Please read ( re-minisce: thanks for the link ):

Yet another letter from a doctor that wasn't published -- what's new ( Nov 12 2003 entry )

Key sentences:

"It is also time that the Press in Singapore realises that anybody can write. Anybody can string the words together. What distinguishes a journalist from a layperson is not his ease or proficiency with the language - but his sense of responsibility, and professionalism."

It's 5:30am, so forgive me if I lay off the heavy thinking for now, and talk about fluff for a bit. :)

American Idol 3

I can't be bothered to tune in to the results segment at this point in the competition. But I did check the website, and the next 2 through to the finals are Camile ( pretty Hawaiian with a voice but needs to get over a major case of stage fright ) and Matt Rogers ( footballer dude whom I've been rooting for since Day 1, woohoo! ). Granted, Matt picked the wrong song, and for some strange reason sounded super-wobbly during his semi-final performance, but the public clearly likes him, and decided he deserves another chance. Good for him. :D

And now, my review of Peter Cincotti's CD.

You can sample tracks here: CD song list

I hope you visited the link I provided a couple of days back. Make sure your computer's sound is turned on, 'cos "Sway" starts to play once the site loads -- a real treat!

Cincotti, as described in the bio, is only 20 years old, yet his resume already reads like that of a seasoned veteran, with tour dates scheduled till 2005.
High praise spews forth from numerous reputable publications, but the one that rings most true is one reporter's admiration at Cincotti's "quadruple whammy" of talent -- singer, pianist, composer and arranger. He confesses that he penned his first composition before hitting age 10, and the self-titled debut album features 3 original songs which show off his maturity and wonderful feel for the jazz genre ( ie. the upbeat "I Changed The Rules", the sweet "Are You The One?" -- written when Peter was only 13 years old! -- and the brooding "Lovers, Secrets, Lies" ).

Cincotti has a voice, no doubt about it. Young yet layered with a smoky texture, it adds just enough pizazz to his song deliveries without sounding overdone. And the fact that every single piece on the CD was specially arranged by this young man is again testament to his immense talent. The best example of this ability would definitely have to be his cover of "Sway", also a favourite with Michael Buble fans. But while the latter is backed by a big band and belts out a fast-tempo version that gets the heart thumping, Cincotti winds down and does a slow, sizzling, intoxicating about-face. His moody piano-playing on this particular piece sets the tone beautifully, making it a slow-burner that's sure to make you hot under the collar.

Yes, his skills at the ivories are indeed amazing. Sufficiently demonstrative of his many years at the keyboards ( 17 to be exact ), yet mostly steering clear of the overly dramatic ( and occasionally jarring ) antics of some other jazz musicians ( Harry Connick Jr once gave me a headache, but I can't exactly call myself a jazz expert either, so I guess it's a question of personal taste ). I love Cincotti's style. He gleefully experiments with chords and arpeggios, varying his touch between feather-light and forceful. Just listen to "Spinning Wheel", a purely instrumental solo that showcases his finger agility, and you'll be blown away.

What's additionally interesting about this album is how it sounds so fabulous despite the presence of only 3 players ( or 4 on certain tracks ), namely pianist Cincotti, David Finck on bass, Kenny Washington on drums, +/- Scott Kreitzer on saxophone. Contrast this to Buble's full orchestral accompaniment and you'll wonder if Buble would sound as good with this little.

I first came across Cincotti in a recent issue of People magazine. I bought it because of Johnny Depp and Clay Aiken, but saw a picture of Peter, perched on a piano with the description "20-year-old jazz phenom". I finally found his album at That CD Shop ( where else? :P ), and played it over the store's PA system to get a taste. Funnily enough, it didn't sound that fantastic, but I purchased the disc anyway. And guess what? It sounded terrific in the car, and even better on my Discman. This is an album that begs for intimate settings, whether you're relaxing at home alone with a glass of wine, driving to and from work, or enjoying an evening with a date or spouse. I'm more partial to plugging him in while tapping on the computer keyboard, studying my medical texts, or battling insomnia when my sleep cycle gets disrupted.

It sure doesn't hurt that he photographs like a dream -- he looks more like a boyband member than a jazz musician! With a tall, lanky frame, auburn locks and a boyishly handsome face, Cincotti is the perfect poster boy for a genre that is often favoured by an older age group -- the same way violinist Joshua Bell reeled in millions of teenage girls when his dark looks graced the cover of his CD many years earlier. Here's a guy who can hopefully draw the youngsters and introduce them to music that's classy, romantic and intelligent. The current generation of youths is constantly exposed to the likes of 50 Cent and Puff Daddy, whose songs ( such as P.I.M.P. and Shake Your Tailfeather, yeesh ) are nominated for Grammy Awards, blech. Whatever happened to good taste? Can't love -- even foreplay -- be subtle anymore?

More mainstream than Harry Connick Jr, less sedate than Norah Jones and Diana Krall, tonnes more versatile than Michael Buble, Peter Cincotti is definitely a force to be reckoned with, and clearly destined for much greater things ahead. I'm 8 years his senior, so swooning isn't appropriate :P. But there's no denying his talent. Let's hope he drops by for a concert real soon.

Verdict: Inspired and incredible. Buy it, buy it, buy it!

P.S. I'm still a loyal Clay Aiken groupie, in case you're wondering. :D