected These Wires

Black and White Pickup Leads



The volume and tone pots were another story, though. I had to use brute force and two pairs of pliers to pry them off the pickguard. Both pots were frozen, and the sheer amount of corrosion told me they were goners. The mono output jack and oval jack plate were in much better shape, thankfully. I reckoned they'd be usable after a generous dose of TLC.



Stock Volume and Tone Pots

Output Jack and Jack Plate



The solution, as agreed to by the client, was a complete rewire with two Alpha A250K pots and a 0.022uF polyester film capacitor. Oh, and by the way, I've found the exact same capacitors packaged with genuine Fender replacement tone pots. If they're good enough for Fender, 'nuff said.



Alpha A250K Pots and 0.022uf Capacitor

Rewiring Completed



Ashton HSS Electric Guitar

Rusty screws and strings, grimy fretboard and body, tarnished frets, you get the idea. But wait, I'm not supposed to be worried about any of that, right? Moving on, unscrewing the control cavity cover was relatively easy, but what greeted me inside left me speechless. Yes, folks, rust, corrosion, grime, more rust and corrosion; ad nauseum. Detaching the pots had me once again using two pairs of pliers, with my hands protected by surgical gloves this time around. Sadly, the only usable component was the output jack plate. On the bright side, though, all three pickups were working. 



Control Cavity Electronics

Volume and Neck Pickup Tone Pots

Middle Pickup Tone Pot

Five-Way Switch

Output Jack and Jack Plate

Pickup Leads Disconnected and Labeled



Replacement parts included three Alpha A500K pots, a 0.022uF polyester film capacitor, and generic mono output jack. Cleaning out the control cavity was a chore in itself, what with all those tiny rust particles stubbornly clinging to the floor and sidewalls. Besides widening the shaft holes with a reamer, wood also had to be removed from the sidewalls and floor to accommodate the larger replacement pots.

Originally, this guitar featured old-school Strat-style wiring with tone controls assigned only to the neck and middle pickups, and no tone control for the bridge humbucker. For the rewire, I chose to go the more modern route and assign Tone 1 to both the neck and middle pickups, and Tone 2 exclusively to the bridge humbucker. 



Replacement Pots, Capacitor, Jack and Switch

Replacement Output Jack Wired In

Rewiring Completed

 

In Retrospect

Looking back on these two Ashtons, I cannot help but feel a deep sense of disappointment. They could have been restored to the fine-playing instruments they used to be, but for the heartbreaking constraints placed upon these hands. Had the client been a stranger, I might have simply refused the job outright. However, he was an old bandmate from the '80s; and I just didn't have the heart to turn him down.