Jan 28 7:04 pm HK/Shanghai trip recap
Hey fans, sorry for not writing for such a long time. I technically came back in the States Sunday night, but b/c of the damn snow and jetlag (plus damn Air Canada has lost my baggage), I wasn't in the mood to write. For those who are planning to travel anytime soon, don't fly Air Canada. They have delayed my luggage twice, both ways. Their service is horrible. I tried to grab some candies from the kitchen. A flight attendant screamed at me: "These are our candies; you can't just grab them." To her, it was the end of the world.

Overall, my HK/Shanghai trip was fab, albeit restless. My 4 days in Shanghai was a humbling experience. On the corny side, it was refreshing for me to witness the city's rapid change since I visited 4 years ago. The western influence is prevalent, but it retains its own features (see photos).





Played with Greg Smith & Terence at the famous Cotton Club. Damn, that was fun! Also checked out some other night spots such as Club JZ and House of Blues & Jazz (See "other news" section to see my Shanghai tips). I'm proud to say I'm the No. 1 harp player in Shanghai, knowing that no one else plays the instrument and after my magical performance at Cotton Club.

Hong Kong was mainly family time, My first real Chinese New Year in 11 years. Feels good just receiving red pockets alone! Musically, I performed at 48th Street w/ Tommy Chung & Vincent Lam (Mr. double-neck guitar). Also sat in at a club called 50's. I had a great time spending time w/ close family members.

It's surreal to be back in the United States. One thing is certain: the food here sucks. I guess I have to go on the South Beach Diet soon. Welcome back, Sonny Boy! DC misses you. So I'm told.

Jan 9 12:21 pm
So why have I not written lately? Not in the mood? Busy? These are all excuses. Really, my life has been uneventful lately. Can't believe I'm leaving for HK tomorrow. Haven't packed yet. The highlight is: I haven't been in HK for Chinese New Year for 11 years, so this will be something fresh and nostalgic. What's more joyful for a kid to receive red pocket money?

Will go visit Shanghai briefly for four days. Shanghai is the hippest city in China right now, hands down. I would like to experience the heavenly atmosphere for ex-pats. May check iout Greg Smith at the Cotton Club and other nightlife items.

Nothin' much lately. My friend Maria is getting married with this guy Vince in April. Gavin's staying in Amsterdam indefinitely and has no intention to return to the USA anytime soon. Cafe Europa was quite packed and hip last night. Bruce Katsu and his band gave a nice performance. To my friends: check this place out even when I'm gone, godamnit!!!

Got a couple of links about an old pal Zaven Saroyan. Wow, this guy writes the same way as he talks. One is about a library and one is about a Picasso painting. Classic Zaven!

Last but not least, Happy 2004. Start from a clean slate.

Dec 31 12:04 a.m. Year-end wrap up (or what I would say if I were to receive an Academy Award....)
2003 has been a strange year. It's been a tragic year in my hometown HK. SARS, the death of celebrities Leslie Cheung, Lam Chun Keung, Anita Mui, the persistent economic turmoil,etc. It's also equally encouraging to see so many people participated in the 7/1 demonstration.

Spiritually, 2003 is a soulful year for me. Being away from home one whole year, and being economic independent for the first time, life is not easy. I've managed to survive. I feel more confident about myself than ever. It's funny to see that people look at you the way you look at yourself - the "social mirror" accurately reflects your self-esteem. Going to church & playing music have kept me sane and increased my EQ. I find myself more at ease, mellow, laid-back.

Socially, I've managed to snatch a few friends back, made a few new ones, and kicked some out who are a complete waste of time. The law of diminishing returns doesn't guarantee any meaningful rewards. But just like everything else, it's a gamble. Thankfully, today I received a card that says, "Your thoughtfulness makes you a most indespensable friend." Never thought I was "thoughtful" before.

Romantically, I've learnt to articulate the Chet Baker mood based on a few experiences. Summer makes me realize that the game goes on and you have to play it at all times just to keep it interesting. Iglika makes me believe in chances and the randomness of meeting the right person (not to mention some fortune telling is a form of statistics). To summarize, I use the lyrics of a song of mine, "I'm a much stronger person than I was before/Relationships have put me on the forefront of the gender war."

