Saxophone
Ask a hundred Bangkok musicians to name their dream gig, and I'll bet you Bt1,000 to 50 satang that more than 70 per cent will answer "Saxophone". Quite simply, this is the place to play. Which is why I thought it was about time I went along and told you a little more about it.
Situated just off the Victory Monument roundabout, Saxophone is renowned throughout the city for the quality of its live music. Although predominantly a jazz gig, it also features some fine folk/songs for life acts and a good helping of the blues.
The large stage is the first thing you notice as you enter, and if they have one of the big bands playing it's a sight to behold. When I got there on Thursday, the JRP Little Big Band were already in full swing and the sound from their hefty brass section was really impressive.
Taking my seat (with my two friends) on the upper level, I settled back to enjoy some first class jazz. And I wasn't disappointed.
Although I use the word jazz, JRP (which, incidentally, stands for 'Jazz, Rock, Pop') actually play a much wider selection of music than that - covering everything from Tequila to You Are The Sunshine Of My Life. And whatever they do, they do it well.
As it happens, 'Doing it well' is a good phrase to describe Saxophone as a whole. In addition to great music it offers a fine selection of Thai and farang food and an extensive drinks menu. And, despite its undoubted reputation, it's not at all expensive.
Most standard beers are around the Bt100-110 mark and you can get a tasty Thai meal for around the same.
The interior design is classic rustic Thai, with lots of wood and exposed brickwork. There are lots of nooks and crannies, too, so if you're in the mood for a cosy evening with a girlfriend, you can easily find somewhere to secret yourself.
Upstairs there's also a Japanese-style area with low tables and cushions to sit on, and, if like me, you like a game of pool, you can do that too.
All in all, I think the best way to describe to the place is dark and moody, without being pretentiously so.
JRP finished their set at around 11.30pm and were followed by the Latin outfit, Salsa Society.
This is another top class band which, a little like JRP, are not quite as they first appear. Rather than out-and-out Latin, they prefer a kind of South American/jazz fusion. While the percussion is undoubtedly in the samba/bossa nova groove, the brass arrangements are far more jazzy. It's a nice twist and makes for some interesting sounds.
As I said at the beginning of this piece, Saxophone is home to some of Bangkok's best talent. In addition to the two bands I have mentioned, it also hosts the Arnon Jazz Band and Bangkok Connection in the early part of the week, folk band Cheepchanok (Thursdays to Sundays) and blues from the Soi Dogs and the Bangkok Blues Band at the weekend.
Also currently running is a talent contest to find the best new jazz singers. The final will be held next Wednesday, December 4, with the winner walking away with a cool Bt10,000.
To put it simply, if you love music - which I assume you do if you're reading this - and you haven't been to Saxophone before, it's really time you did. In fact, go tonight, go right now!
You'll be glad you did.