The late and loved Rama IX teaching Rama X jazz
King Bhumibol Adulyadej was a renown Jazz musician, starting playing clarinet at age ten as well as the saxophone and trumpet later on. He jammed alongside some of the jazz greats from the 50’s and 60s – Benny Goodman, Lionel Hampton, Stan Getz and Jack Teagarden.
King Bhumibol was also praised for his original compositions in various musical genres. His first original recording was made in 1946 when just 18 and was a 24-bar blues, Candlelight Blues, which you can hear here.
There is still great affection for the late king among the jazz community here in Phuket at Jeffery Sevilla’s Mid Town Jazz Café in Montree Road, Phuket Town where they have a special event to celebrate the King.
Talking of which, every cloud has a silver lining, as the saying goes. It was so sad to see the demise of Jeffery Sevilla’s Music Matters Jazz Club as a result of the Covid pandemic. However, I am delighted to see Jeffery’s new venue open up a few months ago. It’s certainly a step up, with no threat from rain, lovely décor, immaculate ‘facilities’ and no risk of being run down by motorcycles!
Starting a new business is always risky. The first year is the hardest, so let’s get behind Jeffery Sevilla and help him make it a success.
Good luck Jeffery, and long live the king!