“When people listen to this album, I want them to not just say it’s good for listening, but I also want them to be able to savor the positive energy and let it become the inspiration of their life.”
- Calvin Jeremy -
Even before the first album entitled “Selamanya” was released, Calvin Jeremy (19) had received good salutations in YouTube for singing the songs of John Mayer such as “Clarity” and “Friends, Lovers or Nothing”. Aside from that, he also received positive response among his fellow students during the performances he did in the high school’s events singing the theme song of a popular Japanese cartoon series using his own musical version, which ultimately produced a unique sensational sound as sustained by his talent. Eventually, his version of the song had spread within the internet sites which had come from an unknown source. Conclusively, the vocal style, choice of lyrics in composing songs and guitar chords of John Mayer had inspired Calvin in music playing. Those factors had also become Calvin’s added values as a soloist when compared to others.
Through the single hit “Dua Cinta Satu Hati” composed by Bemby Noor, Calvin had soothingly succeeded with the accompaniment of an acoustic guitar, in expressing a disenchanted feeling of a person with a betrayed love. An electric melody guitar with a wind-chimes style that emerges in the ending part of the song is an ample attraction for closure. He admitted that his personal experience had vastly helped him express the emotion in every song.
It took about three years for this fan of John Mayer, Jamie Cullum, Michael Bublé, BB King and Freddy King, to finally release his first album. He started his musical career when he was still in high school by composing an ear-catching song entitled “Selamanya”, which also had become the album’s title. His talent also attracted a renowned musician, Dian Pramana Poetra, whom after listening to the “Selamanya” song decided to arrange it. According to Calvin, composing an emotional song doesn’t always have to contain cheesy lyrics and disheartening tune, but has to have playful chords and inspiring lyrics. Using his skills in guitar and piano playing, Calvin successfully contributed 6 (six) songs, Tetap Setia, Kau Mengerti, Wanita Tak Biasa, Maaf, Sampai Disini and Selamanya. Although not all of the guitar and piano playing were done by Calvin, he was in charge in directing the musicians.
In the song “Wanita Tak Biasa”, Calvin had brought the disposition of John Mayer’s first album which was collaborated with the touch of rhythm guitar style in George Harrison’s song “Give Me Love”. The lyrics and guitar string can surely lure the ears. Guaranteed to make us hum and move our feet while listening to the song. Besides that, Calvin had incorporated an element of pop-jazz in the song “Terhempas” composed by Ika Ratih Puspa, with the arrangement of Dian Pramana Poetra, and bass sound plus piano that arouse a chillin’ atmosphere. This is the only song that has an English refrain. This song also sounds off some falsetto voice, which titivates the song.
Unlike the other songs, the one entitled “Tetap Setia”, which was inspired by the band group Samsons, Calvin plays the piano while singing. It’s natural if some modulations of his voice would remind us of Bams – Samsons. Though accompanied by just one instrument, this song had actually succeeded in producing a maximum result with the stroke of every piano key and an expressive voice. Out of the 10 songs that mostly tell about human relations, one song entitled “Kau Mengerti” is presented for God.
Well, through his initial album Selamanya, Calvin hopes he could transfer the journey of his love life he experienced, into the 10 songs having the fine distinction of sweet pop with his fresh voice. Enjoy the album!
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