A Compilation EP by Oops! Asia artists – Patrick Leong, Liang, Juwita Suwito & Altered Frequency

It all started a couple of days after the Asian Tsunami rocked the coasts of the Indian Ocean . Moved by the thousands of lives that were lost and millions more who were plunged into desperate circumstances, Patrick Leong penned the song ‘Through the Rain' with the following a message…

“For comfort and peace in this moment of grief
Look above, beyond the hills… there's a light you can find
In this moment of need, there's Someone who heals
To walk you through the rain with His loving embrace”

Patrick Leong had his first single, ‘Angel Tears' released by YTL after he opened Pavarotti's Concert in Pangkor Laut as a tribute to victims of the September 11 incident which occurred in 2001. In 2003, he wrote ‘Open Arms', for survivors of the Bali bomb blast. The song was recorded in his debut solo album, ‘For Your Love', released in June the same year.

This time, other label mates from Oops Asia decided to come alongside and contribute their own songs to what was to become the ‘Through The Rain' Compilation EP. The concept of a ‘hope-through-rough-times' themed EP had been conceived months ago, but it wasn't until now that the need became evident. Each of the artists had gone through their own difficult phases and had written songs in response to those dark nights, which they wanted to share with the world in her time of shock and anguish.

One of the songs came to be during a full moon, but a dark night nonetheless for singer-songwriter-rapper-(who also plays the keys) Liang , a relatively ‘new name' in the music industry. His lively personality, even as he describes himself as a person who's doin' what he loves doin' , may camouflage the deep-thinkin' side of the lad who so aptly wrote…

“Cos life without the pain renders joy of worthless gain cos we know not
how to appreciate having not experienced walking through the narrow lane.
If we rage against the flow, our fruits of labour time will show, we will grow…”

He fused his experience with his urban/r&b/hip-hop style of music while tinkering at the piano, taking in the calming effect of a nearby lake. The result was ‘Silver Linings' , a song about learning to look at the brighter side of things and pressing on in spite of the odds.

Another response to tough circumstances is simply to learn from it. Positive dependence, despite the barrage of messages exhorting us to be in dependent, was the magic pill discovered by Juwita Suwito . The vocal coach for Malaysian Idol, who is slowly but surely gaining recognition in the region as a versatile singer-songwriter, decided to contribute Track #2 from her recently released debut solo album ‘Brand New World'. “All too often we try to get on with life our own way. We try to get to our destination using our self-drawn roadmaps. And it isn't until we're in the dark that we almost reluctantly flail our arms about, and discover that a hand's been waiting there all this while to lead us through a better path,” says Juwita when talking about what inspired her to write ‘ Only In The dark' . She continues, “And imagine… that's the One who single-handedly created the universe… wouldn't He have a better view of things?” she chuckles.

Incidentally, it's the same hand that reaches down and wipes the tears away in 6-man band Altered Frequency 's catchy edgy-retro-rock tune, and says…

“Don't worry, trust in me, I can see
The Sun Will Shine Again … you can smile again”.

This song adds a different dimension to the music in Altered Frequency's debut album ‘Exalt'. Hear it once and it will ring in your mind even hours later.

Singer-guitarist-songwriter Andy Yeoh relates his inspiration behind the song:

“Many years ago, I saw dark storm clouds covering the sky, and any light from the sun had been covered up by the mighty clouds, like a huge blanket over a lamp. The mood was dark and depressing… Then I began to see, after a while, it stopped raining, and the dark clouds beginning to part. And as they parted, the sky became brighter and brighter. Rays of light began to penetrate the clouds. Before long, the majestic sun came out in full glory, and illuminated the atmosphere. Light has returned. Hope… is alive!

I began to think about life and how we sometimes go through tough situations – like a storm that comes and floods your life with difficulties and problems. But although the storms are real and the pains are real, I realised the storm doesn't always last. Even the darkest of storms will pass. The rain will stop. The flood will subside. The clouds will part. The storm will end. And the sun will shine again.

There is hope. There is always hope if we believe. And just because the clouds have come, doesn't mean the sun has gone. It's still there. The sun still shines. We just don't see it because the clouds have blinded us. But we must know that it's still there. It's just a matter of time before we see the storm with its cloud give way. And the sun shines on our lives again.”

‘Through The Rain' is dedicated to all who bravely face each new day in anticipation of the silver linings. May you find the hope that will be to you ‘a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.'

- Oops Asia

In the late 70's HT Long won many Elvis Presley singing contests, talent shows and musical competitions. In 1989, the Lord Jesus touched him and he was never the same again. In 1994, he left his video and restaurant businesses and started to use his God given talent and versatile voice to share the Gospel of Christ. He has since ministered in more than 500 churches in Malaysia and all over the world. HT Long has recorded 5 Gospel albums.

The King is alive is a special collection of Gospel Golden Hymns sung by HT Long in his unique Elvis Presley style. Song like Honey In The Rock, Milky White Way, Rock of Ages, One Thing I Ask Of The Lord, Wonderful World, This World Is Not My Home and Let Me Be There are featured in this album.

