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ALBERT AND VIJAY BACK AT THE BACKYARD
Aug 24, 2004

Press Release

After a three-month hiatus, Albert Sirimal and Vijay David have come home to roost at the Backyard Pub. Saturday nights are rocking again like never before.

This time Albert and Vijay combine their unique blend of rhythm & blues, rock, funk and jazz with the urgent percussive sounds of the multi-talented Bada.

"With Bada we've elaborated our music to a fuller, richer sound. He adds a rhythmic, Latin-flavoured dimension to our style and we're glad to bring this to our Backyard fans," said Albert.

Former Headwind percussionist Bada brings bongos, congas and Urdu drums to the mix of Albert's earnest fretwork on his thin-backed acoustic Godin MIDI guitar and Vijay's powerhouse vocals.

"We're glad to be back at the Backyard, because the patrons are very appreciative of our music. They are a very motivating and discerning crowd and they enjoy the finer points of our style," said Albert.

Albert says that when they first started playing here over two years ago, the reception was a little lukewarm. "But eventually they came around to our style and music and we attracted a following."

Vijay pitches in: "I love Backyard. It's a mix-and-match crowd. They are good listeners and also good noise-makers. And the pub is well run with good management."

The trio promise to provide fans with all their favourite covers -- and then some -- spanning the 60s to the 90s in their own unique style.

Albert and Vijay have had an on/off/on/off relationship as a duo for over 14 years going back to early jam sessions and performing at places like Street Connection, where numerous acts got their break.

Most fans of Vijay will remember him as the winner of the Top Of The Pubs in 1989. He has been a fixture in the pub circuit for various bands since 1977. "I made my debut with The Deltas, a well known band at the time, at the age of 15 in 1974. But I stopped after that because my older brother thought I was too young to be in the business."

Vijay says his mum inspired and motivated him from a very young age and she plays a mean blues harp. He also owes a great deal to Remy and Martin from the group Kenny, Remy & Martin, who were "excellent" musicians and coached him in his early days at Yuyi Kitchen in the Straits Trading Building.

"Thanks to all my listeners which have made me become a better singer and performer. Without ears there is no singer. Every pub and show I perform, I owe the audience a whole lot for what they have given me," he said.

Bada was part of popular 80s band Headwind, whose most renowned member Zainal Abidin went on to a successful solo career.

Backyard Pub & Grill is your friendly, neighbourhood pub for live music and live sports events located at No.28, Jalan Sri Hartamas 8, Taman Sri Hartamas, Kuala Lumpur. We have live music every night from Wednesdays to Saturdays, two English pool tables, a big screen and four TVs for live English Premier League matches. Our kitchen serves up great Western and local dishes and we also cater to special functions.

View the latest goings-on through our website at backyardpub.com or call us at 03-6201-0318.