Performance by the French brass band funksters CQMD and Phnom Penh's

Mekong Pirates set to bring blend of musical styles to Wat Botum this

Friday

CQMD

French band CQMD will wake the neighbours at Wat Botum this Friday.

EVERY music fan in Phnom Penh should mark their calendar for Friday at 6pm, when the French Cultural Centre will shake up the crowds at Wat Botum with a concert by the celebrated French band CQMD, or Ceux qui marchent debout, which translates roughly as "Those who walk standing up".

The brass band, which sings in English, has for more than a decade played venues throughout Europe and will be introducing their seventh album, titled Check that Funk,  during Friday's concert.

Funk and soul music aficionados will recognise the influences of James Brown, George Clinton, Maceo Parker and Prince on many of CQMD's tracks, while others are more reminiscent of the earlier swing era.

But this pioneering band also brings its own funk sensibilities to the mix, with a blend of styles and instrumentation that is guaranteed to set toes tapping and bodies in motion.

Brass band revival

There are no leaders in this six-member group, just talented players who have almost single-handedly revived the brass band style in France, which thrives on collaboration.

THE MEKONG PIRATES refuse to be pigeonholed,

incorporating everything from funk and zouk to SKA.

They write together, sing together and groove together, and their close musical kinship and cooperation shows through in every performance.

Photo by: Mekong Pirates

Phnom Penh based band the Mekong Pirates will open the event.

The band's unique instrumentation includes a trumpet, soubassophone, banjo, snare and bass drum, and trombone ... not to mention loads of inspiration.

On their Cambodian debut, CQMD will be joined by local band the Mekong Pirates, who will kick off Friday night's concert.

Formed last April, the Pirates feature 10 musicians firmly rooted in the classic rock tradition but tempered by many other styles and influences.

The band refuses to be pigeon-holed, however, and thinks of themselves as something of a fusion band, incorporating everything from funk and zouk to ska.

Collaboration

The Mekong Pirates are driven by a similar need for collaboration. Their identity as a band is reflected in their inspirations and approach to new material.

When a bandmate brings in a new melody or lyric, the group first agrees communally on the spirit, or "colour", of the song.

Next comes the process of experimentation, as the band members try different approaches to the song until they all feel good about the direction that the particular piece is taking.

The energy generated by these two bands will appeal to all music lovers, so be prepared to dance the night away and wake the neighbours at beautiful and historic Wat Botum.

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Upcoming concerts

CQMD

Saturday, November 22, 8pm

At BHOR-All Art Centre in Kampong Som (near the bus station and the Freedom Bar, in front of Sihanouk school).  

Mekong Pirates

Saturday, November 29, 8pm

At BHOR-All Art Centre in Kampong Som. The Mekong Pirates will appear alongside Epic Arts, Poh Kiu and Pibah.