Unpluged Pong

Singer-songwriter Pong Nan is back at the Fringe Club for the first time in two years, with his piano and guitarist pal, Anthony Lee. Nan’s 3rd album The Sounds of Tide is electronics-oriented, but this is an acoustic gig – to explore the different ways to express his music.

Nan says it is like a homecoming to be back at the Fringe. “I played gigs here even before I released albums and every time I come back I want to keep the original touch of my music. Just me and my piano.” On his relationship with the audience, he says he doesn’t feel like he is performing at all. “I feel more like I’m having a dialogue with the audience, especially the younger ones. As though I am using my music to give them a clue to what life is about.” So his show will be more like an intimate gathering – let him know what you want to hear and he may even sing it for you. The gig’s official programme will cover tracks from his latest album and Christmas carols, including his favourite, Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.

Pong Nan plays at the Fringe Gallery on December 27 at 8pm. Tickets priced at $150 include one standard drink. For details, click www.hkfringeclub.com.

Jazz Reinvented
If you’ve ever wondered how Nick Drake’s sad ballads or Beck’s more low-key acoustic numbers would sound as jazz, you could ask bassist/composer/musical strategist Peter Scherr. He’s American, but we can’t hold that against him as he’s been bringing creative music to our city for years. In his latest foray, he joins Sydney pianist Matt McMahon and percussionist Simon Barker for a Jazz Folk gig. The trio intend to get all experimental and maybe add a wad of new songs to their favourite genre – jazz. Shows take place December 15-16 at the Blue Door Jazz Club, cover charge $120. For details, 2858 6555.

Meanwhile, folks who are waiting for some fresh air in the mainstream music scene can head to pop-jazz songbird Bianca Wu’s upcoming gig at The Edge on January 6. Though her second album, Sings Timeless, covered songs of her musical roots such as Over the Rainbow, Autumn Leaves and George Gershwin’s Our Love is Here to Stay, in this gig she will perform original songs from her latest album Green Field, plus some jazz standards, Motown soul and Canto pop songs. If you haven’t heard her before, now is a good time – you may be amazed there is such a voice in the city. Tickets are free with the purchase of an album or contact lmcmusic.info@gmail.com or phone 2584 3230 for details.

Jazz lovers can get into standard rhythms at the Fringe on December 22 and 23, where Tim Wilson leads a live acoustic session and Taka Hirohama will explore the big swing sound and freeform jamming. Tickets are priced at $80 with one drink. For details go to www.hkfringe.com.hk.

Taiwan Rock
Rock, dance and drink, isn’t that what partying is all about? So why not do it with award-winning Taiwan rocker A Yue on December 30 at Hong Kong International Trade & Exhibition Centre? The concert kicks off at 10pm and keeps going till late. Guests include controversial rapper MC Hotdog and Free 9, plus DJ Mykal from Taiwan while local DJs Frankie, Ball and Ryan will spin throughout the night. Tickets are available at HMV for $480, including two drinks. For enquiries, call 2174 1868.