04-019
Busking CD
Life is full of choices and
regrets.
It was a sunny weekend back in
the early 2019. I was walking with my son in Central. We have just taken the
Star Ferry from Tsimshatsui and was on the way to the Exchange Square for a bus
back home. Enroute, I saw a band busking on a footbridge.
I am dump about music. I did not
know what music they were playing. Their instruments also looked strange to me.
I had no idea what they are. But their music was so good and attracted a large
group of people.
My son has ADHD. If you have
come across any ADHD kids, you will know that it is difficult to have them standing
still on the street, listening to live music. I wanted to stay there for a little
while. But if I did that, my son would start yelling. I knew I should better
keep walking. And just before I left, I found that the band was also selling
CD.
“Should I buy their CD? Then I
can enjoy their music at home. I can also find out where they come from and
what music they are playing.” But after struggling for a few seconds, I decided
not to buy. Their CD was selling at $200, which is a bit over my budget. And I
did not even have a hi-fi at home.
I started to regret soon after I
have arrived home.
Busking CD
On the next day, I went back to
the footbridge, hoping to see the band again. But they were gone. I told
myself, “Next time when there is a good busker, just grab the CD and skip the
dinner.” However, that seemed to be an easy task suddenly became very difficult.
Just months later, Hongkong went
into chaos. And a few more months later, the whole world went into chaos.
Foreigners were no more. Local
buskers were still busking in this semi-lockdown city. But I have not seen any of
them selling CD. We locals have all migrated to YouTube, Instagram and Facebook
for years. In fact, many houses do not even have a CD player nowadays.
Hongkong has opened its border
to foreigners since early last year. With the lift of compulsory quarantine in
last September, Hongkong has seen a gradual increase in inbound travelers from
overseas. And I am so glad to meet Pepito GJ in Wanchai this week.
Pepito GJ busking in Wanchai
I was in a hurry. I needed to
fix my internet bill and be back home before 7:30. But I was stopped by Pepito’s
music. Pepito GJ is a musician who plays gypsy jazz. As I am dumb about music,
I do not know what gypsy jazz is. I have not heard of Pepito neither. But I just
love his music. Not allowing myself to have another regret this time, I dumped
$200 into his hat and grabbed his 2 CDs.
The 2 CDs by Pepito GJ
Busking CDs are usually
self-produced and sold by the buskers themselves, either on the street or
online. They contain music recorded by a busker, which is a street performer
who plays music for voluntary donations. Busking CDs can be a way for buskers
to share their music with a wider audience, earn some extra income, and promote
their artistic identity.
Most of the busking CDs are
limited production. They are rare and unique recordings that are not available
in mainstream or digital platforms. Pepito’s CDs are nothing exceptional. They are
made by recordable CDs and did not come with a jewel case. I am so glad to add
his CDs in my music collection.
Swing 39, Love, Blue drag, Honey suckle rose,
Bossaka & Improvisation
His new album titled “Gypsy Jazz” contains 9 songs:
Welcome to Hongkong, Pepito and thanks for bringing your music here.
His music is also on YouTube and
Instagram.
Go back to the Lobby ...
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