One of the CD’s sections - Prajna, begins with a simple, soft, musical refrain, twinkling like stars or a far of forest waterfall. The melody flows towards, and melds with, the luxury of Imee Ooi’s vocals, gently washing over us, calming, gentle, a spiritual fantasy of sound. Imee Ooi has all the grace and dignity of Irish composer, musician and singer Enya, yet with an added spirituality which ultimately gives greater depth to her airs. Like Enya, Imee Ooi delights us with her musical and vocal skills, entrancing, rapturous and maybe even Orphic in the way her music engages with us.
I had been aware of Buddhism and its philosophy for many decades. It was a sixties thing. I visited the Buddhist Centre in Bethnal Green, London, a few times and became a little more familiar with chanting and meditation. My spiritual path has been strewn with pebbles, and the occasional rock. Likewise my musical tastes, which I admit to being if not eclectic, then certainly very complex.
In my quieter moments, the soothing music of Irish Enya and her siblings in Clannad, the ambient music of Amethystium, the early music by the ex-Roxy Music Brian Eno, Vangelis with Jon Anderson vocals, the more spiritual portions of Yes and Tangerine Dream have all held their musical sway over me.
At certain times, in search of something a tad more meaningful, I would raid YouTube. During one such raid I came across a modern version of Om Mani Padme Hum, later a chant of Metta, cool clear and very very vibrant. I took no note of the singer/composer but enjoyed re-visiting the links. Over time, I became aware that the two segments of music I mentioned had been produced by a Malaysian composer, Imee Ooi. That fact fascinated me.
It is a psychological truism that once you have become aware of something, you find it everywhere. It was to be true of Imee Ooi too. I began to see her face, hear her music, notice her concerts like I had not before. I missed a grand concert in Indonesia, but was able to listen to an interview with her on YouTube. Suddenly, as if presented by some invisible, intangible hand I became aware of the Sound of Metta concert, at the Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre, featuring Imee and JSJG (Dharma Boy’s group).
The concert had been exquisite. The music heavenly. The dance divine. It melded into a delightful whole which seemed to lift not just our spirits, but our very souls. We all were transported to a different realm. To lands of lotus which budded and burst forth with flower, taking us with them, transporting us to higher realms. It was, as I mentioned earlier, holistic. The design team, the costumers, the lighting engineers and sound engineers played as much part of that performance as the dancers, singers and musicians. They came together to produce the impossible - a near perfect performance.
The music is a reminder of what we are all capable of if only, like the lotus, we stretch our heads from the mire and bask a little in the sun. Imee Ooi reminds us of that simple truth. I am indebted to her for that. In 1697, William Congreve wrote ‘Musick has Charms to sooth a savage Breast, To soften Rocks, or bend a knotted Oak.’ Imee Ooi’s music does so much more, it calms, soothes and is the perfect accompaniment to meditation. For me the music is transformative, transcendental even, it is that promised waterfall, not just to bathe in but to give solace in its balm and cool serenity. When we engage with Imee Ooi’s music we are, for its duration, held in the arms of tranquility.
On exiting the concert, I bought the CD Six Paramitas. It is with me now, here on my Mac. I listen as I write.
