Funky Thumb Stuff

Shun Ng's debut album - Funky Thumb Stuff

The pictures presented in this posting are kind courtesy of Shun Ng's personal collection.

Shun Ng, a home brewed local talent has just released his debut album title "Funky Thumb Stuff". At 15 of age, he started playing as a guitarist in a band which played predominantly blues. Intuitively he knows in his mind the way songs should be interpreted. Not long after, he outgrew the band in musical needs. He has evolved a unique brand of music that fosters his solo identity solidly in the eyes, ears and minds of music lovers.

This debut album features his bass player. But Shun is not known to perform in a band setting. So who is the bassist? Find out from this exclusive interview article with Shun Ng regarding his music-learning journey and the debut album, brought to you by Guitaring Passionately.

The BLACKIE, Shun's Signature Guitar made by Jeffrey Yong

The Funky Thumb Stuff is available on the iTunes Store and can be ordered from CDbaby.com. Orders can also be made at Shun's website at: www.shunng.com

Please support our local talent! It will be released late January 2012. Check out two music videos from the album! The title track Funky Thumb Stuff and also These Blues (Ain't Gonna Drive Me Away)

About Shun

1. When did you decide to become an artist?

Well, I started playing when I was 15, there wasn't a particular defining moment when I decide to become an artist. It just kind of gradually grew onto me.

2. Where did you train?

I never had formal training in guitar playing but I was mentored by one of Singapore's finest composers and Cultural Medallion winner, Dr. Kelly Tang. He taught me how to understand and apply music to anything. I also studied Music & Audio Technology in Singapore Polytechnic, where I studied music theory, arrangement, composition etc. However, when I play or sing, I don't really "think" about theory, but just "feel" the music.

3. How did your training influence you?

It has helped me in understanding what I was already doing when I compose and play.

4. Where did you get your ideas?

I really don't know. I never felt like music was something I slowly create but more of something I'm discovering from inside me.

5. What artist(s) inspired you?

I've been inspired by more music artists than guitar players. Some of my key influences are Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles, Earth, Wind & Fire & James Brown. A guitar player I really like is Stevie Ray Vaughan.

6. What helped to shape you?

In being an artist will be my mentor, Dr. Kelly Tang. In becoming better a person are definitely my parents and the Eagles community.

7. Do you feel anxious about becoming an artist?

I don't think an artist is something you become, but more of a way of life, whether we stop to appreciate the beauties in life. Its not something that you can run from or choose to be or not, its just something you are.

About Funky Thumb Stuff

1. Why is the debut album titled "Funky Thumb Stuff"?

Well, it was named after the title track in the album, a song I wrote to feature my bassist, my thumb.

2. For this album, where or what is the main source of inspiration?

This album is much a collection of my favorite songs that I've written in the past and I thought it was time to consolidate these ideas.

3. How long did it take to complete?

The studio recording took about 3 weeks. I would record the same track over and over and over again just to get that one great take. Given that I improvise all my stuff, I ended up with so many different interesting takes to choose from. With mixing and mastering it took another 2 months to complete this album, including photo shoots and album designing.

4. What might be the message you wish to send from this album or from any particular song?

I wrote a song called "Slam!" and that track is very special to me because it is about creating change. It is written from the perspective of a child who grew up in a brothel, born to a mother who is a prostitute and father one of the clients. I think it is really important that we are aware of all the injustices of the world especially in the area of prostitution, and we sometimes forget how privileged we are to live the lives we do. When others have so little and never complain. There is a line in the song that says, "the world is dying still we got no reason to change". The line is most representative of the message I wish to send through this song.

5. Which one is your favorite track? Why?

I really like "Creepy Crawlies". It’s about my fear for insects. But my favorite would be "Christabel" the last track of the album. It’s a true story about me trying to ask this girl out but always getting too nervous and failing constantly. I love playing the song firstly cause, it’s a technical challenge, but more importantly every time I perform, it feels like I'm transported back in time to that moment. That's what I love about writing, its capturing the intangible moments and emotions in life.

6. What would say to your fans about this album?

I wish to thank my supporters and those who enjoyed my style of music. I hope you enjoy this album and find that one song in it that makes you smile.

-end of interview-

 

Shun is indeed a unique artist with immense talent that will go places in future. I invited all music lovers to give him your support, regardless in tangible or intangible forms.

Jeff & Shun - Music For A Good Cause!

