MUSICAL DAZE!
on So Now It's Cambodia (Cambodia), 15/Sep/2010 08:35, 34 days ago
I wrote this before my accident so am posting it now as it was saved on my laptop.Since our return from England it’s been quite an unusual time and time for some interesting developments.We flew into Phnom Penh after seeing beautiful and spectacular, hilly scenery down the west coast of Cambodia en route from Bangkok. We were already booked into the Pavilion hotel– one of our favourites – as Alison was taking part in a health Sector Workshop involving all the health volunteers from around Cambodia. It was good to reconnect with our volunteer community.I had also been asked to contribute to and help organise a musical evening. As part of this I had written to the Director of Music at the Royal School of Arts University in Phnom Penh which is quite close to both our hotel and VSO Programme office. I had written to ask about the possibility of borrowing a keyboard or even a room for our musical evening. He had written back in a very friendly way offering to lend us something and saying they had had a good experience with a VSO volunteer some years ago and were keen to work together again.Alison and I went down without an appointment and received such a warm and friendly reception. After a short discussion I was asked to help with the orchestra and maybe give a masterclass! I think this may be in need of further discussion! He would gladly have lent and transported his big electric piano– but the steep, narrow and windy stairs in the restaurant were not suitable.We had a good evening as Roger (saxophone) had brought his backing tracks and singer (Queenie). It was basically 12 bar blues but quite fast and with words written by them about aspects of life out here. I improvised on my trumpet along with two guitarists– Stevie and Tim. All of the band, except Queenie, were accompanying partners like me though Roger has just finished his placement with his doctor wife Suzanne.We had an interesting evening with friends of his from Oxford who were visiting. It turned out he played the French horn and went to the Music Camp I’d gone to for many years and knew loads of orchestral players I’d known for years – small world! It seemed strange sitting in the FCC bar overlooking the river recalling people we knew back home.I went along to the orchestra rehearsal at the Arts School (which looks like a pagoda) but just listened. It was lovely though– 9 violins and 3 cellos and a bass with some wind. There was also a small choir but they had lovely voices and were quite powerful. I was glad to be able to help solve a problem they were having with one section where the bass seemed to be going wrong. To cut a long story short I managed to lookat the score and noticed the bass played during the pause for the rest of the orchestra – once this was understood things went more smoothly. It’s difficult knowing when to intervene – they have said they would like me to help in any way but I don’t want to upset anyone either – musical egos can be very fragile!The Director invited us to“their concert” – this turned out to be a small part in the national Song Competition which means a lot of Karaoke style performances. We went along to a huge hall on Diamond Island Phnom Penh which is used for weddings. Nothing much happened for an hour though having said hello to the musicians we took our seats about half way back. Typically, a very charming Cambodian family told us foreigners sit at the front! We turned down this honour! After about an hour a number of VIPs came in (late!!!) and we all stood. The orchestra played the National Anthem and left the stage. We heard a fewsingers then after two hours decided it was time to go and eat and discovered a delicious Indian curry – my first since leaving England. (Alison sneaked one in with her brother).I’d had a chat to the owner/manager of the Pavilion Hotel as he’s often in the café by the pool. He was joined by a drummer from a professional jazz trio! We have been lamenting the lack of western live music in Phnom Penh. He told us he played in a new jazz club above a French restaurant. He even invited me to busk along! He also said they had a black American blues singer – his description was familiar and it turned out to be the same one we’d heard at the Bamboo Bar in Bangkok.Of course, we decided to try it out– we went with two other couples and had a fabulous time. The French restaurant was superb (Topaz) and we went upstairs to the very smart and trendy Studio 182 jazz club where we heard and eventually chatted to the jazz singer Jus’ Cynthia.Another day the hotel manager said he wanted me to meet another contact. This was another Frenchman who runs the Chinese House by the river. They have various events and concerts there plus food and a bar. We discussed how I might contribute. Unfortunately, I think he’s looking for something more professional and regular i.e. weekly than I am able to offer but we may still be able to sort something out.So hence the title! It’s been musical days and I’ve been in a bit of a daze with all the new musical opportunities around! The standard of jazz music we hear is so high out here and in Bangkok it’s frightening.