The Red, White and Blues: Saxophone Jazz Pub Review
PUBLISHED July 29th, 2015 02:30 am | UPDATED May 18th, 2020 04:29 pm
Every once in a while, I’ll find a new hobby that leads me to wonder, ‘where has this been all of my life?’
Well, my latest love is the art of jazz music and all of its glorious subgenres.
With my meticulously ironed shirt, chinos and a freshly combed pompadour, I was ready for my first jazz experience. Don’t judge me! You can’t go waltzing into a classy establishment dressing like you’ve nosed-dived out of Khaosan Road. The scene of the crime was Saxophone, a fine choice to pop my cherry.
Located just off Victory Monument, Saxophone is the perfect escape from the craziness that ensues in the surrounding area. It’s groovy, it’s hip, and the atmosphere is second to none. The infectious sound of Jazz, Pop Jazz, Funk, Blues, and Reggae are all on offer, leaving visitors with little choice but to nod that head, stomp those feet, and click them fingers. It’s beautiful!
The interior has a classic look about it, complimented by walls strewn with the faces of musical legends such as Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong and Charlie Parker to name a few. The most noticeable feature is the flawlessly designed seating structure that allows all guests to acquire a perfect view of the stage. For those who’d rather just enjoy some background vibrations whilst enjoying a quiet chat, Saxophone also provides some lovely little hideaways in the corners, both upstairs and downstairs.
Saxophone’s menu is every bit as impressive as the club itself, with classic Thai dishes such as Fried Sea Bass in Thai Herbal Sauce (370 bt) and Steamed Curry Mixed with Fish, Shrimp and Squid in Coconut (200 bt). Portion sizes are generous and the chef quite obviously values presentation. If Thai food doesn’t tickle your fancy, there are a number of western options like the famed Club Sandwich (150 THB) or beer feed such as fries, nuts etc., all for under 100 THB.
Like any fine club, Saxophone provides an array of beverages, whatever your preference may be. The extensive menu offers beers like the local go-to Singha or Carlsberg (150 bt) on tap. A pint of the world famous Paulaner (a personal favourite) can be purchased for an extra 100 baht. Bottled options such as Asahi, Corona, and Heineken (130 bt) are also on hand.
Poppin’ bottles? Jack Daniels (1950 bt), Famous Grouse (1650 bt) and Johnnie Walker Red/Black/Swing (1900/2400/2750) are all available along with, in my opinion, one of the world’s finest whiskeys; 12 Year Old Glenfiddich (2750 bt). Single measures of whiskey are also available from 180 baht.
Classic spirits – vodka, tequila, gin – are go for 180 baht, but they have an immense cocktail list with classics like the Old Fashioned, Whisky Sour, Martini, and Manhattan on the menu, so these guys do alright!
Although we may have consumed one, some or even all of the above; let’s not forget why we came here. Music starts at 7:30pm and echoes until the early hours of the morning. This is the good stuff; the absolute best of sounds. Shout out to Ped’s Band who have consistently captivated a city full of jazz lovers for years; and one new, very enthusiastic Irish man. Good vibes, good people, good times.
Hungry? Check out more food at Tamarind Hill: Savour Sumptuous Thai Fine-Dining At Reduced Prices and COO Bistro: Contemporary Glocal Cuisine In A Social Setting
