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JAMFEST'05 ROCKS!
October 30, 2005, New Sunday Times

By SUBASHINI NAIR
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THE string of performances serving up to some delectable rock, electro-pop, blues, rock and roll, reggae and salsa over the last few weeks has been strictly top drawer stuff. The fact that it all happened at your unassuming neighbourhood pub is remarkable.

For the uninitiated, the Backyard Pub has long been a venue for good live music performances. It has certainly carved a place for itself in the music scene in Sri Hartamas, Kuala Lumpur. What it lacks in size, it more than makes up for in atmosphere and has been a firm favourite with local musicians.

Last Thursday, the first week of JamFest ’05 kicked off with Right Gang featuring Zainal and Aziz, cheeky electro-pop Saer Ze and veteran Julian Moktar with his band Julian's Black Hammer featuring Suhaimi on drums and Jim Mandasamy on bass.

The Right Gang started the night off with some familiar rock tunes. The night was still young and it was just a warm up to what was in store for the rest of the night. But don't be fooled, these guys whooped it up good.

The next performance was something many did not foresee. A young lass who produced her own album from scratch without the help of recording labels, was strutting herself back and forth. One would have thought she was just a patron.

Saer Ze (pronounced Saa Zay) seemed a little nervous at first and her body language kept the audience guessing. "Is she a singer? But she's so young," went some whispers around me. Then again, the house was filled with matured rock-loving patriots and they didn't want another pretentious wannabe singer trying to get their attention.

Then she began singing. Her strong vocals may not have matched her petite frame but it certainly gave the crowd a taste of what she was capable off. She probably needs more experience performing gigs but this 23-year-old is definitely an artiste to watch out for. Her album Shameless is being sold at the Backyard Pub.

The highlight of the evening was of course Julian's Black Hammer. Julian did what he does best — he unleashed noise and classic rock rives with hints of haunting blues. A power play that rocked the house. No questions about that. Many loyal fans went wild.

There may have been slight technical errors but that did not stop the crowd from cheering and grooving to the music. This highly entertaining evening may have come to an end but the good thing is there are plenty more rollicking blues and rock parties every Thursday until Nov 17.

The next few weeks will see the pub playing host to Viji together with the Maldivian guitar star Fasy; and rock and percussion act La Viva, featuring Alphonse Jerome, progressive rock band Tempered Mental and highly infectious fusion band Cosmic Funk Express. Quite a line-up. And all free of charge. So just what exactly are you waiting for...?

Backyard Pub & Grill is located at No.28, Jalan Sri Hartamas 8, Taman Sri Hartamas, Kuala Lumpur. For details on Jamfest2005, visit http://www. backyardpub.com or call 03-6201-0318.

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