Imagine the best bits of your favorite Sunday morning records, spliced and strung in caramel-coated harmony, and you are somewhere close to Bihzhu’s musical jump-off.
Winner of "Song of the Year" at the 2013 Voice Independent Music Awards (VIMA), and snagging another nomination in the Cabaret song category at the international stage for the Independent Music Awards (IMA), few singer-songwriters come as fully formed as Bihzhu. Blessed with a rich, soulful voice and a whole lot of heart, this 28-year-old Penang-born songstress is also a commanding entertainer. Her rapturous performances have enchanted crowds at venues and events including Penang Island Jazz Festival, Roots Night at Palate Palette, No Black Tie and Melbourne's Miss Libertine.
In July 2011, Bihzhu was chosen as one of the featured artists in Julie’s Biscuit’s nationwide Share The Love campaign. Her contribution, the infectious and smile-inducing folk-pop gem, The Heart Way, received much airplay on Malaysia’s national radio stations 988FM, XFM, and HitzFM, as well as Minneapolis’ Big Brain Radio Show in the United States. This cheerful tune was also featured in a Penang Global Tourism advertisement with famous shoe couturier Dato Jimmy Choo that aired on the Asian Food Channel for 14 weeks from December 2012 onwards.
Formerly one-half of the popular pop-jazz duo, Rhapsody and dub outfit Layan Sound System, Bihzhu is the stage incarnation of Nicole Foo. Despite no formal musical training, Bihzhu’s ear for melodic twists, and intuitive jazz and soul inflections have led her on a songwriting journey since going solo in January 2011.
The results of which are found in her debut album Nightingale Tales. Elements of jazz, soul, reggae, acapella and pop roll effortlessly through the six-track album, united by genuine songcraft that celebrates love, beauty and life’s most treasured moments. And at the heart of it all is that voice – a smooth, sultry and smoky blend evoking past greats such as Ella Fitzgerald and Teresa Teng.
No more Malaysia’s best-kept secret, Bihzhu is ready to take flight. And she wants to take you on for the ride.
Get your copy of Bihzhu’s latest album ‘Nightingale Tales’
2nd edition reprint 2012
What you do,
the way you think, makes you beautiful.
Scott Westerfeld
Use what talents
you possess;
the woods would
be very silent if
no birds sang
there except those
that sang best.
Henry Van Dyke
