davethailand

He was indeed the music director and part of the original bar when it opened. never an owning partner though i'm afraid.

11pm.

As mentioned earlier in our Rock n Blues Week post the USA's Mitch Woods will be appearing tonight and tomorrow in the the bar. Mitch is one of the headline acts performing at the Phuket Blues Festival this weekend and has stopped off here in Pattaya to perform 2 shows and rehearse with the band for the concert, outside of the festival this will be the only chance to see him live in Thailand. Don't miss this chance to see him on stage, he really is the real deal and we are very excited about having a musician of his calibre here in Pattaya. some info- Mitch Woods - Biography Mitch Woods and His Rocket 88s have been the torchbearers of a great American blues musical heritage, not for two years but two decades. Taking their inspiration from the great jump n' boogie outfits of the late 40s and early 50s, they breathe fresh life into the music that gave birth to rock n'roll. Woods styled his group after the jumpin' n' jivin', shoutin' n' honkin', pumpin' n' poundin' bands of Louis Jordan, Wynonie Harris, Joe and Jimmy Liggins, Amos Milburn, and Roy Milton. Adding a healthy dose of New Orleans rhythm and blues, piledrivin' piano, and some of his own contemporary playful lyrics, Woods and His Rocket 88s forge their own brand of music they call "rock-a-boogie." Born in Brooklyn in 1951, Mitch Woods began playing classical piano at eleven, but his real initiation into blues and boogie piano had already been assured at age eight. "My mom would hire this superintendent of the building, a black man, Mr. Brown, to take me to school, and we stopped off at his cousin's house, where somebody was playing boogie-woogie piano. It really hit me." Woods was putting together bands in Greenwich Village by his mid-teens. By the time he entered the University of Buffalo, Woods was sitting in at local clubs and discovering records by boogie woogie pioneers Meade Lux Lewis, Albert Ammons, and Pete Johnson. It was during a class on Afro-American music taught by noted jazz sax player Archie Shepp in 1970 that Woods finally realized he was bound to be a pianoman. Perhaps it was Shepp, a known curmudgeon, who cemented his resolve in an offhand way, Woods remembers. "I was very interested in learning about this music, but it turned out to be reverse racism, he was putting down white people a lot, and I was one of about three white kids there, but I had a love for black music, I wanted to learn about it. Blues and jazz, I wanted to learn about that culture, where this music came out of, and he said, 'There's no white guy that can play the blues,' and I said 'Hey, I don't agree with you.'" "He said, 'Well go ahead and name me one white guy who can play the blues,' and I named guys like Mike Bloomfield, Paul Butterfield, he says 'They're not so great,' and I said 'Well, I can play.'" As if to say "oh yeah?," Shepp challenged Woods to attend a local jam session. "I steeled my nerves, I went down to the session, and fortunately for me there was no piano there, but at that point he respected the fact that I came down." That broke the ice - Shepp gruffly accepted Woods and they became close. "He started telling me about who to listen to, but he still kept his opinions." Woods came to San Francisco in 1970, and for the next five years performed as Mitch Woods and His Red Hot Mama (with singer Gracie Glassman). One night Oakland guitarist Hi Tide Harris heard Woods opening for Charlie Musselwhite and was reminded of the sound and theatrics of early R&B pioneer Louis Jordan. Indeed, Jordan has always been a primary influence on Woods. "I actually did see Louie Jordan in Oakland. He was the bridge between swing and rock and roll. He would do a five or six piece band, get a lot of power out of that." That kind of power was to become rallying cry for Mitch's next project, Mitch Woods and His Rocket 88s, which started in 1980 and quickly rose to the top of the Northern California club circuit. Their first album, Steady Date (Blind Pig Records) got hot reviews in 1984 and led to appearances at two San Francisco Blues Festivals, openings for the Fabulous Thunderbirds, Stevie Ray Vaughan, The Blasters, The Neville Brothers, and James Brown. By 1987, Woods was doing a six-country Europe tour highlighted by a rousing performance at the Belgium Rhythm and Blues Festival. In 1988, the 88s released Mr. Boogie's Back In Town (Blind Pig Records) and music pundits started to acknowledge Woods' place in the ranks of American music: "Woods lays down an authentic 50s-vintage rock piano groove, comparable in power and and rhythmic nuance to classic recordings by the young Jerry Lee Lewis," said Keyboard Magazine. On 1991 album Solid Gold Cadillac, Woods and his band were joined by Ronnie Earl, Charlie Musselwhite and the Roomful of Blues Horns. Woods himself was starting to become a guest star, appearing on that year's new releases by John Lee Hooker and John Hammond, and the boogie pianist headlined both the Amsterdam Blues Festival and the Montreal Jazz Festival. Woods was developing his passion for bandleading and discovering the power of being a strong singer. "I'll always consider myself a piano player, but my voice has developed over the last few years. It's an incredible release, when you can sing, it's like blowing an axe, and it's great to entertain an audience," he says. Another interest was taking hold, too - the funky piano-driven music of New Orleans. Woods had long been infatuated with the music of the Big Easy. "I'm a