New Album: in the deep night/electric poetry (2013)
Sunday, May 5, 2013 at 10:08PM 
[Latest News on the album]
1. Get the new album today:
Buy the album online: http://azsamad.bandcamp.com/album/in-the-deep-night-electric-poetry
CDs Available at:
Candor Music at Solaris Dutamas, KL
Sixstrings at Aman Suria, PJ
Merdekarya at Petaling Garden, PJ
Toccata Studio at SS2, PJ
Drumstore at Paradigm Mall, PJ
2. From Juice Revolver Sessions #2: Az Samad & Darren Ashley (Excerpt)
Thank you Albert Ng for the video!
3. Check out the album launch photos & videos (May 28 2013)
FB Event Page: https://www.facebook.com/events/627582917256720/
Were you at the launch? Check out whether you're in the photos & tag yourself and your friends!
Photos by Tang Chun Cheuh (Facebook Photo Album)
Photos by Yin (Facebook Photo Album)
Video from kakiseni.com's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=509601582428267
Video courtesy of Wong Horng Yih:
Video from FZ.com: In The Deep Night / Electric Poetry with Az Samad
3. Listen to an exclusive track & read an interview on ISSUE Magazine #12: Magic: http://issuemagazine.wordpress.com/2013/05/12/the-main-thing-is-to-write-an-interview-with-az-samad-by-lutfi-hakim/
4. New Video from Amrita Soon's Treehouse Open Mic:
Amrita Soon invited me to perform at her Treehouse Open Mic as Featured Act. One of the songs I played was an improvised piece based on the request of the audience at Paradox Art Cafe.
This time they asked for a Penguin...lost in Africa! How creative and what fun. =)
5. Liger in Kepong
This was at The Bee, Moonshine & The Bee presents Feedback Open Mic Jaya One June Edition.
At the suggestion of the audience, I improvised a piece about a Liger in Kepong. Thanks to Nabilah Muzaffar for suggesting the liger!
[Press] 
The Star - Electric Az orchestra (June 21 2013)
BFM 89.9FM - That Music Show: Electric Poetry (June 11 2013)
WAMM - FREE Electric Guitar Showcase & Workshop by Az Samad at The Guitar Store (June 7 2013)
WAMM - Theremin & Electric Guitar Improvisation by Ng Chor Guan and Az Samad (June 5 2013)
FZ.com - On the spot with Az Samad (June 3 2013)
The Edge Financial Daily - 1 new release worth checking out In the Deep Night/Electric Poetry (May 31 2013)
TimeOutKL - Free electric guitar workshop by Az Samad (May 30 2013)
Kakiseni - Electric Guitar Showcase & Workshop by Az Samad (May 30 2013)
The Malay Mail - Soundtrack for your thoughts (May 30 2013)
Rentak Sejuta - IN DEEP WITH THE ELECTRIC POET (May 29 2013)
I.M Magazine - FREE workshop - Improv, soloing and more (May 29 2013)
Rentak Sejuta - Press Launch Coverage (May 29 2013)
Gawdeepah - JOM!: THE BIG FISH AND AZ SAMAD'S [IN THE DEEP NIGHT/ELECTRIC POETRY] ALBUM LAUNCH (May 28 2013)
WAMM - FREE electric guitar showcase/workshop at Music Master Studio by Az Samad (May 28 2013)
The New Straits Times - Az’s album launch party (May 28 2013)
Vernonchan.com - Az Samad to Launch 8th Solo Album “in the deep night/electric poetry” (May 27 2013)
The Sun Daily - Az Samad 'In the deep night/electric poetry' album Launch Party (May 26 2013)
The Star, Metro - Guitarist Az Samad plugs in and prepares to crank up the volume on his new album (May 25 2013)
TimeOutKL - Az Samad [in the deep night/electric poetry] Album Launch (May 23 2013)
WAMM - Album Launch Party: in the deep night/electric poetry by Az Samad (May 22 2013)
I.M. Magazine - You're Invited To... See you on 28 May! (May 22 2013)
Kakiseni - Az Samad [in the deep night/electric poetry] Album Launch (May 18 2013)
WAMM - FREE Solo Electric Guitar Showcase/Workshop at Drumstore, Paradigm Mall, PJ by Az Samad (May 16 2013)
I.M. Magazine - FREE showcase-workshop at Drumstore, PJ (May 16 2013)
ISSUE Magazine - “The main thing is to write.” An interview with Az Samad by Lutfi Hakim (May 15 2013)
I.M. Magazine - Free for you, Love is a Scooter (May 13 2013)
WAMM - New Video and FREE Song Download: Love is a Scooter by Az Samad (May 10 2013)
[What people have been saying about the album]
"Guitarist Az Samad has done it again with his solo album "in the deep night/electric poetry," achieving a stunning mix of virtuosic technique, creative improvisation, and sonic discovery. The album takes us through a meditative exploration of sound, each song a new story told directly through the guitar. Sit back, close your eyes, and enjoy this beautiful musical journey from beginning to end."
