The Huntsman

After several weeks of traipsing round some of Bangkok's hippest nightspots - Saxophone, Brown Sugar etc etc - trying to look all deep and moody, I decided it was time to put my disco pants back on and head back to the spangly world of pop.
And so it was I found myself last night at The Huntsman pub in the basement of the Landmark Hotel on Sukhumvit.
If you've never been there before I can tell you that this place is about as near to a traditional English pub as you'll find this side of Stoke Poges. A large rectangular bar sits in the centre of the room - complete with swiveling stools - while around it punters sit in carver chairs at dark wood tables tucking into all manner of fine pub fare.
The only difference between The Huntsman and, let's say The Red Lion in Hebden Bridge, is the fact that at one end of the room is a huge stage and decent sized dancefloor. OK, that and the fact the place isn't full of day tripping ladies from the WI every Sunday afternoon. But let's not be pedantic about this.
On the stage (seven nights a week) you'll find the pub's house band, an all Filipino seven-piece outfit known as Sweet Inspiration, who seem to have been resident there forever.
Not that that's a bad thing, I hasten to add. Sweet Inspiration are a very slick and experienced band who know all about keeping a crowd happy.
When I arrived they were already in full swing, doing a version of a modern pop tune. I knew the song, but at the time was too busy ordering myself a pint to jot down the name. Anyway, it was one you'll know. And as I said, they performed it well.
The band has four musicians and three singers-cum-dancers (two girls and a guy). I have to say I prefer the girls' voices to the guy's but he's still pretty talented and certainly looks good.
Looking good is clearly important to this band, as they always do, and rather than simply knocking out songs, they really perform them. Many are accompanied by a dance routine and almost all involve well-rehearsed harmonies which invariably sound good.
But what I like most is the girl singers. OK, I know what you're thinking, and they're certainly cute, but, come on, I'm a professional! I was referring to their voices.
I have been told on many occasions about the quality of Filipino bands, but having never been to that country and having only heard a couple here, it's hard for me to judge. Regulars will know I am a huge fan of Thai talent, but it's fair to say that the girls in Sweet Inspiration sing with a clarity and strength you don't hear too often from the local bands. (I really hope that doesn't get me into any trouble with my performing friends!)
A case in point was the band's performance of the Dolly Parton penned "I Will Always Love You", made famous by Whitney Houston.
Now I'm not a huge fan of this song, but as I said above about Samba Pa-Ti, doing a number like that well takes real talent. Believe me, I've heard enough karaoke singers murder it to know this.
In this case, however, there was no need to worry. The girl excelled herself. Each big note was struck with aplomb; the pauses came at the right time and were held for the right amount of time; the passion accompanied both, without ever been sickly. It was excellent.
After a short break, and another pint for yours truly, the band returned with a string of popular hits from the 60's through to today, among them "Can't Take My Eyes Of You" and the classic Earth, Wind and Fire track "Let's Groove".
The upturn in tempo led, as it always does, to a host of people taking to the dancefloor. (Hey, I've even been known to strut my own stuff there on occasion.)
And it was good to see. The mixed crowd of Thai and farang punters were clearly having a ball and the band were loving the fact that they were doing their job.
The whole thing did have a sort of family wedding feel to it, but then, what's wrong with that? I mean, being a deep and moody muso is fine most of the time, but there are occasions when all you really want to do is get on the floor and wiggle your bottom.
And if that's what you feel like doing tonight, get yourself to The Huntsman and say hello to Sweet Inspiration. Just mind your head on the glitter ball!