boogie woogie and blues piano player for the most part, but I also incorporate other styles within that, like the New Orleans influence. New Orleans R&B piano playing, like Dr. John, of course Professor Longhair. "New Orleans has been a really great source of inspiration, it's a piano town. New Orleans reveres the piano player. People respect me and I appreciate that. I've always been able to feel a real sense of music there; if you're a good player, you get in. For the past 25 years it has become my second home, " Woods says. "I've gotten to play with all the great players who live there, and I just hire them, guys from Fats Domino's band, like Red Tyler, sax player, Johnny Vidakovich, drummer with the Professor, and George Porter on bass. Woods toured constantly in the mid-1990s, stopping long enough to put out Shakin' the Shack (Blind Pig Records) in 1998. Woods wrote all but one song, demonstrating how well he's absorbed the conventions of blues and boogie woogie music, further proving his ability to inject new life into these vintage forms. Woods also realized another dream in 1998 when he brought together some of the surviving kings of the American blues legacy, like John Lee Hooker, James Cotton, Johnnie Johnson, Earl King and Lee Allen, to make Keeper Of The Flame (Lightyear/WEA Records), all paired with Woods in a wonderful run of classic tunes. Jump For Joy, Mitch’s fifth release for Blind Pig Records continues Woods' spin down the boogie road. He had always followed the boogie greats like Louie Jordan and Louie Prima, but Jump For Joy keyed off a new influence. "I started to listen to Cab Calloway, and this new one has lots of Cab influence; six horns, eleven-piece band with doubled horn lines. He (Calloway) had a great entertainment style, very similar to Louie Jordan's, and that's what we've gone for here," he says. Woods says Jump For Joy will unite all factions in the dress-up-and-boogie scene. "Aside from the blues audience, we've been developing the whole swing crowd, so this will appeal to the swing dancers as well as the blues lovers." It's about time; the swing fad is peaking and Mitch Woods is the perfect practitioner to school all those wannabe acts that were all fluff and no stuff. "I'll always play my music, whether it's the in thing or if there's only two people in the bar, and it will feel just as good either way!" On Jump For Joy, Mitch Woods has gone the limit, writing sassy boogie tunes and crafting smooth arrangements that evoke the heyday of the dancehall Forties. On his latest CD/DVD project, Big Easy Boogie, Mitch brings together the inner circle of Rock’n’ Roll royalty. Featuring some of New Orleans’ legends including original members of the Fats Domino band, Herb Hardesty and the Blue Monday Horns, and Jimmy Moliere on guitar, the sound is true to the roots New Orleans R&B. It is vintage rock’n’roll and boogie inspired by New Orleans piano greats Fats Domino, Professor Longhair, and Little Richard, performed in Mitch’s joyous entertaining style that makes you feel like you are not only in the audience but on stage with him having a ball! Whether it is a pounding piano pumper, a Mardi Gras mambo, or a moody late night blues with cascading piano and sultry sax, Mitch Woods’ Big Easy Boogie will delight all lovers of New Orleans music. After spending more than twenty five years soaking up the New Orleans sound and performing with many of the Crescent City’s musical elite, Mitch has finally realized his dream of recording his latest project with the founding fathers of New Orleans R&B including Earl Palmer, Dave Bartholomew, and Herb Hardesty. Woods reunited the surviving members of Fats Domino’s original band, played a live show in New Orleans during the Jazz & Heritage Festival, took them into the studio, and filmed the whole shebang. The results are plenty of good-time, rock’n’roll boogie, played by the originators of the style, fronted by one of their star pupils. The CD/DVD, Big Easy Boogie is available worldwide on Club 88 Records. It has been garnering airplay on all the major satellite and cable radio stations, including XM (#3 on picks to click-Bluesville), Sirius, Music Choice, as well as BBC 2 and blues programs worldwide. Here are what the critics are saying about Big Easy Boogie: "A two-fisted love letter to Fats Domino and Professor Longhair" – Blues Revue "if it's legitimate roots and Soul music from N'awlins that's your passion, step right up for here it is,...by Woods and company." -- Blues Wax "Vintage rock ‘n’ roll inspired by New Orleans piano great Fats Domino and Professor Longhair" --San Francisco Chronicle "Three Stars! Mitch Woods' Big Easy Boogie is a loving tribute to the vintage New Orleans sounds of Fats Domino, Little Richard and Professor Longhair" --Philadelphia Inquirer "Top shelf from beginning to end" – Big City Blues In 2007 Mitch was nominated for Pinetop Perkins Piano Player of the Year Award at the Blues Awards in Memphis. Presented by the Blues Foundation this is one of the highest achievements a blues musician can earn. Mitch continues to tour worldwide with both his Rocket 88’s and Big Easy Boogie. In 2007-2008 he will be appearing at some of the world’s most prestigious music festivals, including Jazz A Vienne - France, San Javier International Jazz Festival - Spain, International Boogie Woogie Festival - Lugano, Switzerland, Lionel Hampton Jazz Club at Le Meridien - Paris, Edmonton Blues Festival - Canada, The Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise - Caribbean , Taiwan Blues Bash - Taiwan, and many, many more. www.mitchwoods.com