The New Season contains original songs by Penang's prolific song writer KB Chan. The album was recorded in Chenaniah Studio and produced by James Yee and KB Chan.

Contact : KB Chan - Tel : 012-4839061 or E mail sweetincense@hotmail.com

This is a rare Malaysian production of traditional hymns recorded as a Karaoke VCD. Traditional hymns such as What a friend, It is well, Old rugged cross, Just as I am, Amazing Grace, I surrender all, Blessed assurance are recorded in the album. This VCD can be used for singing hymns in small meetings. The album is produced by Christian Music Malaysia. The music is suited mainly an adult audience.

E mail: luke@tm.net.my
Telephone : 60-3-78037285

This is a tribute album which the Youth of Shekinah Glory recorded in memory of their 3 members who were killed in a waterfall accident. The 3 youths who died were Kyyern Lim (1984-1999), Micah Chan (1982-1999) and Mervyn Tan (1980-1999). Although the album was recorded about a year after the death, the songs still reflect sadness and the struggles of the youth as they overcame this tragedy. As the album was done mainly by youths, the recordings cannot be compared to other higher budget professional recordings. Nevertheless, the sincerity of the authors and the emotional heart beat of the songs are very real and you can almost feel the sadness in some of the songs. Perhaps the lyrics of the title track written by Kysern who lost his younger brother tells the whole story.

You will never be erased from the pages of my memories, And I know beyond this sunset, there will come a day when I will see you face to face again 
Though years may pass and seasons change
Here by my side you will remain
I'll hold you close I won't let go
Though tears may fall I will be strong
I'll hold on to hope, I'll carry on
There's comfort within this I know
I'll meet you at the mountain top someday
And you will never fade away.

Excerpts from the song "Beyond this Sunset" written by Kysern Lim

The other songs in the album were written by Amelia Tan, Diana Chong, David Gan, Peter Teh, Alex Tan, Lisa Gan, Yin Har and Pamela Khoo. This is indeed a very emotional recording.

Website: www.starmaker.com.my

E-mail: hamnail@tm.net.my

The Hymnsmen  is  an inter denominational group  whose members are from different churches.  The group is made up of people from different professions such as  Directors, Businessmen, Qualified Accountants, IT programmers , Financial controller, Traders, International Forwarders, Technicians,  Advertising Media Consultants. They have been performing in many churches across Malaysia.

Hymnsmen Evergreen their  collection of 13 beautiful hymns and traditional songs.  The songs are arranged in a traditional style with the main focus on vocals and harmony.  The group travels often to churches and special meetings to minister in  music. Among the songs in the album are Jesus use me, Give them all to Jesus, Let the fires of revival, Let the flame burn brighter, Because He lives, O Mighty Cross, My God is real.

E mail: tttc@streamyx.com
E mail:  rmchia@streamyx.com

PASSION CRY is a live worship recording of CLGC original songs. The recording was done in Vineyard Christian Fellowship, United States . The church has taken considerable effort to record their debut album. All the songs featured were written and arranged by various members of CLGC. You will be able to catch the dynamic worship in this church through the album.

Website: www.soulsurvivormalaysia.com

E mail: my_soulsurvivor@ yahoo.com

Minni K. Ang is an exceptional musician and intellectual. She hold a PHD in music technology and writes her own songs, arranges, sequences and produces her own music, and sings her own solos. A classically trained musician, she has been working in the field of music technology since 1996. Her music covers a variety of genres, from pop to easy listening to crossover classical, all of them tuneful. I'll never Say Goodbye is her debut Gospel album.

Email: Minni Ang - kimhuai@musician.org

In the late 60s and early 70s, HT Long was popularly known as the Elvis Presley of Malaysia. That was the title he won at many Elvis Presley singing competitions and talent shows including Mr. Golden Voice. In 1989, he was miraculously touched by the Lord Jesus Christ. Since then, his life was never the same again. He left his restaurant and video businesses and now dedicates his life into full time ministry.

He now uses his talents and incredible versatile singing voice to help spread the Gospel and has ministered in hundreds of Churches, evangelistic rallies and charity concerts throughout Malaysia, Singapore and around the world.

A GIFT OF LOVE is a collection of Christmas songs produced by Paul Augustin together with some of the top Christian musicians in Malaysia. Many of the traditional Christmas carols are rearranged to make them very artistic and contemporary. Aseana Percussion Unit produced 2 carols "What Child is this" and "Joy to the World". David Gomes produced the song "Away in a manger".

Aubrey Suwito produced his own composition "Believe in Him". This is a beautiful song sung by his sister Juwita Suwito. Allan Perera produced "Gift of love" which was written by Goh and Paul Augustin. The Solianos, Mark David and The Lohs also contributed songs for this album

This is a great Christmas album to keep as the songs are so well arranged, they will leave you pleasantly surprised.