Carrie Jahde, Drummer, Composer, and Educator-_-_-_-_-_-_-
"in the deep night/electric poetry" Mr. Az Samad achieved a unspoken words of sounds with great compositions and fearless journey into a new world form of expressions through his ideas that gives me an inspiring feeling to create an imaginary world of sounds, magnificent creation...”
Valtinho Anastácio, Vocalist & Percussionist
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"I always love hearing Az’s new musical explorations and in this release he takes the listener on a wonderfully engaging series of improvisations – if you enjoy sweet sounding arpeggiated chords, looped textural guitars and introspective melodies then you’ll love this collection!"
Stuart Ryan, Fingerstyle Guitarist/Acoustic Columnist, Guitar Techniques.
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“Az Samad's new CD, "In the Deep Night / Electric Poetry" is a dreamer's paradise of contemplative meditation and thoughtful reflections . My favorite track is "Asteroid" as it portrays the ethereal emotions at the heart of this recording. With abstracted harmonies, slowly paced rhythms, ringing tones and subtle dissonances, Az's solo guitar embraces the peaceful beauty of traversing the omniverse while looking out across dimensions of both time and space, admiring the inherent wonder of the universe in which we are all an integral part.”
Garrison Fewell, Author, Educator, Composer-Improviser
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“These ethereal songs paint the listener with starlight. Songs of the mind and spirit, they allow us to experience the majesty of space and the depths of the heart.”
Omar Musa, poet and rapper
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"Guitarist Az Samad's latest album, ‘in the deep night/electric poetry’, is a masterpiece of different moods and textures on electric guitar. While listening I found myself thinking many of the tracks would make great music for a film. A personal favorite for me is the emotive track, Chorale.”
Anton Emery, Celtic Fingerstyle Guitarist
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"By combining melodic improvisation with generous use of effects and other sound tools, Az is able to create a listening experience that focuses on texture and atmosphere. This is music for poets, or maybe just for your inner poet."
Mason Razavi, Guitarist-Composer
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“Az Samad's new all electric guitar album, "in the deep night/electric poetry," is something I've been looking forward to for a while. Much of the first half of the album is very melodic, reflective and textural. It's as if you're sitting right in front of his guitar in the same room, listening to his fingers touch the strings, creating melodies, patterns and harmonics in a very close and personal way. If this was on vinyl and we were about to listen to side 2, Az begins by introducing new and exciting textures. This is where the ride takes a gentle turn, exploring new sonic territory. Progressively, things become more curious and visual, with the use of distortion, volume swells and other effects, all done in a tasteful way. All the while, Az displays a unique subtlety and sense of wonder, complimented by his proficiency on his instrument and his ability to present each piece with a fine precision. You always hear people says things like "this album sounds best through headphones" but I think this may really be one of those albums truly deserving of such a statement. Put on your headphones, and listen privately, and you will feel as though Az has created a personal soundtrack, just for you.”
Eric Hausmann, Multi-Instrumentalist & Composer
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"It has been my real pleasure to have known Az and his playing for about 8 years now, and to have witnessed the development of a uniquely distinctive style. Recently he’s been experimenting with looping and effects pedals, and this album bears testament to those explorations.
The decision to record a whole album of solo electric guitar with no other instruments is very brave. Az has achieved the impossible here by creating something fresh and interesting that bears repeated listening.
