A Change of Plans: Contrafacts and Vocalese

A Change of Plans: Contrafacts and Vocalese

What does a singer do when they like a song a lot, but it's not quite written for a singer? They sing it anyway and add their own lyrics—that's vocalese. What does a composer do when they adore a tune's harmony a lot, but have some of their own ideas too? They keep the chords, write a new melody—that's a contrafact.

This project, led by pianist Rachma Lim and with collaborative creative direction from Sarah-Kei Lauw and guitarist Ernest Tan, is continuously evolving. Their guiding philosophy is to celebrate the common thread among jazz musicians—a love for new discoveries, for creativity and spontaneity, and for change(s).

Join their band as they showcase some of their favourite tunes (some of which may not be recognised as contrafacts!) like More and Mo's, Out of Nowhere and Nostalgia. Look forward to vocalese from the original pioneers like Annie Ross and Eddie Jefferson, to today's stars like Veronica Swift and Samara Joy, and featuring some of Sarah-Kei's very own vocalese lyrics. It's sure to be an afternoon of great fun and new surprises.

With a stellar sextet comprising:

Sarah-Kei Lauw, Vocals

Tete Saxman, Alto Sax

Ernest Tan, Guitar

Rachma Lim, Piano

Umar Zakaria, Double Bass

Nathaniel Ng, Drums