same for about 2 years. Spirits 140, 145bht Beer, 135, 125bht.

the first one maybe.

Fun starts tomorrow night with Rich Harper from the USA, he'll also play on tuesday. Wednesday and Thursday will be boogie woogie pianist Mitch Woods live in the bar. Hopefully see you there.

I sometimes have to go to the bar early (well before midday) its still pumping then sometimes, I normally lock myself in the bar.

Just noticed. cheers. Must be when i'm shut then as JP doesn't get busy till 230 - 3am.

As well as our jam night in the bar on Tuesday there are various other events going on both in the blues factory and elsewhere- Wednesday 11th February The Blues Factory will be having a biker night where all bikers are welcome (I will try to arrange parking for big bikes) , music will be by Lam Morrison and others and a bit of food, there will also be bikes on display in the bar including a "custom" bike from Hot Rod Pattaya. ALSO DON'T FORGET THE OPENING PARTY: (taken from an ad on Thai Visa) Nirvana Resort's in association with Burapa MC are proud to announce that they will be hosting the official opening party on the 12th February 2009 in Jomtien Beach Rd Soi 4. We have held a opening party for the previous two years, however this time it will be in aid of the Camillian Social Centre in Rayong for children living with HIV/Aids and it will be bigger and better than ever. This event will involve some very well known names and faces from the world of Music & Entertainment. We are expecting National & International media coverage (TV, Newspapers, Websites) Featuring: • Casino Steel & Honest John Plain (with some well known expats residents jamming) • Blue on Blue Band • Leo's Blues Band • Cannonball Band . The Blues Machine . Lam Morrison • Dr. Penguin & The Laughing Wizards – Adult Magic show including Chainsaw Juggler – Hypnotism – Belly Dancers • Rock N Roll Karaoke - Sing the greatest Rock N Roll tunes of all time • Guitar Hero III Competition – Top prizes to be won for rockin' out for the highest score • Lucky Prize Draw including 2 x nights @ Nirvana Koh Chang worth 20,000baht+ We are determined that this opening party will be the best Rock N Roll and Blues party ever held in Jomtien and most of all it will be completely free and open to all! And finally of course the main event which will have a special preview party at The Hard Rock Cafe and then in soi Chayabrook the main event will be go from Friday till late on Saturday with live music from Lam Morrison and The Rock Machine, Leo's Blues Band, Casino Steel etc and many more.