The album is split into two separate parts - more meditative chordal fingerstyle pieces, and others with overdubbed distorted jazz-rock solos and heavy use of effects.
The first thing that strikes you is what a wonderfully recorded album this is. The Proteus guitar sounds beautiful, whether clean or heavily processed. Az’s choice of (and use) of effects is refreshing and incredibly effective. There are a great variety of tones and sounds, which provides constant surprise and interest.
Some of the pieces develop into surprising directions over a short looped riff, others demonstrate Az’s inventive use of chords, and a harmonic sophistication that is always accessible but has a depth which bears repeated listening.
As with much of Az’s music, what is astonishing is the degree to which it is freely improvised. Many of the pieces sound like they were fully written out before the recording, when in fact they just developed as the tape rolled. This is part of Az’s genius, and makes for fascinating music.
Personal favourites? I love the use of effects on the first and last tracks (An Open Mind and In the Hall of words), and Chorale is wonderful in its Frisell-esque simplicity.
A tremendous album, which I’m going to enjoy listening to for a long time, thank you Az!"
Dylan Kay, Guitarist-Educator
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“Az's latest work is mind bending in an awe-electrifying way.”
Patrick Lim, Founder of Greenroom136
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"Electric Poetry" is just what it says. Soulful, like meditation done to you - but with an "open mind". From the contemplative musing on the space between the notes, to the intense angularity of sound, to the delicious quasi-3rd-Stream "chorale" you'll be transported into Az's exploratory & rich textured sound-world that is both stream of consciousness and considered attentive direction. You can hear him listening acutely to the process of becoming. This new voice of Az's is more about "being" than "doing" and the world needs it...Switch off the lights, & enjoy the invitation...
Helen Sherrah Davies, 5-String Violinist, Composer, Assistant Professor at Berklee College of Music
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"Az Samad is the kind of guitarist who can translate his acoustic style to an electric medium as an enhancement rather than an overstatement. We hear this in its purest form on the five new age tracks, all solo guitar, all statements of subtle flow. Of these, "Reflections on Water" presents hypnotic ostinati of tense and resolving chords, conceptually simple yet pulling us in with deep fascination. "Asteroid" feels stark with chord changes at unexpected intervals, beginning with the puzzled surprise of a first listen to Syd Barrett or early Lou Reed, and then resolving into a stately but unsettled progression as the arpeggios fill in. The five jazz and free improvisation tracks are seasoned with the rock flavor of electric guitar, two or sometimes three parts layered together via looping pedals. Of these, "In the Hall of Words" feels the most thematically complete, a rock groove emerging from a gentle bass-and-harmonics attack, with minor notes and pairs arriving on treble strings over the muted bass. These notes leave vapor trails of sustained, processed tone, building into a sad melody with real bite. If not for the drift into ragged and wavery, this piece could almost serve as a movie's closing theme. (There will, of course, be many, many sequels to that movie.)"
Alan K. Lipton of Information Sickness
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"Az Samad's intensely personal explorations (in the deep night/electric poetry) are evocative, lyrical, mystical and beautifully contemplative - reminiscent of long solitary walks through magical landscapes. His mastery and musical maturity are indisputable. Not an album you might want to dance to (unless you're a post-modern choreographer) but one you will most certainly enjoy living with and getting to know and love."
Antares
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"When discussing a largely instrumental record, the term 'lyrical' isn't one that you would expect to hear all that often. But when Az Samad plays his guitar, the sensitivity and seamlessness in his phrasing, it feels more like you are being serenaded by an otherworldy voice than listening to fingers dancing across six strings. It is absolutely lyrical. He is a true master of his craft, and this record presents yet another compelling reason as to why As Samad is one of Malaysia's most important musicians"
Gabriel Lynch, Australian troubadour
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"Listening to Az Samad’s In The Deep Of The Night/Electric Poetry Album is like watching a painter express his feelings on a blank canvas… you close your eyes and in the dark you can feel the expression of emotion like brushstrokes crafting your imagination. The guitar melodies and sounds are purposefully chosen to take the listener on an intimate, personal journey with the music."
