The Live Jewels concert at the Myanmar Convention Centre on July 5, which featured singers like Moh Moh, Sung Tin Par, Shin Phone and May Khalar.

LIVE concert VCDs continue to take Myanmar by storm.

On July 5, producer Pee Paw brought together 58 female singers to record the Live Jewels VCD, due out in October. The immense concert - a treat never seen before in Yangon - took place at the Myanmar Convention Centre on July 5.

“My intention in getting so many female singers together was to make something unusual for music fans. Whenever I work on a project, I want to make something that has not previously been done. I also want to give opportunities to new singers who otherwise would not have the chance to showcase their abilities despite their huge talent,” Pee Paw said.

The lineup featured senior singers who rarely perform live, including Kay Jar Nue, Naw Li Zar, May Khalar, Haymar Ne Win and Me Me Win Pe; regular live performers Tin Zar Maw, Chaw Su Khin, Yuzana, Shwe Htike and Khin Phone; and up-and-coming singers like Kham Saing, Ein Chit and April.

The bands Emperor, Lazy Club, BPM, Metal Zone, The Trees and Ghost Rider provided backup. With so many singers on hand, a variety of music genres were covered.

The Live Jewels VCD marks a new trend in live concert recording. Early VCDs featured popular actors or models acting out the theme of the song. The star power virtually guaranteed the VCDs sold well regardless of the popularity of the songs they featured.

Gradually, live concerts started being recorded and made into VCDs and the use of actors or models interpreting the songs became less popular.

Now, producers have ratcheted it up another notch by staging concerts such as the Live Jewels show - purely for the sake of recording a VCD. All the elements of a live performance are present. except that the director can yell “Cut!” if he is unsatisfied or misses a shot.

Shooting a real live show and one of these staged ‘live shows’ each have their own advantages. A real live recording has elements of spontaneity which give a more authentic feel, whereas staged ‘live’ recordings have a more polished, professional feel.

Either way, the five disc Live Jewels VCD should be well worth a look when it is released.