Sharky Bar & Restaurant
Monday, July 11, 2011
Saturday, July 9, 2011
July 8th, 2011: Soloist Acoustic Player Benjamin Powles
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
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Sunday, July 3, 2011
Independence Day Party 2011: Little Duke & The Mekong Blues Messengers'
Maybe the '4th July' did'nt quite fall on a Saturday Night this year - but that did'nt deter 'Sharky Bar & Restuarant ' from throwing out the 'red carpet' and celebrating 'American Independence Day' !
Courtesy of Big Al'S 'scrumptious and tasty' American Steak and Spare-Rib Barbeque served beforehand - the Sharky crowd were 'well-fed and watered' by the time ' Little Duke & The Mekong Blues Messengers' took to the stage.
From the opening licks of 'Ninety-Nine-And-A-Half Just Won't Do' the band soon settled into their vast repertoire of vintage Chicago blues.
Be it Muddy Water's time honoured classic 'Got My Mojo Working' or Earl Hine's equally ageless number 'Stormy Monday Blues' - Little Duke & The Mekong Blues Messengers 'left no-stone unturned' as they entertained the celebratory 'independence crowd' - in fine bluesy style !
The Howling Wolf/Willie Dixon masterpiece 'Little Red Rooster' was given similiar 'gem-like' treatment - as was Robert Johnson's immortal ' Dust My Broom.'
If that wasn't enough, sublime versions of Jim Hendrix's 'Star Spangled Banner' and 'Purple Haze' truly brought the house down ! Literally !
There was still time however, for 'Little Duke' to delve into his 'little bag of tricks' and unearth a great British rock n roll song in the form of 'Shaking All Over' by Johnny Kidd & The Pirates.
Great stuff and a fantastic tribute to legendary English guitarist Mick Green (who was just included recently in 'Mojo's' magazine top one hundred guitarist ever !)
Jonas (Little Duke) and Mick Green actually collaborated together in a latter version of 'The Pirates' during the mid-nineties - so making this particular 'number' even more poignant !
A great night out - and a truly awesome performance from the ' Mekong Blues Messengers !'
A big, big thanx to the charismatic ad lovely Kristen on vocals, to Ken White who performed 'brilliant harmonic breaks/licks' all night - and to Chris and Steve in the 'engine room' for providing excellent support on bass and drums throughout !
Last but not least, a big, big thanx to 'Little Duke' himself - for a masterful display in the 'art of playing' of the blues !
ps. i've still got the pounding guitar riffs of 'Crossroads Blues' still reverting in my brain - and together with the $1.50 maguirita's - i'm not quite 'Out Of My Skull' - but not far off !
Cheerz Guyz - and not a 'spilt' box of 'English Tea' anywhere in sight !
Dave The Punk
ps.ps 'Out Of Their Skulls' is a raucous cd (incorporating live/studio recordings ) released by 'The Pirates' back in 1977 (featuring Mick Green.) Great album ! I'm sure Jonas would agree !
Courtesy of Big Al'S 'scrumptious and tasty' American Steak and Spare-Rib Barbeque served beforehand - the Sharky crowd were 'well-fed and watered' by the time ' Little Duke & The Mekong Blues Messengers' took to the stage.
From the opening licks of 'Ninety-Nine-And-A-Half Just Won't Do' the band soon settled into their vast repertoire of vintage Chicago blues.
Be it Muddy Water's time honoured classic 'Got My Mojo Working' or Earl Hine's equally ageless number 'Stormy Monday Blues' - Little Duke & The Mekong Blues Messengers 'left no-stone unturned' as they entertained the celebratory 'independence crowd' - in fine bluesy style !
The Howling Wolf/Willie Dixon masterpiece 'Little Red Rooster' was given similiar 'gem-like' treatment - as was Robert Johnson's immortal ' Dust My Broom.'
If that wasn't enough, sublime versions of Jim Hendrix's 'Star Spangled Banner' and 'Purple Haze' truly brought the house down ! Literally !
There was still time however, for 'Little Duke' to delve into his 'little bag of tricks' and unearth a great British rock n roll song in the form of 'Shaking All Over' by Johnny Kidd & The Pirates.
Great stuff and a fantastic tribute to legendary English guitarist Mick Green (who was just included recently in 'Mojo's' magazine top one hundred guitarist ever !)
Jonas (Little Duke) and Mick Green actually collaborated together in a latter version of 'The Pirates' during the mid-nineties - so making this particular 'number' even more poignant !
A great night out - and a truly awesome performance from the ' Mekong Blues Messengers !'
A big, big thanx to the charismatic ad lovely Kristen on vocals, to Ken White who performed 'brilliant harmonic breaks/licks' all night - and to Chris and Steve in the 'engine room' for providing excellent support on bass and drums throughout !
