An Organamix of Jazz and Blues

Jeremy Monteiro Organ

Rick Smith Guitar

Hong Chanutr Techatana-nan Drums

 Special guest:

Anne Weerapas Vocals

Seeing Jeremy Monteiro at one of the local venues is nothing new, though always special. His two evenings at Blu Jaz promissed to be super special however. On his recent trip to Germany, Jeremy acquired a "new" instrument. 

 Something, in my opinion awkwardly, called  KeyBorgan.

 It appears to have been around for ages, but faded away somehow and is now, I guess, finding a bit of a revival in the hands of Singapores' maestro of Jazz.  In spite of its tacky name this compact electronic Hammond organ, suited for regular travelers like Jeremy, has a real cool sound.

Without any pretense of knowledge,  I do think it sounds clear and crisp , and very similar to the original "installation" at my favorite blues joint Terra Blues, next door to my old place  in NYC. I call it an installation because the speaker alone was already half the size of a modern Singapore bedroom. 


It seemed that Rick Smith had tuned his guitar accordingly. 

He was obviously in his  element and  solo's were flowing seamlessly between guitar and organ while, Hong in the background was keeping it all nicely together. 

My sentimental journey to one of my hangouts on 10012 NY, NY, was not only triggered by the sound of the Hammond, but also by the many bluesy tunes. Anne Weerapas', the guest star for the night, who normally already has a voice suiting the blues nicely, sounded extra raspy. Her blues tonight was lack of sleep, she admitted during a break.

 In my opinion she should always set a very early alarm going forward.  

But for some noise from the neighbors down stairs,  the organiser set up another nice music experience at Blu Jaz. With veterans like Jeremy, Rick and Anne and young blood like Hong it is never same same, but thanks to KeyBorgan it was extra different!

 

For on the ceiling!