Musically, I'd like to thank Mr. Clarence Turner for having faith in me and putting me under his wings. Playing at the DC Blues Festival was a privilege and made me realize I do not have stage fright. Thanks to Mr. Bill Heid for stretching the width and depth of my music, helping me define my own voice, and giving me the name "Sonny Boy." Special thanks to those who have not given up on loving me, you know who you are.

Priorities in 2004:
1. Pass the VA & NJ bars;
2. Get a real job;
3. Lose 10-15 lbs. of my fat ass;
4. Prolong my notoriety as a stud; and
5. Overcome & cope w/ all forms of criticism.

I'm happy tomorrow marks the end of 2003, an emotionally challenging year for me. For sure, I'll be a stronger, more decisive, and more thoughtful man in 2004. And call me narcissistic, women will find me more irresistible than ever!

Dec 25 10:04 pm Merry bloody Christmas!!
Guess what? I'm not as depressed as I expected for this Christmas. This is the first X'mas I've spent away from my family. Being an easily forgotten entity, some people do remember me after all. Besides the few and far between X'mas cards I received (thanks!), I was invited to a couple of X'mas parties, notably the one at the Jones'. Even though I did not get a more well-deserved welcome as Umara did, I was glad I was in time to celebrate Karen's arrival, as I missed it last time during the chaotic hurricane. I must say I have newly discovered that Karen's a great chef for she made excellent tomato thingies to go with the toasted bread.

The fabulous Lara Fara was also in the house. It was a joy to hear her tell her semi-celebrity stories and her novel love adventure w/ this guy Koko, whom she met in London. When I said, "Love knows no borders," I believed Lara's eyes lit up, seeming to agree with my occasional wisdom. I think I made quite an adequate and not overwrought impression on the house guests that night, as I always do when I am on my most charming and wittiest mode. My appearence at my church on X'mas Eve was also warmly received.

To those who attempted to contact me today, thanks for thinking of me on X'mas Day. Here I share some of my acute X'mas observations in the US:
1. No one goes out on X'mas Eve in the US, unlike in Hong Kong where teenages try to lose their virginity.
2. Cinemas are packed on X'mas Day. Book your tickets early. All restuarants are closed.
3. Churches usually have worship service on X'mas Eve. but not on X'mas Day. I wonder why.
4. One could tell the sincerity of a person from the present he gives. To me, the most important thing about giving a gift is whether thoughtfulness was involved.
5. Don't send me X'mas cards. Send me an SMS. I love getting warm but brief messages from people I care about. To those I don't care about. don't bother!!

Dec 22 12:06 am Restless weekend update
I increasingly believe in karma these days. The more you do good and care for others, the more reward you will receive. The key is not to be impatient, b/c rewards may arrive late. But they will come. Case in point: I have invested a lot on friendships lately. It all hit home this weekend, right before Christmas.

The Yankee swap party at Ryfie's Friday night was loads of fun. Still wonders who brought the handcuffs and the book "Sexual Positions." There was a variety of nice gifts. I got a CD. Took some good pics including one w/ Ryfie w/ her Santa hat on (Should I post it?).

Saturday I got some studying done. Ryfie, Kat & Lisa met me at Common Grounds for a brief 30-minute study break, which turned out to be quality time. Ryfie asks me why I'm always surrounded by women who look like supermodels. I guess it's b/c I hang out with her and her friends who are very pretty too. Honestly I really never gave it much thought until then.

Then Eileen called (which was a surprise in itself), asking if I was playing music that night. Incidentally, I was going to sit in w/ Johnny & The Headhunters at the Zoo Bar. So I said, "C'mon out." Eileen brought her friend Susan w/ her who was also a lot of fun. The show was enhanced by the addition of Santa, Rudolph & Frosty and their drunkenness and dancing. The awkward situation became priceless as Santa's lewd behavior pissed off Johnny.

Sunday: studying and more. Went to Angela's X'mas drop-in. To my surprise, there were many children crawling on the floor. Part of it was due to the existence of Angela's new born Timothy. Congrats to Angela and Geoff! I became very at ease b/c I guess I'm a child who hasn't truly grown. My cynicism is merely a shell to cover up my idiocy. Deep down I'm as naive as a Smurf. Yup, I'm the guy who is surrounded by beautiful girls & babies.

