For the wife and I - the most memorable.
We stayed at the Mandarin Oriental in Bangkok quite some years back -- 5 star, reaching for 6 IMO as like the Peninsula Hotel in Hong Kong (and Bangkok & 1 or 2 other Asian countries/cities). These hotels are beyond words; comfort & attention to detail to you, the guest front & center & utmost. The staff projects a deep professionalism & attitude above reproach for every visiting resident.
We saw a billboard earlier in the main foyer announcing a live jazz performance that evening. So, after dinner we went to the Bamboo Bar located inside the hotel.
IIRC, we actually went for a walk afterwards and back on the hotel grounds we ended up at a side door to the Bamboo Bar. Unlocked, I opened it and lo & behold, the very small stage to the right, and patrons seated to the left, sipping their drinks or intensely listening & enjoying the live performance. All looking at two Americans interrupting their trance.
Smokey as could be, the African American singer, her pianist, bassist, guitarist & drummer behind her didn't miss a beat as we made a momentary distracting, yet very quiet & impromptu entrance. Quickly finding 2 seats at the 6 or 7 small round tables, 10 feet in front of her, we settled in for a listen.
She sung mostly Ella Fitzgerald songs from Ella's vast library & needless to say; she was damn good -- authentic and realistic comes to mind. I sat there and had my eyes closed more times than opened. (My wife thought I was asleep at one time; but wasn't).
Enjoying a couple sets & breaks in-between -- I spoke to her and honestly forgot her name but want to say she said she was from Detroit and had been in Bangkok for 8 years. Anyways, when I found this coaster in my bar, that is what rejuvenated my memories of that evening & wondered if other AA'ers had a memorable or favorite jazz bar & where it was located.
I don't recall the bar looking as it does -- never made it to the actual bar. Just a jazz bar as you'd envision from the 50's; intimate, small, good music laden with light haze of smoke. Awesome.
Best Sirs,
Bob
