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Sep 10, 2014
Manila Blues Scene
Black King's Bar (BKB) I'd gang-up on da Blues like a kid over a full jar of M&Ms - second Monday nights at Black King's Bar (BKB) (West Ave). This is my Sunday school - it's a sin to miss! Blues players from near and far gather here, taking turns on stage, belting out what they got. It's great for the soul and great vibe with the likes of Elwyn, Ricky and all the merry bluesers of BKB. I wouldn't miss it for the world. This is something I will definitely miss when I'm gone.
Ian Lofamia Band If BKB is not plenty enough, I'd make the cross-country trip (where I had been mostly traveling, every place is only 10 mins away) Wednesday nights to H & J (Makati Ave area) with the fab Ian Lofamia Blues Band. When Ian pulls all the stops and voraciously gargles on his harmonica, all hell breaks loose. He's an unstopable force of nature leaving the audience gasping for breath in his wake. Of course he can't be looking all that good on stage without the frenzied synergy of his band who do their own thing like gangbusters - Spencer on bass, Ejae on percussion, Arvin on guitar, and guest blueses Haro Echter on lapsteel guitar and Hoochie Coochie Mikkie on guitar and vocals. I'm already hurting to hear this band again - nothing like it in this country. As Michael Barker flatly puts it, "world class".
Haro Echter
When he's not riding his Harley with the Mad Dogs MC, he's probably on his lapsteel guitar. In between sets, he candidly talked about the subtle dynamics that happen within a band. These are mostly things not noticed by the audience, but musicians may, specially if they are in that particular band. He talked about synergies between band members (think Mick Jagger and Keith Richards), discord if one member can't seem to blend in with the band's style, backing down to give someone else the spotlight, encouring and supporting newbies instead of intimidating them by throwing your weight on the stage, etc. He gave a glimpse of the invisible world that lie just underneath the surface - great insight.
Ending Thoughts
I am reminded of my heady days in New York with my kumpare, Mario Vicencio. As newbies in the big city, we were cold, broke and intimidated. We stopped-by the basement of this hole-in-the-wall blues bar on 14th St., Dan Lynch and nursed our one beer. The bar was smoked filled, raw, gritty, unpretentious and alive with explosive energy. Wow...that's the Blues for you. Blues at Black King's Bar and the Ian Lofamia Band brought me back those precious moments. It will be a long time again before I experience Blues like this one.
--- TheLoneRider
Black King's Bar
H&J Sports Bar and Restaurant
Check Them Out!!!
![Black Kings' Bar](/images/banner/bkb.jpg)
Black Kings' Bar 107 West Avenue, Quezon City
blackkingsbar@gmail.com |
![H&J Sports Bar and Restaurant Makati](/images/banner/hj.jpg)
H&J Sports Bar and Restaurant
Felipe street, Makati Avenue area
(02) 954.1130 |
![Ian Lofamia Band](/images/banner/ian_lofamia_band.gif)
Ian Lofamia Band
Wednesdays at H&J Sports Bar
3 sets starting at 9:30pm |
![Hoochie Coochie Mikkie](/images/banner/mikkie.jpg)
Hoochie Coochie Mikkie
Acoustic Blues Musician
will play anytime, anywhere
0927.916.2863 |
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Rvin Austria (12 Sept 2014) Wow thank you!
Glenn IsDa Man (12 Sept 2014) great article! mabuhay ang pinoy bluesero!
Tony ![Philippines](/images/flag_philippines.gif)
Greg & Sally Tree Garden Cafe (12 Sept 2014) Bring us along next time.
Ian Jorelle Lofamia (12 Sept 2014) thanks Gigit!
Outback Greg ![Australia](/images/flag_australia.gif)
Tribal Adventures (13 Sept 2014) Thank you Gigit for the intro to a style of blues that takes me back to Sydney pubs on a Sunday arvo. And thanks also to the superb artists!
Haro Echter (13 Sept 2014) Thanks for watching us last Wednesday,Greg! We are there every Wednesday! See you soon!
Sep 10, 2014
»» next story: 16 Days in Quezon City
»» next Chilling Out story: Shadow Fragments by Leopoldo Aguilar at Qube Gallery
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