Friday Night at 'Sharky Bar & Restaurant' saw the debut of soloist acoustic player Benjamin Powles - over on a short-trip from England.
Having seen everything from punk, metalcore, classic rock and the blues at Sharky's over the past few weeks - it was interesting to see how a 'solo artist ' could handle the often boisterous but more than often appreciative local crowd.
However, from the opening Bad Manners song 'Rainfall' (yes a little bit of ska in Sharky's - that must be a first !).
Benjamin effortlessly ploughed his way through a eclectic set of pop/folk/jazz/punk/indie acoustic covers - that soon had the Friday night crowd acknowledging his 'friendly but engaging showmanship !'
Not the shy introverted type 'Our Ben' - more the 'busker-come-professional-street-assed-entertainer !'
Obviously, well schooled in performing, Benjamin is more than adapt at adding his own 'musical identity' to some of his songs .
Case in point, was a riotious version of the Proclaimers classic '5000 Miles' - not one for the purists - but hilarious all the same.
The Cure's 'Lovecats' was almost played straight (well almost) - as was Talking Heads 'Psycho Killer.'
However, a thunderous version of Stealer's Wheel's 'Stuck In The Middle With You' was only bettered by sublime versions of The Police songs 'Message In A Bottle' and 'Walking On The Moon.'
Having seen Sting many times over live in concert - Benjamin's vocals on these two great songs were faultless - almost eclipsing the great man himself !
What more can one say ? Than to applaud Benjamin for a great acoustic rollercoaster of a night - with some fine intuitive musical and personal interpretations !
A fine nights entertainment and a real nice guy too !
He leaves Monday to go back to England - and we all hope it won't be too long before Benjamin Powles is back performing in Phnom Penh once again !
Thanx mate ! It was our pleasure !
Cheerz Dave The Punk
Having seen everything from punk, metalcore, classic rock and the blues at Sharky's over the past few weeks - it was interesting to see how a 'solo artist ' could handle the often boisterous but more than often appreciative local crowd.
However, from the opening Bad Manners song 'Rainfall' (yes a little bit of ska in Sharky's - that must be a first !).
Benjamin effortlessly ploughed his way through a eclectic set of pop/folk/jazz/punk/indie acoustic covers - that soon had the Friday night crowd acknowledging his 'friendly but engaging showmanship !'
Not the shy introverted type 'Our Ben' - more the 'busker-come-professional-street-assed-entertainer !'
Obviously, well schooled in performing, Benjamin is more than adapt at adding his own 'musical identity' to some of his songs .
Case in point, was a riotious version of the Proclaimers classic '5000 Miles' - not one for the purists - but hilarious all the same.
The Cure's 'Lovecats' was almost played straight (well almost) - as was Talking Heads 'Psycho Killer.'
However, a thunderous version of Stealer's Wheel's 'Stuck In The Middle With You' was only bettered by sublime versions of The Police songs 'Message In A Bottle' and 'Walking On The Moon.'
Having seen Sting many times over live in concert - Benjamin's vocals on these two great songs were faultless - almost eclipsing the great man himself !
What more can one say ? Than to applaud Benjamin for a great acoustic rollercoaster of a night - with some fine intuitive musical and personal interpretations !
A fine nights entertainment and a real nice guy too !
He leaves Monday to go back to England - and we all hope it won't be too long before Benjamin Powles is back performing in Phnom Penh once again !
Thanx mate ! It was our pleasure !
Cheerz Dave The Punk
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