Karma revisited: This weekend made me feel warm inside though it's cold outside - Isn't that's what X'mas is all about? Though misconceived, I don't mind having the reputation as "the guy who is surroundedby beautiful girls," or simply, "a stud." Who doesn't want that title? Now I can't wait for Ms. Karen Jones to come back. Stay tuned for party on Tuesday.

Dec 19 2:53 pm
Went swimming yesterday. Brought me back memories about this past summer- a kind of Kafkaesque summer w/ loads of fun and joy. I'm gonna return to swimming both to reminisce and to lose weight. I need at least 10 pounds off my body. So help me God.

Last night, I met the wonderful vocalist Sharon Clark for the first time at Henley Park. I've heard numerous praises about the nightingale. Chris Grasso says, "She's the closest to Sarah Vaughan who I'll ever work with in DC." Gavin says, "This girl can sing." Bill Heid told me "she sang her ass off," which is a rare compliment from Bill for singers. Sharon was a real nice person and she couldn't talk enough about her baby daughter. Wow, didn't Chris Grasso sound swingin' on that grand piano?

Then I swung by Vegas Lounge and said hi to my old pal Jesse James, who made his first return to music after missing the scene for 7-8 months. It was nice to see the man and his team. Perhaps due to a long absence and lack of practice, the band didn't quite take off as I'd hoped. I'm sure as time goes by it will sound more like the Raiders I used to know.

Had a nice holiday party at the office this afternoon. Thank God we could take off early. Well, I look forward to my first ever X'mas in the United States starting w/ Ryfie's dessert party tonight. In the meantime, I have two new X'mas songs for ya: (1) Patricia Barber's bluesy Santa Claus is Coming to Town; and (2) Jonny Lang sings a Leiber/Stoller classic Santa Claus is Back in Town. Enjoy.

Dec 13 4:13 pm
Great show last nite w/ Eric Alexander & Harold Mabern at Twins Jazz, w/ Tom Baldwin on bass and Marty Morrison on drums. Took some nice pics w/ the giants, coming soon. The show was a straight bebop night w/ ghetto licks from the great Mr. Alexander and swinging boplicity from Mr, Mabern on that out-of-tune piano. Eric says he has a regular Tuesday gig at Smoke Club in NYC w/ guitarist Peter Bernstein and an organ player. New Yorkers beware!

The shopping and lunch w/ Stephanie went well. Got a gift for the Yankee swapping party at Ryfie's this Friday. Looking forward to that.

Dec 12 1:03 am
Made a rare appearence at the Zoo Bar. Hung out w/ Clarence Turner, Jeff Conlin, Dru Lore, Jack Duchesne among other fine folks. I miss playing with these damn fine cats. Our set was probably the best, due to Clarence's commanding presence. Jeff sounded smoking on the keyboards, while I sounded like shit. I was the weakest link. I need to practice more and get my edge back. Learned a thing or two about Jeff and his potential mates and Clarence's history of romance.

Damn, everyone's having women problems, it seems. Munish revealed his love rhapsody/tragedy at Kramerbooks last nite. I had a good talk w/ him. It seems that everyone's having the blues during the Christmas season, including myself. This afternoon, I dug up some of the girls that were once my love interests (or more) on Friendster. Somewhere, somehow, I miss this person so much. In the immortal words of Etta Jones, why was I born to love you? Christmas is supposed ot be jazzy!

Dec 9 1:20 am
All I want for Christmas is this. I've been religiously listening to O Tannebaum! Doggone I'm holiday bound!

It was nice to see Scott Taylor, a good friend I haven't seen in a long time, at Fino. Welcome back, Scott! Just dropped off Bill Heid at his crib. Nice to acquainted w/ Bill's tender side (other than his vicious/vulgar blues). He said he once started crying listening to Vince Guaraldi's "Christmas Time is Here" in a supermarket. He says the song represents the typical American neighborhood in the 50's and childhood memories rush to his head. I remember I cried when I heard that song being played by Derek Finch at U-Topia two X'mases ago. Here I dedicate this timeless song to people I miss and girls I've loved.

