Freedom Badge
Produced, written and composed by Jason Khaw.
Recorded and engineered by Andre Ricardo, Fernando Ricardo, Jason Khaw.
Mixed by Andre Ricardo.
Mastered by Curtis Hatton, Studio Truth.
Album cover design: Jason Khaw, David West.
Melbourne, Australia.
1. Ain't No Double O Seven
Dec 2004 / vocals & guitar: Jason Khaw / drums: Andre Ricardo / bass: William Base / vocals: Karen Silva, Ashley Chelliah, Suzanne Santa Maria.
This was inspired by a conversation. Based on what was said, I felt only a secret agent man could do better. A reflection of my unheroic life then. The drums and bass were almost the first-takes. The boys only had my cryptic messaging to rely on and hand signals on when to change up. The back-up vocals complete the song as how a Bond girl would complete the movie. Thank you, girls!
2. Sally and Sunny
Mar 2019 / vocals: Jason Khaw / drums: Andre Ricardo / guitar & bass: William Base / keyboard: Felix Wong.
I wish I had done all this before 2012. He would have liked this one. I am grateful that I can still say something to her. I am often so blinkered that I take for granted the ones who matter the most. The tune came instantly, inspired by how I perceive my mother in a happy moment. Some nifty steps in between happy melodies.
3. Shame on Us
May 1993 / vocals & percussion: Jason Khaw / drums: Andre Ricardo / guitar & bass: William Base / keyboard: Felix Wong / vocals: Karen Silva, Ashley Chelliah.
It is mainstream now but back then, it was widely accepted as an over-reaction. I was in the middle of my first sojourn away from a structured existence. That time away from office was a time of discovery and realisation. Plugged into my double-deck recorder, I was fumbling around on my guitar when this chord progression landed. The rhythmic strumming initiated a sense of anguish and anger. We are to be blamed for the Earth’s ills. I had to say it.
4. Here You Are
Sep 2004 / vocals & guitars: Jason Khaw / vocals: Kit Toh.
A relationship has to start from somewhere. This is a personal diary of events shared, and a reference to my own condition then. The music is my ode to the acoustic guitar. It releases my inner-self, projects it and paints a picture.
5. Wonder What
1991, Jun 2019 / vocals & guitars: Jason Khaw / bass & percussion: William Base.
Inspired by my limitations on a 12-string guitar, it has stood my test of time. It is a song about being in a dream where situations unfold without rhyme or reason, where the impossible seems possible and what could have been, is not. A superhero in one instance and a failed madman in another. It is also a song to say ‘I am sorry’.
6. Deserving
Nov 1988 / vocals & guitars: Jason Khaw / drums: Andre Ricardo / bass & guitars: William Base / keyboard: Felix Wong.
My very first song. I was working ridiculously late one night. Desk job. Not really sure why I was doing what I was doing. Questioning my choice in life. ABG, my good friend and fellow sufferer, said in response “Keep at it lah, your efforts will be rewarded“. This is a thank you note to him and a tribute to those of you who relentlessly keep at it.
7. No Bones Thank You
Apr 1989 / vocals: Jason Khaw / guitars & bass: William Base / drums: Andre Ricardo / vocals: Karen Silva, Ashley Chelliah, Kit Toh, Catherine Chan.
Initially the rain came, or so I thought. Very quickly, it stopped. Cool. “Alan, let’s carry on” I said. Shortly after, a piece of chicken bone came in through the window and we finally got the message. And if that wasn’t clear enough, a note was pasted outside the front door to spell it all out. However, we were rock-and-rollers. I had to respond.
8. Halfway There
Mar 2017 / vocals & guitars: Jason Khaw / cello: Kay Lin Ng.
Hidden meanings and the truth. Classical music weaves and lifts. This is my cheat sheet to the classics, though barely. It was Yo-Yo Ma playing on my stereo when the F# note emerged and opened the tune for me. A milestone, yet so much more to do.
9. To the Foothills
Sep 2007 / vocals & guitar: Jason Khaw.
Nature is inspiring. I wanted to live in continuous inspiration. This song tells the story of that attempt. The music was borne out of determination, transition and conclusion.