On the 1st and 2nd of July, 2010 - Ratu Rock Ella will be performing at Istana Budaya (Palace of Culture), in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Ella and her band, The Love Beggars, will also be backed by the National Symphony Orchestra. If you will be anywhere near Kuala Lumpur (KL), during that time, you really don't want to miss the opportunity to hear her amazing voice, in such an incredible venue!
The voice...
I first heard Ella's sweet voice, many years ago, sometime in the early nineties, as I recall. I was in Singapore, in a car, on the way to the airport, to catch a flight back to Los Angeles. The driver was playing the song 'Dua Insan Bercinta' (Two People in Love) on the car stereo. I was truly captivated, and completely mesmerized, by the sound of her voice, in that song. So much so, that I didn't even think to ask the driver who was singing, or what was the name of the song. Unfortunately, I can neither speak nor understand Bahasa Malaysia (Malay). So, I had no idea what the title might be, or even who was the owner of that voice. I only had the sweet sound of her voice, floating gently through my mind.
Who's that Lady?
Over the many years that followed, the melody, of that song, and the sound of Ella's voice, visited my thoughts so many times. I tried to imagine who was the owner of this voice. I knew that she had to be a very special and beautiful lady. I mean...if you have ever heard this song, you will know, that only a beautiful and special soul, could produce this sound, and make it come out of her mouth.
Then, one day, in 2007, good fortune smiled upon me. I was on a China Airlines flight, to Taipei, and they had Ella's then newly released 'Rama Rama' album on the inflight entertainment system. After so many years, I immediately recognized her voice. Finally, I knew her name, and of course, in the days ahead, I was most definitely not disappointed to discover that she was indeed a very special and beautiful lady!
Treasure
Now that I knew her name, I was able to quickly discover what everyone else already knew - Ella had been rockin', and singing so sweetly, for more than twenty years! I had a lot of catching up to do.
It was just like opening a treasure chest. So many new (for me), wonderful songs to listen to. Thanks to Ella's many loyal, and adoring fans, who have uploaded her songs and videos, to the internet, I have been able to explore Ella's amazing musical career. Not only can this lady sing so sweetly, that you might cry, she can also really, really, really Rock! Her undisputed title as Ratu Rock (Queen of Rock) has been well earned!
I still hear Ella's voice the way you might listen to a piano, violin, or guitar. For me, it is like listening to an amazing, one-of-a-kind, musical instrument. Even though I can't understand the meaning of the lyrics, the soulfulness, passion, expression, and energy, of Ella's voice, requires no translation, and still touches me as deeply, as the first time I heard it...so many years ago.
Despite her brightly-shining-star quality, Ella remains a very nice, sweet, modest, and humble person. I have had the great pleasure of joining her Facebook page. She always takes the time to be friendly, appreciative, and respectful to her friends and fans. I have often observed her taking the time to reply to each person, individually, by name, thanking them. A very classy lady!
Life truly has its treasures...
I encourage everyone to come, show appreciation, and join Ella, at Istana Budaya. My bags are packed...