E-mail: paulcap@pd.jaring.my

Danny Cheh

Danny Cheh originates from the Community Baptist Church, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia. He graduated from Berklee College of Music, Boston. Presently, he resides in Boston where he is the Music Director of Morning Star International Church. He released his album Love Letters in 1999. Love letters was recorded in Boston. The album contains 12 songs written by him. The songs are very contemporary with styles from R&B to rap. The songs are well arranged and will be very appealing to the younger generation.

Some of his songs have very catchy tunes that will grow on you. One such song is "Anything Goes". The song has a fun side to it which attracts you after you have listened to it several times. Another song "Jesus is within me" is written to reflect his struggles with self acceptance in his younger days.

Danny write his songs from his heart. His songs reflect his walk with God. He shares his struggles, his joy and his opinion of life in his songs. His ministry and burden is very much to the youth and as such , his music is written primarily to minister to the youth.

Danny Cheh: deeceemusick@yahoo.com
Christina Cheh: touchcoms@cbcpj.po.my

Tel : 603-7874 0103

KING OF KINGS is a Contemporary Christmas Musical by Renewal Lutheran Church, Petaling Jaya released in 1999. The album is produced and arranged by Jose Thomas and Simon Justin Leo. This album consists of many traditional Christmas carols like "O Come all Ye faithful", "Angels we have heard of high", "Hark the herald angels sing" and "Joy to the world" . These carols however are arranged in a very modern manner and will make leave pleasantly surprised.

The "Hallelujah Chorus" from Handel's Messiah is also included in this album and is performed in an outstanding manner by RLC's choir.. Secular songs such as "I will follow Him" made famous by Sister Act is also included in the album. The album is a combination of interesting songs, arranged in a modern manner for pleasant listening. However, there are no original Malaysian songs in this album but the musicians, choir and musical ideas are all from RLC.

Website: http://www.oasisofcare.org

Tel: 603-7956 4236
Fax: 603-7956 6460

HE IS THE ONE was released in October 2001. The album consist of 12 songs written by Vincent Ramesh and his friends. Vincent has previously released a Christmas album several years ago.

Vincent Ramesh has brought together a team of talented musicians from different churches to record this album. The album is produced by Vincent together with Don Stevens. The music is contemporary with lots of fancy guitar work by Luke Sanjay.

E-mail: vmichael75@hotmail.com

STRETCHED FOR HIS GLORY is a live worship recording by NLRC. The recording was done in the church itself , using all their original songs. Aalva Jitab and Yee Yew Weng, both from NLRC co-produced this album.

E-mail: nlrc@pc.jaring.my

History

Senoi is the indigenous people (Orang Asli) of Malaysia.

In 1930, Nupitopoloe, a Batak Lutheran missionary started one of the earliest missionary efforts to reach the Senoi in Tapah, Perak. The Lutheran Church in Malaysia and Singapore (LCMS) assumed responsibility over this mission work in 1972. Through these years, the LCMS has learned that to effectively reach out to the Senoi, it is necessary to have their own people ministering to them.

Kampung Sekau, a Senoi settlement at the 7th mile Cameron Highlands, is now the pioneering project towards this end. Pas. Jensey Mojuin and his wife Pas. Reekha Malanjang are now ministering in Kampung Sekau settlement to about 130 Senoi Christians.

Objectives of the album

• to raise funds to construct, furnish and equip a multi-purpose building in Kampung Sekau which will serve as a Church, a lay training education center, a library and a Kindergarten.

• to offer scholarships for secondary school children and tertiary education to the Orang Asli children

• To create a wider awareness of the ministry to the Orang Asli.

THE ALBUM - JENALA SENOI

This album is a collection of Malay/Senoi songs sung by Senoi children. These are the worship songs often used by the Orang Asli during their services. For further information, please contact:-

Holy Light Lutheran Church
Tel : 60-3-90576664
E mail : hllc@pd.jaring.my

Vani and Marshall Francis are a husband and wife team actively involved in the music ministry for several years. Vani is gifted with a great and soothing voice which will surely capture your hearts. Marshall leads the worship team of the Gospel Lighthouse Church at Kuala Lumpur. This album contains some of our all time favorite Gospel songs like Via Dolorosa, He's alive (Don Francisco) and Holy and anointed one (John Bernett).

This album by husband and wife team, Vani and Marshall Francis contains some favorite Gospel songs like “I'll never be the same” (Geoff Bullock), Let Your Spirit fall (Kent Henry), Power of Your love (Geoff Bullock), They could not (Ron Harris/Claire Clonninger).

This album is a collection of Psalms written into songs by Alfred Lee. Alfred is a gifted Malaysian songwriter residing in the United States. So you will literally be singing the Psalms in songs. Sylvester Nicholas and Alfred Lee co-produced this album. Sylvester's wife, Juliana sung lead vocals for most of the songs, with her soprano voice.

The album very traditional and devotional in genre and will minister very much to the older generation who love such worship styles. The songs do carry an anointing, so playing the songs may leave you experiencing God's peace and joy.