Backyard Pub News Page

>> NEWS

WIRED TO JAZZY SOUNDS
Oct 31, 2004, New Sunday Times (Showtime)

By Sabariah Salleh

Steve Jordan has a lot of free time on his hands. Home schooled, this 17-year-old studies at his own pace and does not succcumb to the pressure of homework and competition from classmates.

So, on his free time, he plays the piano or fiddles with the drums, sometimes up to four hours a day. Seven years of playing the two instruments has groomed him into a professional musician -- "just like daddy, Jordan Rivers".

"I started playing the drums since I was 10. I did not attend any formal classes; I taught myself to play," said Steve who was named the best drummer at Asian Beat Grand Prix, last year.

His band, High Wired, emerged overall champion at the competition, beating seven good bands from Hong Kong, Taiwan, Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, and the Phillipines at the competition and winning US$5,0000 (RM19,000).

Steve helped his older band mates - saxophonist Kevin Choo, bassist Mohd Zadar Kamari and keyboardist Rockie Siew -- to make not only themselves famous but the country as well.

Unlike most boys his age who love to listen to Limp Bizkit, Eminem and Justin Timberlake, Steve listens to a lot of jazz and funk. His favourite musicians are pianist Chick Corea and drummer Dave Weckl.

"I love to experiment with music, that is why I play a lot of jazz, blues and funk," he said.

"The genre of music requires musicians to be able to improvise. For instance, a simple chord can be played in numerous ways as there are different scales to do it with," Steve enthused.

Steve grew up in a musically inclined family.

His 15-year-old sister aspires to be a singer and 10-year-old brother has shown interest in playing the bass.

Doting father, Jordan Rivers is an accomplished guitarist with a voice like George Benson.

"I thought you wouldn't know about that," said Jordan, laughing.

Famed for his unique and jazzy rendition of Benson's songs, Jordan has been performing since 1976.

"Back then, I mostly sang and played the Top 40s. Over the years, I find the music not challenging enough and decided to try my hands at fusion jazz and blues," he said.

Fusion jazz, according to Jordan, allows him the freedom to be creative." I can play a few versions of one song and that to me is interesting."

Jordan is currently playing with High Wired. The band's line-up is constantly changing, adds Steve.

"I am the only permanent member. My father is occasionally roped in to play with the band," explained Steve adding that the current line-up comprises Mozad (bassist) and him. Others, he said, left to pursue personal interests.

"The thing about playing jazz is you don't have to practise together that much as what is played during practice and while performing can be different.

"Sometimes, friends spontaneously join us on stage for a performance. That makes playing fun," he said.

In conjunction with the Jairus Anthony Music festival 2004, High Wired and Jordan will be performing at the Backyard Pub on Nov 3. Other musicians performing include Pete Teo, Gerard Singh and Emcee Fifty Band.

For details, call 03-62010318 or log on to http://backyardpub.com. --nsunt@nst.com.my

© The New Straits Times Press (Malaysia) Berhad.

ARCHIVE

NOVEMBER 2005

OCTOBER 2005