From Jean-Marc Padovani‘s experiments,

to the Khmer Fusion project,

and even the Carole King Jazz Cafe, you’d be surprised how much affection exists for the genre.

In fact, we have three jazz events this coming Saturday evening. Three French influenced jazz acts. Two of which emailed me late Friday afternoon.

First, we have Phare Ponleu Selpak, Belle of Sovanna Phum, and Louis Sclavis: 6:30 PM at the French Cultural Centre, Phnom Penh.
http://www.phnompenhpost.com/index.php/2009011623661/Life-Style/Tuning-music-and-the-body.html
Following that seems to be some kind of Jazz dance evening (below). Which overlaps with another event.

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Chinese House Presents

Philippe Javelle and Richard Boisson

performing on Saturday 17th of January from 8:30pm

The Chinese House
45, Sisowath Quay
Phnom Penh
(in front of the container port)
www.chinesehouse.asia
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Epic Jazz fail?
Guys, get your act together, please. I’m aiming for the 6:30 collaboration event.
After that, I’m going improv.

Tags: cambodia,jazz,music,marketing

I first got in touch with Arijan about 8 years ago upon seeing his series of postcards, and was stunned by his detailed linework. I created a simple web page to spread the word, but his art spoke for itself and found him a flow of diverse work. In addition to the visual arts, he presided over and played at ‘Miles Jazz Bar’, a distinctive addition to the live music scene in Phnom Penh.  Forewarned that he had cancer, he spent his last weeks with family. His latest illustrations currently grace the cover of the Canby tourist guides.

Miika Mäkinen may be better known as the blogger Khmerang, who shared innovative style and content. Of note was the hilarious ‘Khmeralizator‘ and regular reportage on the Cambodian rock scene. This was aided by his impressive programming skills, much appreciated by the local tech community. A memorial service at Wat Langka marked his passing, with family in attendance.

I don’t have any deep insight to pass on regarding this, but do have regrets I didn’t use my time wisely enough to spend more with these two creative minds. They’ll be missed; their creations remain.

Tags: cambodia,weblog,cartoons,rock
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Comments:

Very sad to learn that Arijan is no more. I’ll remember his fine artwork, but even more his incredible talent as a musician.

Paul

Cambodian Jazz does exist – from the Khmer Fusion project to Jean-Marc Padovani.
The Korean owner probably took the name of this karaoke bar from Carole King‘s classic ‘Jazzman‘, but she’s not generally slotted in that genre.

Where else on the planet would you find a jazz café (sans jazz) that’s actually a Korean-run karaoke joint fronted by the name of a non-canonical singer? I’m tickled; and I think a little more reconnaissance is in order.

Carole King Jazz Café: #35, Street 288 Sangkat Boeung Keng Kang 1, Kan Chamka Morn, Phnom Penh. Cho: 012 594 452 / dic3991@nate.com

Postscript: A charming writeup by JamesCS of his visit: “Kitsch simply does not do it justice… it was truly a magnificent monument to a taste that transcended good or bad, but simply existed.” (Apparently no Carole King tunes are available!)  http://jamescs.blog.co.uk/2008/06/05/rene-and-georgette-magritte-with-their-d-4276689

Post-Postscript: the Hongdae neighborhood of Seoul, Korea apparently sports a Carole King Jazz Bar. That may well be where the name was derived from.
http://lofbomm.com/2008/06/10/hongdae-mapping/

Tags: cambodia,jazz,music,marketing