There are many charity events we have heard of and perhaps attended. It may be safe to assume that most people attend these events to demonstrate their support. While the generous ones give donation in monetary or in kinds, some give efforts and time. This time, I was roped in to help Jeffrey Yong to ensure a smooth presentation of this meaningful fund-raising event, i.e. Shun Ng in concert @ Methodist College Kuala Lumpur.

Jeffrey Yong is without a shadow of doubts a God loving and fearing man. He is the man behind this event. He attends the church services provided by MCKL. At MCKL he got to associate with refugees from Myanmar. These refugees are youthful individuals who have fled their country. The escape journey is literally deadly and the mortality rates are high. However the internal situations faced by these youthful Myanmar people were compelling enough for them to jump into the fire. If you’re thinking about some combat or thriller movies, add a few notches and that is what they are prepared to faced. Jeff feels for this group thus the idea of fund raising sets in and Shun was identified… the rest is history.

Personally I heard of these horrific stories from him for a while but it was totally different when I met the Myanmar people in person. Since the guitar-building course with Jeffrey Yong, we became friends and brothers in Christ. I have indeed learned a great deal from Jeff. I made regular visits to his workshop in Kuala Lumpur and many occasions I joined him in attending the church services at MCKL. The escaping stories shared by the Myanmar people were fearsome, horrific and unthinkable. Just when we think that in this modern civilized society, how could it happen? The predicament they faced to most people are unbearable but I was deeply moved by their faith for our Abba Father. Even in their darkest hours, they will still worship the Lord unfailingly.

Currently headed by Moey Yoke Lai, Methodist College Kuala Lumpur (MCKL) is a private educational institution. Methodist Council of Education founded MCKL in January 1983 by the. The Founder Principal was Mrs. F R Bhupalan. It provides quality education to the community. It reaches out to both locals and the needy foreigners. Below are a few pictures and the weblink: http://www.methodistcollegekl.edu.my/

The Campus view

Taken from: http://www.methodistcollegekl.edu.my/images/about/History/h4.jpg

Campus Building

Taken from: http://www.methodistcollegekl.edu.my/images/about/Facilities/facilities_gallery/general%20pic5.jpg

Campus Life

Taken from: http://www.methodistcollegekl.edu.my/images/about/Facilities/facilities_gallery/canteen2.jpg

Myanmar is a country in constant political turmoil as well as in a constant exodus. Many youths have made death-defying attempts in departing their home country to seek for greener pastures. Due to geographical reasons, Malaysia is one of such greener pastures.

MCKL started a voluntary community service project called the Ruth Education Centre. The centre aims to provide a temporal refuge to these Myanmar people who have successfully obtained protection from the office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). The demographics are generally young personnel of varying ages. In Ruth Education Centre, they enjoy mutual support from each other, structured learning programs, decent meals and a shelter over their heads.

As for the journey from Myanmar to Malaysia is nothing short of harrowing. In brief, each one has to cross two borders, travel thousand of miles, and in conditions that are unthinkable to many fortunate youths who lead a regular life. Without divulging too much … the mode of transport is either taxi or van … each taxi will take 20 people … the rest of the story is up to your imagination.

It is time to share about the concert…

Shun Ng (http://www.thisisshun.com/main.html) is known for his talent in funk/blues finger-style guitar playing, at least many people know him in this manner. However he is also a generous person who gladly devotes his time and utilizes his God given talent to benefit the needy ones. This time was no exception plus he was performing with a fractured right hand that was injured as a result of many hours of practices.

Jeffrey Yong (http://www.jeffreyyong.com/) needs little introduction. Likewise he is usually known as a Luthier who builds good guitars but his compassion persona is seldom displayed publicly. I am fortunate to have witnessed it through this event. Led by God, he decided to organize this concert to raise fund for the Myanmar people by involving Shun Ng. This match could not be better.

Jeff giving a short opening

The Myanmar people from Ruth Education Centre have put together a choir to present an cappella version of “How Great Thou Art”. It wasn’t about how professional and well rehearsed they were but the total devotion towards worshipping the Lord. Admittedly I have heard better-arranged versions but I have not heard one that was so passionately dedicated to the Lord. After I learned about their past experiences, it was not hard to understand their convictions and love for God. Urban dwellers like us often convince ourselves of the multiple options we could take to “be better” but very few actually remember the basics in life. In this concert, Shun has sung a song about the important things in our lives which points to the basic and necessities. Yet most urban dwellers suit themselves up with many accessories in their lives and passed them off as necessities. Isn’t it convenient?

