2007: breakaway

2007: breakaway, an album of original experimental pop music and live neo-classical written by C. Kenneth Lee

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Hong Kong, G/F, 2 Harbour Road, Wanchai

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(Notes from the composer:)
I believe that it is my duty to contribute to society and in particular to those who are less fortunate or are suffering from a disability or disease. By doing so, I hope this will inspire others to do likewise. A portion of the sales proceeds of my last CD went to support Best Buddies. In the case of this second CD, it is my wish to continue with the spirit of giving by going down a list of non-profitable charities worldwide. I have chosen the American Cancer Society to help combat this dreadful disease because I have recently lost my loving aunt, Leticia Cheung, who succumbed to cancer. I dedicate this CD in memory of her. I deeply share the sorrow of those who are also personally affected by cancer.



Under the influence of growing up amidst a mixed background of brainwashing pop music while receiving a fine musical education in classical, world, avant-garde, jazz and film score music, it was hard for Lee to choose which genre to focus on. In this sophomore album, he decided to give us a bit of both worlds with a primary focus on quality rather than quantity. 

Lee has optimized his new talent in songwriting as well as giving us once again that soaring and beautiful orchestral sound which we had sampled in “Metamorphosis”. 

“Breakaway” reflects Lee’s maturity and a clear departure from his last album. In this album, he works with a new team of professionals and has created a production that proves that this cd is no joke.

Kenneth started composing at the age of 10. He was a student of Dr. Steven Hoey, a Charles Ives Scholarship winner. Lee has also studied composition with Wolfgang Von Schweinitz, Augusta Read Thomas, David Rosenboom, Meredith Monk, Helmut Lachenmann, Michael Jon Fink, Barry Schrader, Michael Pisaro, Michael Mcbride, Matt Mcbane(Founding Director of Carlsbad Music Festival),Thomas A. Brown, Michael Weinstein and many others. 
Kenneth started playing piano at the age of 4 and has been taking piano lessons from Hei-ock Kim, alumni The Juilliard School.

He has performed in the leading roles of the Prince in Cinderella, Rolf in the Sound of Music and the salesman, conductor and other roles in the Music Man in 9 shows in Poway Center for the Performing Arts, Neurosciences Auditorium and Pt. Loma Nazarene Univeristy in San Diego. He sang Mozart Aria with the California Institute of Music Southern California Sinfonietta Orchestra on January 29, 2006 for the Mozart's Birthday Concert at Pt. Loma Nazarene University. Apart from guest featuring, Lee has had his own concerts in the United States,Hong Kong and Australia.

The songs in "Breakaway" demonstrated his first attempt in showcasing vocal . Surprisingly, Lee preferred to present a less showy side by giving Broadway show tunes and opera a break to perform his original songs that are personal, honest and satirical. Not only has Lee presented a satirical, original and musical view on society, he has also given us a whole new selection of original music which is meditative and relaxing, as well as showing a variety of styles which he pulled from his sleeves.


Songs:
All Vocals: C. Kenneth Lee
All instruments and synthesized instruments performed by 
C. Kenneth Lee. All songs mixed and recorded by C. Kenneth Lee
Photography and Art Direction: C. Kenneth Lee

All Tracks recorded at CKL Studio, Hong Kong and Los Angeles, CA. Except Tracks 1.5,6,8 and 11 recorded live at Roy O'Disney Music Hall. 
All songs, lyrics, solos and orchestral compositions composed and arranged by C. Kenneth Lee