Tuesdays as some may know are our regular jam nights in the blues factory but this Tuesday the 10th we have some special guests that will be performing on stage. Among them we will be having Casino Steel on stage together with “Honest John Plain” who are part of the “Last Rock n Roll Band”, they have both been in the industry for years now and have played/ toured with many well known musicians. They will also be appearing at the Jomtien Burapa kick off party at Nirvana Hotel in soi 4 as well as the Burapa bike weekend. Music kicks off at 930 and if anyone is interested in jamming then have a chat with the band either before the set or in the break. See you there.

My camera is out of action at the moment due to a dodgy battery but i will try to get copies off someone elses. cheers

I'm not a member there Jacko but i've constantly emailed them offering the discount but have never had a reply, Are you a member there Jacko? If so can you get me a sticker or something that I can stick on the door so members can see that there is a discount on offer? Thanks to all that came and to all those that donated and bought tickets, It was a great night and over 160 tickets were sold, next week we will be going to the Mercy Centre to hand over the donation, It will be covered by Pattaya People Media and we estimate at the moment that the donation will be around the 60000bht mark.

I've just arrived back from the bar helping Mary put the bike in on display etc, its a Platinum Zoo which looks similar to a Yamaha Fino (Vespa style). she has bought lots of prizes to give away including 20 year old Ballentines, a bottle of Grappa and other good spirits and wines etc, along with that there is jewelry including Swarovski stuff and silver bracelets. So TONIGHTS the night and tickets are 300bht with proceeds to the Mercy Centre and you might even be going home with a nice prize.

Its a big factor i'll admit.

Everyone of course has their own opinion, some rate her some don't! Depends on taste but she's one of the most professional and experienced performers in Pattaya although she's getting on a bit now but she can still turn it on when she wants to.

Tell me about it.

Tuesday 3rd February is The Blues Factory's Mary's birthday. She's throwing a party in the club which will have a free buffet laid on and she has decided to hold a raffle where all proceeds will be given by Mary to The Mercy Centre here in Pattaya. Mary has gone out and purchased a new Platinum Motorbike and this will be the top prize in the draw. Tickets are available on the night for 300bht each and as said the proceeds will go to the kids at The Mercy Centre. Music will be by the Blues Machine with a few guests also. Hope to see you there.

Agreed especially on a tuesday or friday at certain times, tonight we got there at 9pm and it ws fine.

Yeh, its noisy but also interesting watching the "sights".

This place opened about 6 weeks ago and ever since the opening do I've promised the owner that we'd go there for dinner so tonight we did! Its a lovely looking place with an outdoor seating area where you can watch the world go by or an indoor and upstairs section also, all very nicely decorated and very modern. The menus were good with pictures of certain dishes (which actually looked the same as the food we received) and in the end we all ordered Thai although the european menu looked very nice with steaks and pasta's etc. We ordered various dishes ranging from tom yum gai, satay moo, yam nuea and Kang-Ped Bhet-Yang etc and I can honestly say that all dishes were very nice and flavour wise also very good unlike some of the "farang" style Thai food that you get here. That with a few beers and a lot more food than I mentioned the bill was 2200bht for 6 people which I think all will agree is very reasonable. Anyway I HIGHLY recommend this place.

The USA's Mitch Woods along with The USA's Rich Harper band will be appearing with my own band The Blues Machine at the Phuket Blues Festival on 19th to the 22nd of February but they will also be performing a few gigs at The Blues Factory before leaving for the festival in our Rock/ Blues Week. Check out the poster below and the websites- Mitch Woods http://www.richharper.com/ phuketbluesfestival Stop by if in town to see them as they will only be at The Blues Factory for that week and they won't be performing anywhere else in Pattaya. :)

The 2009 Phuket International Blues Rock Festival is just over a month away with headline acts including performers from USA, Thailand and Australia. Looks like it will be a great weekend, anyone going? (I am). :) Link

Yes I was "apparently" supposed to have a separate lock on it although it comes with one from the factory, it now has an aftermarket lock, they paid for the damage to the old lock and bumper as well as the new alloy wheel, I had to pay for the tyre.

My rock band do Rory Gallagher and U2.

I'm with AXA and I use the broker on Sukhumvit, no complaints yet although i'm not up for renewal yet and I have had a claim for a nicked spare wheel. I use Inga for the business insurances.