During the last weeks there have been some exciting jam sessions at the Jazz Pit/PIC kitchen Soi 5. Joining Thomas Reimer from Austria, who had played with George Benson and performs at the Jazz Pit regularly from Thursday to Monday, were several international musicians, including Max Bedouelle on violin (France), Paul Erik on trumpet & vocals (Denmark), Neil on vocals (England), Michael Sternbacher on guitar (Germany), Jair-Rohm Parker Wells on bass (USA; Wells has played with Anthony Braxton, Karl Berger, Daniel Carter, Jaron Lanier and Tony Scott), and Peter Couling on drums (England).
Max Bedouelle, the jazz-violinist, reminds me of the gipsy jazz a la Django Reinhardt Stéphane Grappelli, who can also as quickly turn to modern funky grooves like Jean-Luc Ponty.
International artists (left to right) Peter Couling on drums, Paul Erik on trumpet, Michael Sternbacher on guitar, Jair-Rohm Parker Wells on bass, and Thomas Reimber on guitar – synthesizer, jamming the night away at the Jazz Pit on Soi 5.
The standard jazz numbers included “I can’t give you anything but love” sung by Paul with accompanying solo vibes by Thomas on the guitar-synthesizer; “Fly me to the moon” became a smooth bossa-nova with a bass solo in a virtuoso manner by Jerome on a special electric upright bass; a fast “All of me” led to some exiting drum solos in exchange with the rest of the band; while “The Girl from Ipanema” turned into an impressing guitar and synchronic scat solo by Thomas, just like George Benson did on his countless recordings.
Vocalist Neil was on hand to delight the audience with pop jazz songs. For some songs the musicians were joined by Sue who proved to be a singer as she is a speaker on PMTV.
Max, Sue and Thomas take a break during the jazz evening.
But better news is that there will be a live jazz trio with Thomas Reimer (guitar), Jair-Rohm Parker Wells (bass) and Peter Couling (drums) every Friday 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. But come along any day from Wednesday to Monday for great music, and if you can play an instrument, you are welcome to jam.
Jazz Pit is on Soi 5, between Second Road and Beach Road. Tel: 038 428 374.