Last but not least, a big, big thanx to 'Little Duke' himself - for a masterful display in the 'art of playing' of the blues !
ps. i've still got the pounding guitar riffs of 'Crossroads Blues' still reverting in my brain - and together with the $1.50 maguirita's - i'm not quite 'Out Of My Skull' - but not far off !
Cheerz Guyz - and not a 'spilt' box of 'English Tea' anywhere in sight !
Dave The Punk
ps.ps 'Out Of Their Skulls' is a raucous cd (incorporating live/studio recordings ) released by 'The Pirates' back in 1977 (featuring Mick Green.) Great album ! I'm sure Jonas would agree !
Friday July 1st: Lazy Drunks (Live)!
Sharky's 'American 4th July Independence Day Weekend' began Friday Night with the return of the self-styled 'Men in Black' - the one and only 'Lazy Drunks (Live) !'
New line-up, new set-list and a ' whole lotta new' attitude - the Lazy Drunks brought their 'finest hour' to Sharky's with a truly eclectic set of raunchy good ol' fashioned rock and roll !
Any band that includes The Kinks, The Monkees, The Small Faces, Chuck Berry, The Animals and The Rolling Stones in their musical armoury - are obviously a band that knows how to shake, rattle n roll !
Throw-in' sublime versions of the Stealer's Wheel classic 'Stuck In The Middle With You' , Shocking Blue's 'Venus' and a thumping version of Thin Lizzy's 'Whiskey In The Jar' - and yes most definitely 'these boyz were back in town !' Big time !
With powerhouse singer Ian The Punk in outstanding form - his vocals on the Stones classic 'Dead Flowers' - nothing short of brilliant ! The Lazy Drunks could do 'no wrong.'
New additions to the band Todd (ex The Choppers) on bass and Ingo (professional session drummer from Germany) were exemplary in providing the 'solid platform' that so many previous line-ups of this same band had been missing.
With the rhythm section so forcefully 'in-tune' this allowed lead guitarist 'Tom The Mop' to showcase his full array of well orchestrated musical skills - no more so than on Pink Floyd's 'Time' and Jimi Hendrix's 'Hey Joe.' Great stuff !
There was still time for a bit of Elvis Presley, Led Zepplin and Eddie Cochrane towards the end - to round-off a very entertaining evening courtesy of the ' Lazy Drunks !'
Yes the 'Lazy Drunks' are back - and we all look forward to 'very much of the same' very soon - from this very underated 'sixties and seventies rock n roll' covers band !
Thanx fellaz !
The party continues tomorrow night with 'Little Duke & The Mekong Blues Messengers' displaying their awesome talents at our 'Annual 4th July American Independence Day Party !'
Don't miss it ! It's gonna be huge !
See you there - Dave The Punk
New line-up, new set-list and a ' whole lotta new' attitude - the Lazy Drunks brought their 'finest hour' to Sharky's with a truly eclectic set of raunchy good ol' fashioned rock and roll !
Any band that includes The Kinks, The Monkees, The Small Faces, Chuck Berry, The Animals and The Rolling Stones in their musical armoury - are obviously a band that knows how to shake, rattle n roll !
Throw-in' sublime versions of the Stealer's Wheel classic 'Stuck In The Middle With You' , Shocking Blue's 'Venus' and a thumping version of Thin Lizzy's 'Whiskey In The Jar' - and yes most definitely 'these boyz were back in town !' Big time !
With powerhouse singer Ian The Punk in outstanding form - his vocals on the Stones classic 'Dead Flowers' - nothing short of brilliant ! The Lazy Drunks could do 'no wrong.'
New additions to the band Todd (ex The Choppers) on bass and Ingo (professional session drummer from Germany) were exemplary in providing the 'solid platform' that so many previous line-ups of this same band had been missing.
With the rhythm section so forcefully 'in-tune' this allowed lead guitarist 'Tom The Mop' to showcase his full array of well orchestrated musical skills - no more so than on Pink Floyd's 'Time' and Jimi Hendrix's 'Hey Joe.' Great stuff !
There was still time for a bit of Elvis Presley, Led Zepplin and Eddie Cochrane towards the end - to round-off a very entertaining evening courtesy of the ' Lazy Drunks !'
Yes the 'Lazy Drunks' are back - and we all look forward to 'very much of the same' very soon - from this very underated 'sixties and seventies rock n roll' covers band !
Thanx fellaz !
The party continues tomorrow night with 'Little Duke & The Mekong Blues Messengers' displaying their awesome talents at our 'Annual 4th July American Independence Day Party !'
Don't miss it ! It's gonna be huge !
See you there - Dave The Punk
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