After two successful concerts in the past two years, this
year’s feature concert entitled “caf้ saxo” came with hopes that
it would take Narisa’s performance to a higher level. Expectations were
high, and the massive Kad Theatre was almost filled with both Thai and
foreign music lovers, plus a great number of local dignitaries representing
various diplomatic missions as well as the business community.
Narisa
during her thrilling performances.
Despite the beginning of the concert being delayed for
about 45 minutes, most were still cheerful and happy to finally see the band
and hear Narisa kicking off the evening with Jobim’s “One Note Samba”.
Those who had heard Narisa’s previous concerts could
quickly see that she had indeed matured and developed, and that she has
worked hard on her stage performance techniques. Compared to last year, she
appeared much more self-confident, and looked secure behind her saxophone,
especially during the more demanding songs like “Chorinho”, written by
Nilson Matta and Hendrik Meurkens.
Narisa
and Koh Saxman performing a duet from his latest album ‘Sax Appeal’.
Narisa was joined by a number of musical friends who
supported her on stage. No one was more appropriate than Koh Saxman,
currently Thailand’s most renowned saxophonist, who entered the stage with
a blistering performance of his signature tune “Mr. Saxman”. This piece
developed into a musical duel between Koh and the brilliant band under the
very professional leadership of pianist Kru Boy, enhanced by excellent
percussion and the brass sections. The combat ended in a clear draw, and was
greatly appreciated by the audience. Narisa then joined Koh, and the duel
turned into a duet when both performed another one of Koh’s more romantic
tunes “Beautiful Love” from his latest album Sax-Appeal.
One
could see that Narisa and Koh Saxman got along very well on stage.
The younger female section of the audience went wild when
Boy, lead singer of the group “Peacemaker”, came on stage supported by a
group of dancers of the second category during his fine rendition of Carlos
Santana’s “Smooth”.
After an uninterrupted 100+ minute concert, the audience
was a little mystified suddenly the musicians disappeared from the stage
unannounced, marking the apparent end of the concert. Fortunately after 20
seconds, just as some voices started to loudly request an encore, the
musicians returned to the stage, and Narisa finished it all off with Pagode
Jazz Saedinha’s Club version of Babu de Lagartixa.
The final part of the evening was the recognition of the
sponsors, as well as the donation to the Kuadaroon House – a charity,
taking care of HIV affected children.
A
well-received and raunchier approach to the main theme of the evening.
Narisa has been given a great talent, which she hopefully will keep on
developing, and obviously benefits from support from both her family and
co-musicians. The evening was very entertaining, and with a little more
emphasis on stage management and choreography, we will look forward to see,
and hear, much more of her in the future.
David
the rapper wrapped it up at the end.
“Boy”,
very much enhanced by the dancers of the second category.
Having a
great time with the band and the audience.
At
the end of the night Praneet C. Watananun (3rd
from right), managing director of Jaliang Connection and proud mother of
Narisa had the honor of presenting a cheque to the representatives of Ban
Kuadaroon.
Koh
Saxman playing a duet with himself.
Flowers
from the audience!
Boy and
Narisa giving it all on stage.
Kh.
Lukuan of Chi Chang Computer presented Narisa with flowers.
The
Lanna Blessing was concluded by Capt. Ariya Uparamee, a former senior
officer from the Ministry of Interior. Capt. Ariya Uparamee is tying the
‘sai sin’ bracelet around the wrist of the new Consul-General Bea Camp.
C-G
Bea Camp addressed the guests in a very easy sounding Thai. Standing (left)
is her husband David Summers, a retired US diplomat.
