Weekly Wrap - Commencing Thursday the 2nd July 2015

Two very special live music events are scheduled to take place in Phnom Penh tonight (Thursday). Both events reflect the greatest attributes of the city's music scene: inclusivity, creativity, and camaraderie. Both events show what great things can happen when a bunch of talented musicians get together to do 'something different'.

Paying Tribute

Poring over a hot score: Gabi Faja and Stephane Routtier prepare Bitches Brew. 

pic: Gabi Faja Facebook

Miles Davis (Super Funk) Bitches Brew is a live collaboration between up to ten superb musicians, taking place at Doors Phnom Penh this Thursday. Band leader Gabi Faja (piano) has assembled the group to perform a unique live interpretation of Miles Davis' 1970 jazz masterpiece, 'Bitches Brew'. The players include Euan Gray (saxophone), Lewis Pragasam (drums), and Aymen Ghali (guitar). The intensely atmospheric, dynamic music of Bitches Brew has been re-arranged by Faja:

'For preparation we used the original album as reference. We have transposed melodies to fit our instruments (hand-pans also present!). We also juxtaposed themes from different sections of the album and merged them into shorter sets. Since the album is only embryonically funky, we added grooves and bass lines to better suit the venue and the audience.'

Meanwhile, the remaining contingent of Phnom Penh's musical community will be performing at Sharky Bar for Come Together for Nepal. The event is a specially-organised benefit gig to raise funds for the victims of the tragic natural disaster that took place in April this year. Nepal's two earthquakes have killed more than 8,000 people, and left over 20,000 injured (http://www.actionaid.org.uk/nepal-earthquake). Bands performing on the night will include Moi Tiet, Vibratone, Sonic Detergent and Sangvar Day '...in a variety of new line-ups created for the occasion'. The bands donating their time to Come Together for Nepal will each perform songs chosen from the huge catalogue of Beatles classics. Should be a great atmosphere and a chance to see some fantastic one-off cover versions. The organisers of the event have let us know that 100% of all profits and proceeds from ticket sales and donations will go to Nepal rehabilitation to be delivered through Oxfam Australia Nepal Appeal.

pic: Joshua Chiang/Come Together for Nepal Facebook

Save The Last Dance for Me

Bacano will be performing their 'last dance' this Saturday night at FCC – The Mansion in Phnom Penh. The band are set to split when lead singer and guitarist Chino De Nogales leaves Cambodia in the very near future. Chris told Leng Pleng:

Bacano – pic: supplied

'Bacano has been playing all around Phnom Penh for more than a year. We have enjoyed playing in every live music venue, restaurant, party, hotel and private function. A short-lived stint, but one that will definitely not be forgotten by the members of Bacano. We would like to thank all the music community in Phnom Penh for their support and encouragement... If you have not yet seen Bacano, we invite to experience the Latino sensations of Phnom Penh this Saturday... If you have seen us, we invite you to come and say bye-bye to one of the tightest and grooviest bands in Cambodia. A Bailar!!!!!!'

Well said Chris! While Bacano will have the Latin-American experience covered at The Mansion, Joe Wrigley & The Jumping Jacks will be celebrating the 4^th of July in a more 'Americana' fashion at Sharky Bar. Guitarist Jeffro Sills has been recruited as a special guest – primarily to add an extra authentic country/rockabilly twang to the band but also to make sure there is at least one U.S. passport-holder on stage!

Whatever you're up to over the next few days, stay safe out there and... see you around the traps!

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JOE WRIGLEY