BlueSkies BlueMonks new habits

Sunday was a day to have for breakfast, lunch and dinner; and added, for good Singapore measure, supper! The weather was just perfect for northern European expats, blue skies, high temperature, low humidity. I started it out with a, totally relaxing, extra couple of hours of sleep, and then a newspaper on the balcony, while savoring that first cup of coffee of the day. The plan was to go biking with a couple of friends along East Coast Park and it was a perfect day for it.  We had agreed to meet at Brussels Sprouts for a bite to eat, to ensure we had enough energy for the ride. By 2PM we were ready for our gentile roll east; fast enough for the movement to generate a refreshing breeze, but not too fast, because after all... it was Sunday. There was noooo hurry. We stopped at our usual turn around point, Sunset Bay, for some refreshment and arrived back at the bicycle rental by 4:30.  Perfect timing, because the next destination was the BlueMonks for their 5 PM gig at Artistry.

Blue Monks:

Bani Rahman on Bass

Corey Manders on Saxophone

Eugene Seow on Drums

Rachma Lim/ Eugene Mug alternating on keyboard and Melodica

We arrived just in time. The music had not started and was not to start for another 15 minutes, but the gallery however, was pretty much filled, with only a couple of more seats to be had. We could of course have stayed outside on the nice hang out terras, but the temptation of music, and the warm welcome by Bani Rahman, pulled us in. 

There are a bunch of things about Artistry that I particularly like: for one there is only that one (big) table where everyone gathers around as if it is big a family dinner, the late afternoon light, changing into a well lit tungsten atmosphere when the sun starts setting, it is a gallery and therefore the walls look different almost every monthly BlueMonks’ performance (lights and art are good to take pictures), 

and the clear objective of the owner to create a space to hang out and relax.

   

With Cori still commuting between his brunch gig and the Blue Monks, the band started of with Eugene on the keys and Rachma on the Melodica. That woman managed to get some big bluesy tunes out of that quirky instrument. 

 

Once Corey had arrived, the tone seemed to have been set for a big jam and within a couple of tunes we had an 8 piece band on stage, with the BlueMonks 

complemented by a flutist, guitarists, and a vocalist (Marcel zelf).

The music overall was easy listening and chilled. Marcel totally made my day with some golden oldies including “Wild is the Wind”.

It must have been the mellow mood, the earlier bike ride in the park and a Sunday that started end ended in total relaxation that I came home with Lou Reed ‘s equally mellow “Perfect Day” in my head.  “You're going to reap just what you sow”. Good luck Artistry!

Rainbow??