I went to Sacz when it first opened about a year ago and I have to say I was less than impressed. It had all those bugs associated with an opening run by people who did not know what they were doing. I felt sorry for the luckless Italian chef/manager. I suppose the main point that made me go back was the survival itself - I did not see it lasting six months as it was. Also I wanted it to be good. The reason for that is that Fabb has gone. Fabb was my night-out spot and the little band often fronted by a octogarian xylophone player, who also played the sax as well, was a joy.
So on Sunday night I caterpillared across the Rajah Hotel and into Sacz. I was greeted by one of the ex-Pomodoro managers as an old friend and I suppose from that moment on service was assured. In fact the whole operation has improved dramatically from my last visit, when the staff seemed to be straight off a rice farm. Now there is a genuine air of professionalism and confidence in the service. The one thing that has not changed of course is the décor. It is still retro communist 60's brown with the high ceiling, brown square bits and brown curtains and only the odd big flower arrangement has softened the hard edges. The menu is a well chosen Italian one and the wine list is as extensive as it needs to be. Although I must say the prices are in line with the general standards - high.
But I had gone to see the band. Last time I went, the band was as new as the restaurant, and although they were obviously all competent musicians, one felt they need an awful lot more time together. There is one survivor of the original line up and I was pleased to see him as I liked him last time. As you will shortly appreciate this is a true multi-ethnic band. Malcolm the piano player is from South Africa although his relatives obviously came from the sub-continent. How he came to Bangkok I am unsure. Maybe he was heading to the land of his ancestors and over shot! But he is a great guy and good piano player. The bass player is Nong from these parts and he never stops smiling. The sax player is William from the USA, and needless to say Judai the singer is from the Philippines . Sadly with all those backgrounds the band could only come up with the name - the Gig Band. Maybe the hotel management choose it for them.
Clearly with that line up this would be called a cocktail band although I would prefer the handle ‘light jazz' band. All the players are talented and they all look happy and seem to be enjoying themselves. All the instruments played solo, with the piano and sax providing good solid improvisations in virtually every number. Judai has a good voice with a decent vocal range and was able to cover virtually every type of song from old standards such As Time Goes By and Night and Day to the more contemporary songs of current stars. I suppose somewhat unfairly I started making requests which the band seemed be able to play but Judai could not. That was one thing about the Philippine girl at Fabb, she had a massive repertoire and she and the band once covered my entire six song request which included: Summertime, Yesterday, Mac the Knife, The Saints and as a real spoof Satisfaction . I did not try that list here although I asked for Mac the Knife and the the band did an instrumental version!
So my conclusion was that this place has come a long way in a year. The food and service were good and the music was fun. I always think that this type of band need audience participation to help them along. On Sunday night it was not busy but those there were willing supporters. There is a problem with the room when not full in that with a high ceiling and stone floor there is the inevitable echo but it was not too bad listening to it, but a recording I made showed just how real it was!
One of my bitches is when the singer sort of lumps on you for requests and generally trying to get you into the show. The singer last year did that, and it was something the girl at Fabb used to do until she realised I would not play. There is a fine line between asking for requests and getting those who want to stay anonymous involved. I do not like singers who chase round the tables. Maybe that comes from fending off scrounging gypsy bands in Eastern Europe where you would suddenly find a six piece band had upped and left the band stand to surround your table and refuse to go away until a suitable tip was offered. Pay too much and they were your friends for the night!
I suppose the final question is: Does Sacz offer a true replacement for Fabb? I believe it does, so next time you want a musical night out and decent dinner try Sacz.
Sacz
Majestic Grand Hotel
Sukhumvit Soi 2
Bangkok
Tel: 02 262 2999
http://www.majesticgrande.com
