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Gig of the Week
March 26th. 2003
Ad Here the 13th.
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Ad Here the 13th
This Gig of the Week takes us deep into backpacker country, out in Banglamphu. There is a multitude of bustling entertainment venues on Khao Sarn road itself, but the place in question is somewhat off the beaten track. I'm referring of course to Ad Here the 13th. Ad Here is located right across the bridge at Banglamphu intersection, which makes it fairly simple to get to if you take a taxi or the short walk from Khao Sarn. This is literally a one shutter bar that features the best live music to be had in the area, with the Georgia Blues Band playing six nights a week from Monday to Saturday. Georgia is the only Thai woman I have ever heard who has a real authentic "blues mama" voice and the physique to go with it. When I arrived this past Saturday things were in full swing with Georgia and the band belting out a blues classic, "Talk to me Baby". The entire bar was singing along on the refrain and as they say, the joint was jumpin'. There is no stage really; the band is situated to one side in the middle of the room, with a small bar directly behind them. Rarely do you see so many people take up so little space. With the drummer and bass player tucked right up to the bar, Georgia is either sitting down when she is playing guitar or standing in the crowd singing, while owner/operator/DJ/soundman/lead guitarist Pong has his chair near the mixer to keep things in balance. Friends from around the world drop in every night for a quick jam and on this particular night there were drummers from Australia and Denmark, a guitarist from Holland, a vocalist/harp player from England as well as several talented Thai guitarists waiting their turn. Some of the most well known players in Bangkok do occasionally drop in for a quick session with Pong, who knows his way around the frets better than most. And it has to be said that he plays a mean slide guitar as well . To say that the decor is simple would be an understatement. But that is not really what Ad Here is about anyway. Pong has his collection of LP's, that he plays every evening before the band starts, lining the wall above the band's area together with some pictures of Hendrix, Muddy Waters and Buddy Holly, among others. There is a large collection of photos on the wall opposite the bar and a nice painting of the band done by an artist friend. The beer, one local and one import, is 70 Baht and cold. The bar itself is tiny, it can seat maybe 4 people, but the list of cocktails available is downright impressive. With names like "Slippery Nipple", "Muddy Water" and "Belfast Bomber", they range in price from 100 - 120 Baht. Ad Here also does a collection of beer munchies and Thai specialities in case you like to eat something while you drink, as is the custom here in Thailand. By now the crowd was getting boisterous, several players in the band had changed and Georgia was digging into "I just want to make love to you" in a serious way. Next up, the Englishman did an excellent rendition of "I got everything I need, almost", playing some very nice harp in the solo breaks. It really is incredible the amount of talented musicians who pass through Bangkok, not to mention the local talent as well. Ad Here was getting crowded and at this point was standing room only. Regular customers were overflowing to the sidewalk outside with people sitting on the wall that makes up the foot of the bridge, as new arrivals made their way into the already packed interior. I went outside for a cigarette and some room to move, where I fell into conversation with two Brazilians who were very impressed with the quality of live music in Bangkok. It was time for a refill and back inside the band was taking a break. Georgia told me she has only been singing for a little over two years, which is remarkable considering how well she does and already she has made a name for herself, not only in Bangkok, but with performances in the North and on the islands as well. Six nights a week is tough, but that, the smokes and the booze is part of what makes a blues mama's voice. Back again for the final set the band started out with some Janis Joplin and a couple of Hendrix numbers. The volume was such that you could still more or less hold a conversation with the person next to you, but by this time it didn't really matter that much anyway. A couple of cold ones later I threw in the towel and made my way home, but for a night of good music and friendly people of all nationalities I'll definitely be making my way back to Banglamphu again. Ad Here the 13th 13 Samsen Road, Banglamphu Pranakorn, Bangkok 10200 Tel 09 769 4613 |
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