Josh was born in Malaysia and grew up in a home filled with love and music.
He showed an early interest and gift in music by picking up simple piano playing by ear at the age of 3.
He started playing the piano from the age of 5, specialising in improvisation by listening.
At the age of 15, Josh also showed a keen interest in the drums, an instrument he had not had a chance to play or be exposed to.
Taking some early lessons, Josh showed promise by possessing a good sense of rhythm and showing a quick rate in improvement.
By this time, the piano had become Josh's first love and he was playing the piano in high school musicals, including reproductions of "Miss Saigon" and "Oklahoma".
He began playing regularly in small groups and duos, focusing on accompaniment for solo and duet vocals.
Josh joined the swing band in high school for an opportunity to develop his ability on the drums.
Although leaving home was hard to do, Josh moved to the UK to attend university, and found his feet quickly by earning the position as resident pianist at an award-winning fine dining restaurant.
He stepped his way onto the drum throne of the incredible University Big Band, gigging regularly.
Three amazing years later, Josh found himself playing in the Montreux Jazz Festival with the Big Band.
Upon graduating from university, Josh has moved his focus to drums and has plays sessions and in funk bands, Big Bands, and jazz quartets
including Moment's Notice and resident jazz quartet for JAM, a regular jazz evening at Warwick University.
In addition to his love for playing jazz, Josh has also collaborated with up and coming artistes across the UK in private functions, sessions and
showcases, playing a variety of music styles, including latin, pop and funk.
In the near future, Josh is looking to get involved in exciting new music projects, ideas and thoughts are welcome on a postcard please!
Friday, November 26, 2004
full-time musician
Part I
Over the past couple weeks, I've pretty mad when it comes to playing music. On most days, it doesn't seem to have been any less than 4 hours daily playing. I find that pretty astonishing - considering I'm not a professional musician or a music student. Did 4 nights a week at the restaurant, daily carolling practices, a couple BigBand practices & the National Concert Band Festival Competition, played 4 services & a wedding in church, as well as the X-Raya performance last night.
That's a lot.
And I'm 4 hours away from leaving to Dublin on tour with the Big Band..
UNIVERSITY OF WARWICK THE BIG BAND LIVE IN DUBLIN! 26 NOVEMBER 2004
.. after which I'll be performing at the SingSoc Christmas dinner.
This leads me to the big Question :-
Am I a musician or a computer science/business student?
Part II
Last Sunday at church, Pastor Barry approached me with a word of calling for me - and asked what my plans were after I graduate. Thinking it was just casual conversation, I told him that I had yet to decide - but there were possibilities of me staying in the UK. He went on to ask me what I would think of staying in Coventry to be a worship musician/director. He even told me about the possibility of getting me a work permit so I could stay. Quite understandably, I was stunned for a moment.
However, after chatting with him and having a think over, the idea began to sound incredible in my head. I realised how pleasant it was, and how great it would be to do it - maybe not quite the way he had suggested, but possibly if I managed to get a job nearby - and it would be an absolutely fantastic plan. Furthermore, the work permit would help me get a job - which would otherwise prove difficult. Isn't that SO AMAZING?
God really is marvellous. He never fails to surprise me. The sacrifices and hardships I went through during summer (when I chose to come back early to lonely Coventry) prepared me for this moment - even though at the time, I was wondering why on earth I had come back to a "ghost" town. My dreams, my calling, and my true love for God & music have been recognised through this conversation, and it's something I will be praying about every day.
Highlights Of The Day
All the nice comments I received about the X-Raya performances. Thank you all so much, but you guys ROCKED - especially you JAMMERS!
BigBand Rehearsal was so much fun - even though I didn't get to do Conspiracy Theory or Cakes. I'll get to tomorrow.
Chatmate Of The Day Little Adeline. So cute, so sweet & so angelic. So nice. :)
josh: n. 24-year-old male stuck in the corporate financial world of professional services, who spends more time playing the drums and piano than anything else - apart from eating or sleeping.
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