The Myanmar People Choir during rehearsal

How Great Thou Art by the Myanmar people

Shun Ng has delivered an electrifying performance that left the audience yearning for more. The Myanmar people where absolutely in awe as they have never seen such style of playing even among them there are guitar players. At the end of the concert, the Myanmar people mobbed Shun; taking photos, signing autographs, etc. The Myanmar people expressions were totally authentic, no guards, no hidden agendas, they plainly wanted Shun to know that their joy was because of his performance. As a believer, I guess this is all about the simple yet important gesture of giving thanks to our Lord for all the things He has done and granted us freely.

Shun's new fans

Taken from: http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/379414_10150406770133778_756408777_8646563_841152223_n.jpg

Since I am on giving thanks, it is time to recognize those people whom have helped in one way or the other. Robert Schnöller who was in Kuala Lumpur attending the guitar-building course offered by Jeff Yong went along to help. Yujie James Loo who was also attending the same program as Robert was there to watch his guitar teacher’s performance who is incidentally Shun Ng. Ooi Boon Kim who has built several guitars with Jeff Yong came along to offer his assistance as well. Nicolai Gerebtzoff was there to facilitate the lightings and sound. Foo Kai Seong filled the role as the official camera crew of this event. Michael is a staff in Methodist College who was directly involved in facilitating this concert in terms of the usage of premises and also leading the Myanmar people’s choir. As well as the Myanmar people who have rendered their assistance for the event. They all made this concert a great one.

Shun's Family, a lovely one indeed

Taken from: http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/17240_264876080209_710765209_4671077_5905914_n.jpg

Shun’s family members, from right Ng Meixi, Alison Ling, Shun Ng, Ng Meizhi and John Ng, they have been very supporting throughout. Not forgetting two important individuals. Jeffrey and Shun for playing the critical roles in the success of this event. The Lord has indeed brought both of them together to bless those around them. How Great Thou Art …

In closing, associating with these Myanmar people has been the most rewarding part of my involvement in this concert. The experience has etched this statement in my mind, “Simple pleasures but never insignificant pleasures.”

Here're some concert pictures

Shun's guitars

Quiet moments ...

Foo, Boon Khim, Nic and Robert. They volunteered their time

Robert, Boon Khim and Shun .. all set to go

Foo Kai Seong, capturing video and audio

Moey Yoke Lai, the CEO of MCKL

Shun mingles with the crowd

Serenading to a couple 

In his own world

Thanks for reading!

Featured Guitar - the "BLACKIE" by Jeffrey Yong

Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Art is knowing which ones to keep. – Scott Adams.

With the creation of every masterpiece, it carries the lessons and mistakes made during the evolution process, likewise in guitar making.

In April 2010, Shun Ng attended Jeffrey Yong's guitar-making course in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and everything changes henceforth.

Shun Ng started playing guitar at the age of 16. Other than with a certain girl who worked in Ben & Jerry store, Shun has never fell so deeply in love; guitar playing. His abilities in translating tunes in his mind onto guitars are unusually advanced. He has progressed with great leaps that astounded most guitar players. I believe you would be too … if you watch this YouTube clip … it was recorded a few years back when he was considered as “not yet mature” in his playing. Imagine now …

The duo has been collaborating well. One loves to build, the other loves to play. The duo often bounced off ideas between themselves and new things will emerge from the bouncing of these ideas. The Blackie, an Artist Model certain fits the bill. Here is a picture of the Blackie.

the "BLACKIE"

I was fortunate to be in touch with this master and I found out something about the Blackie. Here is the story …

Since April 2010, the duo has been in constant contact. Shun loves Jeff Yong guitars and he has been using one for his performances as his main guitar. An immensely talented performer who is young, energetic and passionate. Shun is constantly altering his playing style, reinventing himself, finding new angles, etc. The more he plays it, more ideas got generated. Shun would ask Jeff if this feature that feature was possible and ... on and on ... eventually Jeff decided to build a model for Shun's unique style of playing.

For a stylish, forward-looking and modern emerging artists like Shun, Jeff could not think of a better color than Black to describe his presence. Black became the theme of this new creation. Rewinding the evolution of Blackie ... Shun has desired for a guitar with longer bass string because of his percussive cum bass attack style. Longer bass string means deeper bass tone which is likened to a baritone guitar. Jeff’s responded by proposing a fanned-fretted guitar. It can satisfy Shun’s desire for longer bass string.

