THERE are a lot of good bands on island, but very few can command the loyalty and affection of the audience like the acoustic trio of Fat Joy Slim.
You listen to them play, and you’ll end up as their friend.
I should know.
Fat Joy Slim are James, Joy and Badjhoe.
James plays percussions and his instrument is called the cajón, a box drum that originated from Peru. When he plays the cajón, its beat, now soft, now insistent, will weave into the song’s rhythm, giving it a sturdy backbone. He makes it look so easy, playing the cajón. It isn’t.
When you close your eyes while Badjhoe plays his guitar, it seems you’re hearing three guitars — lead, bass and rhythm. He’s like an Indian god with many hands. His fingers are deft, quick and sure.
The lead vocalist, Joy draws you in when she sings. Her voice conveys the lyrics and colors their sentiments. You will feel her sincerity. You will clap your hands. You will say “whohoo!”
Like a jukebox, Fat Joy Slim play everything, and they play it well. They can perform Chamorro, Japanese, Korean and Russian songs. Well-known tunes are given a new life whenever the trio perform them. It seemed that I’ve known Toto’s 1978 hit “Georgy Porgy” all my life, but I started liking it only after hearing Fat Joy Slim’s version.
They are, not surprisingly, passionate about their craft. They love what they’re doing. The high level of their professionalism shows their respect for their audience.
They grow on you.
Hello Saipan
They were already veterans of Metro Manila’s highly competitive music scene when they formed the band on Nov. 3, 2005.
James and Badjhoe had been with other bands while Joy had been a singer in Japan for two years.
When they learned that the Pacific Islands Club of Saipan was hiring a new band, they signed up for the two-day auditions.
Among the 17 groups that applied for the job, PIC chose Fat Joy Slim. They arrived here in June 2006.
Everything
James also sings and plays the guitar and bass. He composes his own music.
“Mostly love songs,” he tells me.
He likes jazz, rock, the blues. Michael McDonald, Pink Floyd and U2 are among his favorite artists.
“My high school days opened my mind to appreciate many different kinds of music,” says James. “My interest in music and my love for playing musical instruments drove me to learn different kinds of music. Then I started jamming with my friends, watching band gigs, concerts, and then I decided to form a band. Somehow my father, who is also a musician, has influenced my decision to become a musician.”
Badjhoe, who used to teach guitar playing at the Yamaha musical school in Manila, likes progressive rock, jazz, rock and roll…
“Make that everything,” he says.
His favorite artists include Al Jarreau, Chuck Mangione and Jimi Hendrix.
“I love playing all kinds of instrument!” he tells me.
He plays the drums, guitar and bass. He was a drummer before shifting to guitar.
Joy’s singing idols include Jinky Vidal and Patti Austin.
“I just love singing,” she says. “Perhaps, it was because of my upbringing and the environment I grew up in. My family is musically inclined. From there, history unfolded.”
It’s still unfolding and you can see it for yourself at Primo’s Bar in Garapan, Mondays to Saturdays.
