Home Grooves is an exhibition that pays tribute to the country’s iconic live music spaces from the 1960s to the present. In conjunction with the start of the exhibition we will celebrate Harry’s Bar, an important jazz institution in Singapore from the early 1990s.
The jazz band at Harry’s Bar on Boat Quay played continuously from 1993 to 2010, nearly 18 years. The core group of musicians varied, but the programme of jazz with blues, Motown and classic R&B was consistent though the years. The bar was also known for its Sunday night jam sessions where many of our brightest jazz musicians today cut their teeth, together with veteran musicians.
The brainchild of Jim Gelpi, a native of New Orleans, Harry’s Bar was later taken over by Mohan Mulani. The initial band was led by Jeremy Monteiro and included Rick Smith, Tama Goh, Ignatius Bong and Clarissa Monteiro. Shortly after, guitarist Rick Smith became the musical director and formed a group of local musicians including Rizal Sanip, Billy Martinez and with Mei Sheum or Nic Lim alternating on piano. Rizal was succeeded by Ruben Young and then Eddie Layman. Billy was replaced by Christy Smith, who stayed for more than 16 years. Other pianists included Chris Robinson and Michael Stanton. The name ‘ChromaZone’ was a legacy name of Rick’s band dating back to the ’80s. The longevity of the band was due to hosting a new international front person every two to three months. Harry’s also attacted a wide variety of visiting artists including Wynton Marsalis, Bryan Lynch, Terimasa Hino and many more.
The artists featured in this reunion are the core of ChromaZone: Christy Smith (bass), Rick Smith (guitar) and Nic Lim (20 Aug), Mei Sheum (18 & 19 Aug) and Chris Robinson (21 Aug) on keyboards. Replacing Eddie Layman on drums is Darryl Ervin, with vocals by Richard Jackson. Expect a lively blend of all the classic grooves of ChromaZone.
18 Aug 2022, Thu, 8pm & 9.30pm
ChromaZone featuring Mei Sheum
19 Aug 2022, Fri, 8.30pm & 10pm
ChromaZone featuring Mei Sheum
20 Aug 2022, Sat, 8.30pm & 10pm
ChromaZone featuring Nic Lim
21 Aug 2022, Sun, 8.30pm & 10pm (Sunday Jam)
ChromaZone featuring Chris Robinson
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