All that Jazz, with a bit of Blues
A “Bangkok Blues & Beyond” column by Jeff T.
This year’s Heineken Hua Hin Jazz Festival included blues for the first time in it’s four year history, with two of Bangkok’s hardest hitting blues bands enthusiastically received by music fans from around the world. Kudos to the organizers for making such an enlightened, and to purists, drastic move. Judging by the reaction of the mainly jazz crowd though, it was undoubtedly a good call that will hopefully be continued in future festivals at this popular resort town.
With another world class jazz festival coming up in the capital towards the end of the year, some of the city’s blues bands have already been approached to take part. Not surprising though, as Bangkok has for decades had talented local blues bands playing in a few dedicated clubs, clubs that also featured jazz regularly. A common arrangement that continues to this day, providing an excellent selection of some of the most varied blues and jazz in the region at a handful of clubs that have eventually become known around the world. Locals, residents and regular visitors still talk about the Magic Castle on Sukhumvit and before that the Blue Moon in Gaysorn, made famous by sax supremo Tewan and Infinity.
Back to the future with the local crop of bands and you have guys out there who are playing original compositions ranging from acoustic slide to compositions and arrangements that take the blues to new places. Maybe not in giant leaps, but definitely pushing the envelope slightly.
It has been said on many an occasion that the blues and jazz scene in Bangkok is the best in the region. This may, or may not be true, I don’t know. I do know that the blues in Bangkok today certainly ranks up there with the best of what Asia has to offer and is without question worthy of a place in any of the local music festivals.
Bangkok blues fans see 300% increase set to grow
That is the hefty increase in visiting international blues artists we have had over the previous two years, beginning with Sunny Fournier in 2004 and continuing with CoCo York and Eugene “Hideaway” Bridges so far this year. Sunny will be returning in August this time around, and September will see the Bangkok and Koh Samui debut of Holland’s Mr. Razor Blade, Magic Frankie.
Koh Samui Music Festival 2005 - the festival formerly known as Koh Samui Blues & World Music Festival
Despite the fact that James Brown has been confirmed as the headliner for this year’s installment of the annual Koh Samui Music Festival, blues fans will be pleased to note that negotiations are apparently still underway to put Jools Holland and his Big Band on the growing roster. Zakiya Hooker, daughter of the late, great John Lee, will be returning as will local blues stalwarts Cannonball, Soi Dog Blues Band featuring Magic Frankie, Blue on Blue, as well as Doctor Blues and the Groove Junkies. At the time of this writing, it appears that Peter Green and Big Brother and the Holding Company (Janis Joplin’s old band) are also confirmed. Once again, the festival is sponsored and organized by CoCo Blues and this year will run from September 23 - October 02. Make your reservations early for this one.
More blues in the South?
The blues club originally scheduled to open in Phuket shortly after the tsunami struck may be back in the fray yet. Word has it that several bands have been approached and will head to the island for an as yet unannounced opening date.
For those of you heading to Koh Chang, check out Odie’s Place in White Sand Beach for some sweet island blues from this left handed blues guitar maestro.
The blues is a lot like life, it’s best when you improvise.
-improvised from a tee shirt
Adam Ryan at Ad Here the 13th every Friday
Adam Ryan is a solo performer whose playlist consists mainly of original compositions that reflect his thoughts and experiences while living in Thailand and his home country. Soulful lyrics accompanied by blues inspired acoustic slide and percussion, make for a performance not to be missed. Adam starts at 8.30pm and plays for an hour, followed by the resident Georgia Blues Band. Ad Here can be reached by turning right onto Samsen Road from Khao Sarn and walking to the Banglamphu intersection. Ad Here is located on the left side across the bridge, next to the Baghdad Cafe.
Tokyo Joe’s blues steak
Tokyo Joe’s has inked a deal with a Japanese owned and operated ranch in Korat to supply all of this popular Bangkok blues bar’s beef requirements. The July launch and promotion will feature T-Bone, Rib Eye and Sirloin steaks as well as Teppan Yaki and the aptly named Nua Yang Hi So or High Society Grilled Beef. Apart from consistently serving up some of the hottest blues and jazz in town, this dedicated blues bar’s recently overhauled specials menu now includes what are destined to become the best steaks on offer this side of Tokyo, at Bangkok prices.
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