Bevlyn’s thoughts: Overjoyed
We have performed at the Grand Hyatt quite often, but singing in the Grand Ballroom was a first for me. I was delighted to find a stage extended into one side of the room; it seemed to be an area designed exclusively for band performances!
I had not met Jolene and Willie before the wedding; I was once again thankful for their faith in us!
Watching the video of their customary wedding amused me because Willie was a very sporting person. One of the tasks he had to accomplish before he could receive his bride was to sing 小薇 (Little Wei), but with the name of the female character changed to “Jolene”.
Another song he sang with his “brothers” (what we call groomsmen) was a popular Hokkien number Zi Ki Sio Hoh Swah (A Little Umbrella). Thinking he might want to serenade Jolene with another number, I approached him with the request to sing her a song. However, he turned down my offer with a pained look on his face – apparently the “sister troop” (bridesmaids) had really tired him out!
Most of the songs were jazz and we were at first apprehensive if the majority of the guests would appreciate them. Hence we were thrilled when we received thunderous applause for most of the songs, and even shouts of “Encore!” for one of them. We were also flattered when we received requests to sing I Don’t Wanna Sleep Alone, Leaving On A Jet Plane and Beautiful Sunday; one guest even came up to us and ask if we could sing Mandarin songs. The support we received was simply overwhelming!
Band: Bevlyn, Ein Ein & Marvin
L-R: Ein, Bevlyn, Jolene, Willie and Marvin
Photo by Bernard of Avenue 8
It was our first time working with Marvin, a jazz saxophonist who was unassuming despite his credentials and amazing talent! We do hope to work with him again when he could spare us some free time from his teaching profession.
Repertoire:
Just The Way You Are, Fallen, Love Me Tender, Can’t Take My Eyes Off You, L-O-V-E, C’est Si Bon, Can’t Help Falling In Love, The Look Of Love, My Cherie Amour, I Love You, Crazy Little Thing Called Love, The Way You Look Tonight, Overjoyed
Song to Recommend:
First time I sang Overjoyed by Stevie Wonder. Musically, this is one of the hardest songs to sing because of the numerous key-changes. But boy, I was so glad Jolene requested for it!
Compliments from Jolene:
Hi Bevlyn,
Was thinking of emailing you as well… So sorry that we couldn’t speak to u that night but we were really really impressed by your voice..Heard many raves about your band from our guests as well. I was equally worried that my guests may not appreciate the “jazzy tunes” but it turned out more than a success.. haha..
Anyway hope u have enjoyed our wedding and I will definitely recommend your band to my “marrying” frenz!
Cheerios
Jolene
