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PLAYING FROM THE HEART
August 07, 2005, New Sunday Times

By ARNI ABDUL RAZAK.
Click to enlarge.

Maldivian virtuoso Fasy recently played to a full house at the launch of his third album. ARNI ABDUL RAZAK has the goods.

THE guy doesn't even know how to read music notes, but he plays fantastic guitar and writes songs. Meet Ahmed Faseeh, better known as Fasy. "It's all about feelings, really ...and playing from the heart. I'm on another plane together when I'm with my guitar," says the friendly 31-year-old who enjoys performing in front of an appreciative crowd.

Fasy, who hails from Maldives, has been playing the guitar since he was 12, but has never really had a formal education in music. He came to Malaysia in 1996 to study information technology (IT), got his degree and has even set up his own production studio.

Among the albums that he has helped produced included those by Sasi The Don and first Malaysian Tamil rappers Boomerangx.

And right now, Fasy is busy promoting his third and latest album, Fasy: The Compilation which is a collection of his favourite works over the years. The album was launched at the Backyard Pub and Grill in Sri Hartamas, Kuala Lumpur just last month.

It comprises 13 tracks including eight songs from his earlier album Cruising (which were completely re-mastered) and five bonus tracks.

"These are songs that I've written and produced since 1992. They are a reflection of my work and my journey in life. You can also see a transition in my music through the songs."

For him, the most memorable song in the album is Starrs, a track that was written during the most important period in his life. It was the time when he fell in love with his wife.

"It was like the beginning of my life. I felt that someone has just woken me up to embrace the world. It's a nice feeling," he says.

Other notable tunes to check out from the new album are Rising, which was composed and first performed by Fasy with his former band The Final Revelation in the early 90s in Maldives and Regeneration.

The new version of Rising on the album has been re-recorded with Fasy's new three-piece band, Playin December.

Playin December (members of the group were born in December) comprises Rifu on guitar and vocals, Ibbe on drums and Ayya on bass. The group was formed last year.

"With the band, I've jammed at numerous pubs and clubs around the city. We play all kinds of songs from blues to rock, hard rock, heavy metal, rock and roll and even funk. It's been great," says Fasy, who is inspired by rockers Ritchie Blackmore and Joe Satriani.

At the launch of his new album, Fasy also had the chance to show off his guitar-playing skills in an hour-long energetic performance. He even shared the stage with Amir Yussof who belted out Man And Woman, a song taken from his Some Of This Is Real album.

"If there is one thing I want to do now, is to teach. I want to teach people how to bring music from inside them ...to play with their heart and soul." - arni@nstp.com.my

For details on Fasy's latest album or upcoming shows, call 017-6607712.

© News Straits Times Press Bhd