Due the frequent use of thumb, Shun has DYI on one of his guitars. He has attempted to scallop the top edge of the guitar neck to create a scalloped cavity for his thumb rest on whilst fretting the bass strings. The outcome wasn’t ideal … Jeff translated this feature onto to the Blackie as well. The thumb scallops have became a standard feature on Jeff's Blackie. Unlike any other guitars, the combination of fanned-frets and thumb scallops were certain like a breath of fresh air in guitar-making.

Enjoy the pictures ... if you want to test drive the Blackie, just visit the Singapore Guitar Show from 3 to 4 Dec 2011, 10am to 6pm daily, at Suntec City Gallery West.

Thanks for viewing!

Jeffrey Yong Guitars Rendezvous @ Tomas Music

Jeff and his freshly made classical

As brief as Jeff’s email, he has arrived in Singapore on the 13 Jan 2011. A few days prior to his arrival Jeff sent me a short email stated his intend to drop by Singapore to take care of some businesses. He suggested to organize a guitar night at some premises. He would like to invite guitar lovers to have the actual "hands-on" experiences with his guitars. Thankfully, Tomas, also the owner of Tomas Music allowed Jeff to have the gathering at his shop. So the rendezvous was set on the 14 Jan 2011.

I met him for breakfast on the 14 Jan 2011 and we chatted about his plans for 2011. It was indeed very interesting because the eventual plan was conceived of a string of unexpected and unwanted external factors. Suffice to say that he has no control over those factors that resulted in the decisions. But what comes after the early disappointment turned out to be a huge blessing instead. Jeff is a man of God. Throughout our conversation he has never stopped praising God for the unexpected and pleasant arrangements that fell into place without much toil and effort required.

For the past few years, Jeff has been participated in the Healdsburg Guitar Festival (http://www.lmii.com/guitarfestival/) held in States. However his application for year 2011 wasn’t successful. As an experienced guitar maker, he was well aware of the opportunities of attending the festival. He made a request to be re-considered but the organizers were very firmed about their stance. He moved on … Things can never be better timed and arranged; in Dec 2010, Jeff completed his last guitar making class of the year for three overseas students. Each one has guitar making ability at  professional levels and one of them a Canadian. (see picture below, middle)

Jeff's last guitar making class in year 2010. They are all guitar makers.

With hopes for Healdsburg gone, Jeff decided to join the Montreal Guitar Show (http://www.montrealjazzfest.com/default-en.aspx) in Canada instead. In a breeze, his application to participate as a luthier in the festival was approved, and the usual uncertainties of obtaining visa to enter Canada and States have never been easier. He attributed all these to God’s intervention. The Canadian student has offered to host Jeff during the show. Incidentally, tri-annual Guild of American Luthiers’ Convention (http://www.luth.org/convention/2011/index.htm) is happening in July 2011. These string of events has given Jeff an idea, i.e. to drive from Montreal to Seattle so as to catch both guitar events. The drive is expected to take days so he came out with another idea; to visit any luthiers along the way … that must be a dream for most guitar lovers I reckoned. The eventuality was unexpected and way more interesting than his usual routines at Healdsburg for the past few years. He said; “That can only be God.”

Among all things discussed, Jeff also shared his attitude and thoughts towards guitar making. I vividly recalled the three elements Jeff steadfastly held as the guiding principles as a luthier thus far. They were profound and yet practical,

1. Art

2. Science

3. Craftsmanship

Art

Have anyone got tired of looking at Porsche, Ferrari, Lamborghini, McLaren, etc? It should be easy for us to agree with at least one of the sports car brands mentioned to qualify as a timeless speed machine. To many people, the iconic Porsche 911 has survived since its inception in 1963. There are many revised models but the basic shapes and forms remain unchanged. It might survive another few decades more. What makes 911 what it is today?

The Iconic 911, launched in 1963

Taken from: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a4/Porsche_911E_ca_1969.jpg

Jeff stresses that to make a guitar aesthetically pleasing, guitar makers should pay close attention in matching the shapes and forms. While there are certain shapes that go well together, there are those that repel. He said that guitar is a three-dimensional article and it possesses area and depth as well. It would be a pity to ignore this art form and simply glue all the wood parts together and hope for the best. Imagine a Martin headstock without rounded corners on a Gibson SJ200 ... During the infancy stages of Jeff's guitar-making career he has studied the shapes and forms of those guitars considered as timeless by most guitar players and lovers. While these intrinsic values are never written in black and white, he is able to discern the importance of this aspect. Following his intuition, it led him to create the OM and JJ models which have been proven successful among guitar players and lovers. Jeff said that people don’t just like any shapes that are made into a guitar. You need to make something people would be able to appreciate.

