Carlos Santana - Shaman

album : Shaman (2002)
song  : Aye Aye Aye
written by  : Michael Shrieve,Carlos Santana,Karl Perazzo & Raul Rekow
produced by : Michael Shrieve & Carlos Santana
lead vocals : Andy Vargas
background vocals : Carlos Santana,Karl Perazzo & Raul Rekow
acoustic & electric guitar : Carlos Santana
keyboard : Chester Thompson
bass  : Benny Rietveld
percussion & drums : Karl Perazzo
congas : Raul Rekow

All the details of this song, I got from my own copy of this album, which I bought about 10-years ago.Santana's Shaman came out in 2002 after his multi-Grammy winning album Supernatural(1999). I thought Shaman was as good as Supernatural though it didn't win any grammy. Those who have regularly watched MTV back then will be familiar with its songs.   

When the word 'Carlos' and 'shaman' combines, one may think about Carlos Castaneda and his neo-shamanism. Surely Santana must be familiar with teaching of his fellow Latin-American celebrity of the hippie-era. Santana was always interested in spirituality and mysticism (like many other musicians, including me). He explored Eastern religions in the 70s and was a one time disciple of Sri Chinmoy . His later albums such as Supernatural and Shaman marks the journey to  re-discover his roots. In the elaborate & colorful album-cover of Shaman features typical Mexican art and some brilliant pictures of Santana, posing with his guitar, in a desert with cactus in the background. 

In a caption Santana says, " Shaman is a spiritual healer who brings balance to mind, body, heart and spirit with colors, sound, herbs and song, creating unity and harmony in the world."

Jet Li vs Mongol Princess : Hi-NR'Chi' Action !

movie : Evil Cult (a ka Kung Fu Cult Master-1993)
starring : Jet Li, Sammo Hung, Sharla Cheung, Chingmy Yau

Any kung-fu movie aficionado can easily figure out the choreographer of this brilliant, Hi-NRG action sequence. It has 'Sammo Hung' written all over it! In those days,only Sammo Hung can be so spectacular & innovative ! Equally brilliant was his most recent work in Ip Man 2 (2010) which proves that Sammo's creative powers are still intact.

The movie Evil Cult didn't cause much flutter when it was released. But later, esp. after 'neo-wuxia' movies like Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon became a rage, Evil Cult also gained a cult following.  Besides Sammo, an array of talents have worked in this movie who are now icons in their own right. They are - Louis Cha (wuxia-novelist),Wong Jing(screen-writer/director),Joseph Koo(musician) and of course Jet  Li(actor/producer). Cinematography and editing are equally brilliant.

The musical instrument involved in this action sequence is Guzheng - the ancient Chinese instrument. I have never seen it or played it (though I have an audio-CD of  which I bought from Singapore). From my long experience in guitar and other similar string instruments, I can certainly say,  Guzheng with its long strings

can have a great resonating effect with the slightest of touch. As for the maneuver by Yuan Princess(Sharla Cheung) with the strings - its only a wuxia-movie , so don't try this at home !

Whitney Houston :we greatly love you & miss you..

song : one moment in time (1988)

artist : Whitney Houston

music written by : Albert Hammond, John Bettis

produced by : Narada Michael Walden

album : Grammy 89 - Featuring Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Phil Collins, Tracy Chapman, Rod Stewart,U2,Sting,INXS, Bobby McFerrin,Anita Baker,Brenda Russell, Pat Benatar, Steve Winwood

Nazia Hassan

singer : Nazia Hassan
lyrics : Nazia Hassan/Zoheb Hassan
music : Biddu
album : lekin mera dil(1982)

Princess Nazia : An elegy of a fan

It's been 30-years since you came into our lives & mesmerised us with your voice (and looks).

It's been 10-years since you have departed - leaving us in grief & bereavement.

Like a shooting-star, you came - illuminating,enlightening & entertaining.

You have gone but your aura still remain with us.

Your golden voice still ring in our ears.

Your songs still brings us joy, sorrow, agony & ecstacy.

Now you reside in the Taj Mahal build in our hearts, minds & soul.

Your legacy we shall continue to impart to the future generations.

You are not only great singer, a great performer, a great star

You are a great human-being.

by DJ Synth-bach