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| Friday, November 27, 2009
Music > Be With You by Jon Wee Writer: Dawn Fung Jon Wee's album, Be With You, is not bad. I say this because it can fit in on the commercial airwaves along with the rest of the songs that we hear nowadays. In the CD sleeve, Jon writes that "it was only in recent years that [he] started exploring the commercial music industry", and that he hopes to inspire listeners through his songs. He is very clear about the area that he would like to excel in, and that said, I wouldn't compare his albums to my favourite folkies or the type that just will never come near to the sounds that Jon produces on Be With You. Be With You is like a diary for bilingual listeners or an honest journey of heartfelt songs, written straightforwardly and without much imagery. The first set of Chinese songs speaks about companionship and love but with certain references to God. In the first song, You Are My Sunshine (translated title), you can imagine it to be a worship song with the "you" being God, but it's broad enough in context to be the girl that the singer has in mind, or anyone else for that matter. There are many familiar styles in the Chinese section: Jon's very lovely voice will slips into a rocker's raspiness, many a time peppered with English phrases like "baby", or the ubiqitious "ooh" when filling in the spaces between verses and choruses. I do wish that the Chinese songs were a bit longer as Jon tends to begin his second reprise from the middle part of the verse, and usually only done once, and then a chorus repeat. Jon and Kenn Wu at Tiny Box Studios are very talented (check out Tiny Box Studios' credentials online) -- the instruments are arranged and played competently and the sound is clear. As I said earlier, the album is adequate enough to be on the airwaves of our Chinese radio stations, and I do hope that someone would pass 92.7FM or 93.3FM Be With You in order to support independent local artistes more. Apart from some pronunciation issues (Jon's vocals show a strong Singlish accent, which is absolutely acceptable in today's palette of diasporic communities), I enjoyed looping the album for what it is: a commercial offering. The second set of English songs may be a bit more problematic in terms of competition. It may be that Chinese songs are harder to write, or that Chinese words are more meaningful and full given in whatever direction it is arranged, but English songs require some form of technical drafting simply because syntax is necessary to explore in songwriting. I expected at least one or two phrases of imagery, or starting with "like..." or subtle references to more distant subjects that relate to his theme. As a result, Jon's English originals Sorry, Be Strong and May The Lord Bless You seemed hollower than the Chinese ones. The evident strengths that provide an anchor for this lack would be Jon's voice and the sincerity in which he carries his words. Sincerity is such a potent quality -- think of live performances where the words didn't matter as much as the force of the performer, and where you felt connected because of the spatial advantage of the singer's presence. This is true for Jon. When I asked him about the impact of the album on listeners, he did say, "It has been encouraging to know that lives have been ministered [to] and blessed in their journey with the Lord after hearing me shared [sic] my life and songs, as that was the main intention of the album." I hope that Jon continues to explore more technical skills in English songwriting because it will only grow his portfolio in his commercial endeavours. As an affirmation of his faith, Jon closes Be With You with two hymns -- How Great Thou Art and The Old Rugged Cross. He covers the hymns like Chinese ballads, with the repeating motifs of "oh-ing" vocal interludes, which will go down well with the Chinese station listeners because it's really likable in that aspect. Maybe this is just a pronunciation peeve on my side -- the lack of 'th' exchanged for the Singlish 'd' is very discernable and I suppose that with English hymns, Jon has to be careful with delivery... but of course, that also comes with choice and an enjoyment of our culture. The album's last track is an instrumental version of Be With You, so that you can try out your karaoke skills. Be With You is not bad. It is listenable, loopable, friendly and a sweet present to give certain friends who listen to 93.3FM than say, Bob Dylan or Kate Rusby. Churches and event organisers are welcome to contact Jon Wee at jonjonwee@gmail.com
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