Jennifer Thompson, Malaysian Music Industry Activist & Event Producer
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"Like a proverbial chilli, the electric guitar adds sonic bite and newfound ambient textures to Az's noted melodic fingerstlying. Comforting and familiar like a old pair boots but with a new shine and added zest that makes a good companion for long journeys."
Azmyl Yunor, Malaysian singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, academic and writer
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"I must admit that I was quite surprised during the first listen. I own a few of Az Samad's previous albums and I have seen his performances. This album is completely different from my impression of his amazing finger style performances. He tells a story in a very simple and direct way without the flashier approach. A few simple chords going through effects pedals created a very poetic image, giving listeners endless space for imagination."
Keith Tan Tyzz Chau, singer & songwriter for Platform 11
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[The Tour]
In conjunction with my upcoming solo electric guitar album launch, I'm doing a mini-tour across Klang Valley where I will perform a short electric guitar set and combine this with a talk/workshop on the electric guitar.
In these events, you can hear some live music & learn more about the process behind the scenes. I'll explain how I use looping & share tips on how to improvise.
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[The Tour Dates]
Mon: March 25 : The Venue, Pavilion, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia | Open Mic #6 hosted by Az Samad | Featured Open Mic Acts: Jia Jia & Kien Lim | Sign-ups 7:30 PM Show 8:00 PM
Mon, April 29 : The Venue, Pavilion, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia | Open Mic #7 hosted by Az Samad | Featured Open Mic Acts: Sharon Chong & Man Under Zero Effort | Sign-ups 7:30 PM Show 8:00 PM
Sun, May 19: Drumstore, Paradigm Mall, Petaling Jaya | Solo Electric Guitar Showcase/Workshop | 8 PM | FB Event Page
Mon, May 20 : The Venue, Pavilion, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia | Open Mic #8 hosted by Az Samad feat. Khaimano & Bihzhu | Sign-ups 7:30 PM Show 8:00 PM
Sat: Feb 23: May Readings @ Seksan Gallery, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia | Az Samad: Electric Guitar | 3:30PM-6PM | Free Admission
Tues, May 28: Merdekarya | Az Samad [in the deep night/electric poetry] Album Launch | 8:00 PM | Free Admission
Thurs, May 30: Moonshine: A Homemade Music Show | Az Samad Solo Guitar | 9:30 PM | Stonebay, Az Samad, Quirky Qwerty and Tilu
Sat, June 1: Music Master Studio, Petaling Jaya | Solo Electric Guitar Showcase/Workshop | 8:00 PM | FB Event Page
Sat, June 8: Interview on BFM - That Music Show | 3:00 PM
Tues, June 11: The Bee, Jaya One, Petaling Jaya| Feedback Open Mic feat. Ray Cheong & Az Samad | Solo Electric Guitar
Thur, June 13: Rojak Sessions #5 | Merdekarya, Petaling Garden, PJ
Fri, June 14: SPARTFEST 2013 @ Taylor's Lakeside | Open Mic Event | 8:00 PM
Sat, June 15: The Guitar Store, Cheras | Solo Electric Guitar Showcase/Workshop | 8:00 PM | FB Event Page
Tues, June 18: Merdekarya, Petaling Garden, PJ | Az Samad Solo Guitar | 8:00PM Open Mic | 9:00 PM Show
Fri, June 21: The Whiteaways Arcade, (Lot22a, Lebuh Pantai) | Az Samad Solo Electric Guitar | Asia By Asians Exhibit for Obscura Festival | 9:00 PM
Sat, June 22: Az Samad Solo Electric Guitar Showcase/Workshop at Gurney Plaza | 5:00 PM
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[PAST SHOWCASE/WORKSHOPS]
FB Event Page: https://www.facebook.com/events/361387623983871
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Solo Electric Guitar Showcase/Workshop at Music Master Studio, PJ
FB Event Page: https://www.facebook.com/events/369102346533167/
Photos from the workshop: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151406838491408.1073741890.45501591407&type=3
Sotong Visits Vegas
So is it really true that what happens to the Sotong in Vegas stays in Vegas?
