TELLING SONGS

SOME singers have to hold their spot in the limelight or retain a good image to keep their fans. Not so for Jamal Abdillah. It doesn't matter if he hasn't come out with an album for many years or held any concert in all the 15 years of his music career. Fans seem to accept him as he is and have overlooked his "wrongdoings".

Jamal is one privileged singer who can slip in and out of his singing career like the oft-used phrase "now you see him, now you don't" and yet still has a faithful following.

Someone said that almost every house in Teluk Intan has Jamal's songs. Such is his popularity back in his hometown.

The scenario is almost the same in Kuala Lumpur too. Anyone can say anything about this golden-voiced singer; the fact remains that Jamal still makes news and is a big hit. This was evident at his first ever solo concert at Dewan Merdeka, Putra World Trade Centre, in the capital last weekend.

Isn't it strange that a singer of Jamal's stature was giving a concert only now, after all these years?

It's understandable why Jamal said he had felt awkward when officials of Charge (a sports drink company), the main sponsor for the solo concert, said they wanted to organise this concert together with Kay Productions, the company that manages Jamal's career.

The concert took off a little past 9pm. Fans had waited patiently for this special concert. Although there had been very little promotion and on-air publicity for the concert, the turnout was good. Jamal's hard-core fans forked out RM70, RM100, RM180 or RM240 just to watch him sing for two hours.

Jamal was backed all the way by the DBKL (City Hall) orchestra led by conductor Ishak Ali Muda. There was no elaborate set on the stage except for a huge black and white poster of Jamal Abdillah as a backdrop. It was quite a bare stage. Everything was kept minimal - from the lighting and decor to the props.

The only saving grace that evening was Jamal's high spirits and the enthusiastic audience. It was as if they empathised with Jamal especially when he tackled the all too familiar Seniman Menangis (Tears of an Artiste) - a song about the plight of a singer groping to find the true light at the end of the tunnel, something that cuts quite close for Jamal.

Jamal's strong vocal range, melodiously atuned to each song, was something that his fans savour with much appreciation.

Each time he hit the high notes, they clapped and cheered wildly. "Interruptions" in the form of whistles were heard, especially when the lyrics came too close to the reality of Jamal's life.

At one point, an overwhelmed Jamal managed to say: "I can't believe I have so many fans and you are here for me," when he saw the huge turnout at the hall.

But most of the time, his interaction with fans was kept to a minimum. He only made a bit of small talk, cracked a few jokes now and then, but throughout the concert, Jamal was his usual self - a man of few words, a recluse and an honest singer who sings what he knows best: his life story.

Songs like Aku (Me), Sepi Seorang Perindu (A Loner's Longing), Keluhan Perantau (A Traveller's Plight), Nasib Diriku (My Destiny), Mati Hidup Semula (Born Again), Takdir Penentu Segala (Fate Decides All) and Perjalananku (My Journey) were very telling.

These popular tunes were the favourites that evening. It was obvious the songs held a special place in Jamal's heart because they depict what he went through in his life.

He also crooned songs about matters of the heart. It was a signal for the audience to drown themselves in melancholic thoughts when Jamal sang the soulful Kembalilah (Please Come Back) with singer Intan Sarafina, his duet partner of the evening. The lyrics are about an unfaithful husband who strays away from his faithful wife.

Then came his other memorable numbers, Kekasih Awal Dan Akhir (My First and Last Love) and Di Mana Bayanganmu (Where Is Your Shadow?).

All these songs were poignant and evoked nostalgia. One member of the audience who was visibly affected was his special guest, Basariah "Dee" Latiff, Jamal's ex-wife and former manager of eight years.

Jamal showed off his limited skills with the guitar by doing a medley with professional guitarist M. Shahdan in Bunga Pujaan, Ku Sangka Siang Kiranya Malam, Tuhan and Azura.

Although he missed a few bars, skipped some lines and jumbled the lyrics, it made no difference as far as the audience was concerned. They were obviously entertained.

The former Binatng RTM champ concluded the show with the beautiful and catchy Samrah Mentari. Unfortunately, there were no encores and the show ended on a rather abrupt note.

Members of the audience, looking lost, were seen dragging their feet out of the hall, not knowing what to expect next. When lucky draws were announced, most of the audience had already left the hall.

With so many hits from his 24 albums, Jamal couldn't help leaving out some popular tunes. But then, it was impossible for him to include everyone's favourite hits.

Jamal's performance may not have reached a level where he can be billed an entertainer in the way Anita Sarawak is, but he is definitely in a class of his own. The concert was truly entertaining for everyone especially those who grew up listening to his songs.

One went home feeling sentimental and mushy thinking of the heartfelt cries of a Seniman that is Jamal!

BY ZIEMAN - PUBLISHED 14/8/2001