Do you like all the three guitars below? (See pictures below)

Exhibit A

Taken from: http://www.edroman.com/featured/images/damien2.jpg

Exhibit B

Taken from: http://www.zemaitis.net/images/acoustic-guitar-Z-SJHW12.jpg

Exhibit C

Taken from: http://www.mveducation.com/assets/products/42110_l.jpg

Science

Science is about discovery and evidence. Both aspects must logically support each other. However, love for music and playing is led by intuition which has absolutely zero logical properties in it. Nevertheless, I shall attempt to summarize the abundance knowledge shared by Jeff.

Passion can drive anyone to do things but it does't automatically deliver results. A guitar maker can lose hope when his work is plagued by numerous rejections. Even thousand of hours are spent to build a guitar, it doesn't guarantee quality. Ignoring information and knowledge regarding guitars is setting up an impending failure. Guitar makers are as much a scientist as an artist.

A guitar plan

Taken from: http://ultimate-guitar-building.com/wp-content/uploads/jumbo12plan.jpg

Tone is sound to any laymen; guitar makers ought to understand the basic principles of sound generation. Guitars are mostly made of wood; guitar makers should be conversant in the acoustic properties and behavior of various woods. Finishing a guitar requires careful mixing of lacquer and other compound; a guitar maker needs to understand the outcome of certain mixes proportion. Removing materials of braces is to manipulate the stiffness of the top and back plates, a guitar maker is required to internalize to intricacies of this process. While the players feel the guitars’ playability, guitar makers are supposed to produce consistencies in this aspect by controlling the related yet minute dimensions on the guitar. Tools and machines are needed to trim and sand while making a guitar, the maker cannot afford to be ignorant to the limitations of these tools and machines. In a nutshell, guitar makers are expected to blend all these knowledge and apply with discernment during the making process.

Craftsmanship

It would be hard pressed to expect a good guitar from someone who is unable to glue parts together in alignment, or a person who doesn’t know the use of a file, a planer, trimmer, etc. Jeff emphasizes on craftsmanship as the glue that blends both aspects of art and science, transforming the desired intrinsic values into executable work.

Typical wood work

Taken from: http://www.clima.net.cn/Files/dengcong/StretchFilm/Woodworking.jpg

More care is expected

Taken from: http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4096/4919635631_d5d73636ef.jpg

Is a guitar maker also a wood-worker or vice versa? Jeff often uses wood-workers as comparison because of the apparent closeness between the two in many ways. While the two has many parallels, the critical difference lies in attention to detail. A wood-worker can glue two pieces of wood together but a guitar maker will book match the wood grains. When making a dovetail join, a wood worker relies on shims to marry the joints but a guitar maker goes for precision. A wood-worker will sand all corners to similar roundness but a guitar maker knows where should stay sharp where to round off. To trim away excess wood, a wood-worker uses just about any tools that will deliver the fastest results but a guitar maker will use specific tools to achieve completion. When smoothening a wood surface, a wood-worker will use any available sand paper to complete the job but a guitar maker will use a succession of grits grades to obtain a fine finish. When finishing with lacquer, wood-workers would apply coats of lacquer without the knowledge of the composition of the lacquer to volatile fluid but a guitar maker is well aware the composition and the purposes. This should sum up Jeff’s sentiments on craftsmanship.

In summary, the conversation I had with Jeff was extremely rewarding as I have learn abundantly from this man of God the essence of guitar making. In fact, the three elements are very much relevant to anyone who strives for excellence in life. If you manage get to this point, a big thanks for reading.

Pictures taken at Jeff Guitars Rendezvous. Here goes,

Arrived at Roxy Square. It has indeed changed a lot since my last visit ... 

Entrance of Roxy Square

The load ...

Finally, at Tomas Music

Jeremy wasted no time. Digging in ...

Jeff has an apprentice now ...

Jeff's apprentice far left, his parents chatting with Jeff

Shun and his friends ... jamming ...

More ...

More ...

Learning from each other ...

They will play guitar at any place they can find ...

These youth are good at it and they love it too!

At about 2300hrs, we concluded this guitar rendezvous. It was pleasant gathering that was filled with numerous exchange of ideas and knowledge, all driven by the passion for guitars and music. On behalf of the guitar community here, a great thanks to Jeff for sharing his passion for guitars with us. Also not forgetting Tomas Music's generosity in allowing this gathering. Many thanks to the owner of Tomas Music, Tomas and his staff who assisted in many ways that night. God Blesses!