I conducted an electric guitar showcase & workshop at Music Master Studio on 1 June as part of my Electric Poetry tour. Great to meet all the PJ folks, Music Master Studio was packed to the brim!
This is an improv piece based on the suggestions of the audience - some one wanted a Sotong, and another person recommended Vegas.
Free Admission.
[When?]
Saturday
June 1st 2013
8pm
[Where?]
Music Master Studio
16 , Jalan SS2/10,
Petaling Jaya,
47300,
Selangor,
Malaysia.
Email : info@musicmaster.com.my
Phone : (6)0378753428
Fax : (6)0378753428
Mobile : (6)012-2892790
URL : http://www.musicmaster.com.my/
Map: http://www.musicmaster.com.my/contact-us.html
FB Event Page: https://www.facebook.com/events/369102346533167/
Solo Electric Guitar Showcase/Workshop at Drumstore, Paradigm Mall, PJ
FB Event Page: https://www.facebook.com/events/141443429376210
Photos from the workshop: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151380962336408.1073741878.45501591407&type=1
The T-Rex Song!
This was taken during my Electric Poetry tour. One of the youngest member of the audience suggested a DINOSAUR when I asked for a favourite animal. And she specifically wanted a T-rex. And so I wrote a song for her on the spot =)
Free Admission!
[When?]
Sunday
May 19 2013
8pm
[Where?]
Drumstore, Paradigm Mall, PJ
1F-20, No 1
Jalan SS 7/26A
Kelana Jaya
47301 Petaling Jaya
Selangor
Phone: +603 7887 7301
HQ Email: askme@drumstore.com.my
Outlet Email:dspm@drumstore.com.my
FB Event Page: https://www.facebook.com/events/141443429376210
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[Supported by]
I'm happy to announce that I'm now part of the epic roster of artists such as Alex De Grassi, Mike Dawes, Kaki King and Chris Thile who use Elixir Strings!
Thank you Elixir Strings & Guitar Collection Sdn Bhd for the creative support. Am proud to endorse the strings!
[Amps]
Thank you to Candor Music & ZT Amplifiers for the Lunchbox Amp & cabinet to be used on the tour!
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Do you have an iPhone or iPad? =)
Tracks are currently available on Omvana, an app for IOS devices including 1 free track, 'in space'. Download the app now at: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/omvana/id595585396?mt=8
[About the album]
It started with a guitar.
Back in 2009, I met guitar builder William Jeffrey Jones at the Healdsburg Guitar Festival. That's also where I first tried the Proteus electric guitar that is now my main electric guitar. There's something special about finding an instrument that inspires your music. That led to my first solo electric guitar album 'The Amsterdam Recordings' in 2012. Now, in 2013 - I'm exploring electric guitar with live looping and guitar effects.
The pedalboard setup for electric poetry
Stay tuned for more about the album. =)
For now, if you're in KL, hope you can make it for the album launch:
Learn more about the Album launch here: https://www.facebook.com/events/627582917256720/
[Album Launch]
To celebrate my 8th solo release, I'm having an album launch at Merdekarya & you're invited!
This album is very different than my previous solo releases which have been mostly acoustic guitar prior to last year's 'the amsterdam recordings.' (Music video from last year's album is below)
Be among the first to listen to the electric guitar textures, effects and looping in this upcoming album.
To add to the celebrations, there will be some performances from guest musicians, singer-songwriter Anna Chong, fingerstyle guitarist (and my student), Lai Ze Ren & Ng Chor Guan on solo theremin.
I'll also be performing some music from the new album! =)
Limited handmade numbered copies of [in the deep night/electric poetry] CD will available for purchase at the event.
[When?]
Tuesday
28 May 2013
8pm
[Where?]
Merdekarya
352, Jalan 5/57,
Petaling Garden,
46000 Petaling Jaya,
Malaysia.
Click here for detailed map & directions: http://merdekarya.com/How_to_get_there.html
Featuring performances by:
Az Samad [solo electric guitar]
Ng Chor Guan [solo theremin]
Anna Chong [singer-songwriter]
Lai Ze Ren [acoustic fingerstyle guitar]
Album launch FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/events/627582917256720/
Free Admission. All are welcome!
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