Congratulations to Doug & Beth Dougherty for giving birth to their lovely baby daughter Vivian.

Dec 7 9:18 pm Weekend update
First, my sincere apology to Jeff Conlin for not able to attend his CD release party in Baltimore due to heavy snow. I'm sure it was a fabulous show and I can't wait to check out the audio and video recordings.

This was a chilled (and chilly) weekend. Got a lot of studying done. Could have done more, of course. The Henry Chung blues hits again; or maybe I'm just restless. I'm at the stage where I need attention, unlike in the summer I was pretty much in solitude. Had a chilled time with Greg at Sequoia Saturday night (once again due to Ledbetter cancellation). It was just us with about 8 people at the bar. I love going to places where they are few people. I hate crowds more and more these days.

Went to church today and played the usher role. It was nice to see people I haven't seen in awhile: Liz, Sarah, Pastor Ginger...Sarah says she is studying at the AU law library on Mass. Ave a lot. Maybe I ought to join her. Sarah mentions that somehow she has "figured out" a way not to get stressed out. I don't think I get stressed out easily. I'm very calm and laid back these days. Gonna put several people on my prayer list this week, including myself. I'm still very vulnerable deep inside although I appear tough enough. Life is full of contradictions: You can't please everyone; but you often end up hurting the ones you love. What's more bluesy than something you crave that doesn't belong to you?

Dec 4 10:42 pm
So it's officially snowing. Driving in the snow while listening to Bobby Chen's "Opium Roses" makes me feel like my own hero. In fact, the song is Bobby's ode to women, calling them an opium (an addictive) and roses (wonderful and colorful counterparts) to men. Now, I tend to think they're more like roses.

Gig got cancelled last minute, which is a good thing b/c it gives me more time to study. Got many unexpected e-mails. Iglika wrote from Bulgaria and said "I have 12 exams and my hat is BIG!!!" Sometimes you have to admire these foreign girls who have a small library of vocabulary; they just use extra care when they speak the language. And sometimes they just speak the truth. Iglika is such a sweetheart and she makes me view life in a different way (she makes me believe people meet for a reason). I truly miss her.

Michele Bernius from Tokyo, Japan also e-mailed. I'm so glad she's doing extremely well. She may relocate herself in San Francisco. But I think Asia fits her like a glove. Best wishes to Michele too.

Ed Mattiuzzi is going to move to England indefinitely, and he's doing it for love!! He met this British girl called Rachel in LA and fell in love and decided to leave everything behind. Ed, you're my hero. I wish I could do such a thing. I have too many baggages, more than any frequent traveler at Hearthrow.

When am I going to make the next bold move?

Dec 2 7:11 pm
Got a hilarious and heartfelt e-mail from Gavin today straight from Amsterdam. Made my day. Read the transcript here.

Dec 1 7:34 pm
Thanksgiving break recap
We live to eat. Eating became the essential part of this weekend: Ruth's Chris, Sushi Hana, Bob 66, NYC Chinatown...no turkey though. It's time for me to lose 10 pounds. First, thanks Jonathan for providing a place for my brother, cousin and me to stay in Somerset, NJ. Saturday was all NYC. Chinatown in the morning. W. Broadway and Village in the afternoon.

Saw the legends Lou Donaldson & Dr. Lonnie Smith at Village Vanguard at night. With Randy Johnston on guitar and a Japanese guy on drums. Mr. Donaldson still swings and funkifies on the alto sax while Dr. Smith stole the show with tasteful and melodic organ solos. The songs are intertwined with ballads ("Autumn in NY," "Bye Bye Blackbird") and funk ("Midnight Creeper"). Lou also sings a couple of blues (with a humorous version of Big Bill Broonzy's "Just a Dream.") Lou also makes fun of Miles Davis ("back when Miles was still playing jazz") and George W. with a dose of cynicism. Took photos with Lou and Dr. Smith (look for them soon...)

Can't believe that after 4 years of absence, I visited NYC twice in four months. It was refreshing for me to be in midst of hipness and chilly weather to bolster the Henry Chung mood, whatever that is. I'm not sure if I have fully gotten my groove back, but I can honestly say I have been injected with a shot of rhythm & blues, attitude, and love.

What is it about attractive girls cursing that is strangely erotic?

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