Pub treat by Wilson

ON entering Backyard Pub in Sri Hartamas, there is a reassuring stack of barrels behind the bar and a small carpeted stage only one step off the floor.

An intimate performance is assured.

The grungy atmosphere seems to encourage musical innovation because there is no pressure to conform to a certain image.

The pub has established itself as a loyal promoter and home away from home for “live music” fans in Kuala Lumpur. Events such as its annual Jamfest offer a platform for both new and established artists.

Bar owner Jerry Chong confesses that Backyard Pub is shamelessly modelled on the pubs that he used to frequent in England.

Meanwhile, regular percussionist Badar Fawzy (better known just as Badar) adds: “Other bars may be more swanky but what’s the use if we have to move all the tables so that people can dance?”

Two Wednesdays ago, the punters lining the bar and crowding the booths were listening to a lively jam session. In the relaxed atmosphere, even the pool players could pay attention while lining up their cue ball.

The man all had come to hear was Jamie Wilson. For Malaysian guitar music fans, Wilson should need no introduction. Others may be excused their ignorance because Wilson rarely plays a live gig as a headline act.

He prefers to work either as a session musician or under the umbrella of local bands such as Prana, Inner Space and recently AkashA. For this one-off gig, he was joined by old friends; Badar on percussion and Albert Sirimal also on guitar.

“My parents are in town at the moment and I wanted to give them an opportunity to see me perform,” Wilson explains.

It is a privilege to hear charismatic musicians playing a small venue like this pub. Wilson can often be heard on much grander stages such as the Hong Kong Coliseum or more recently the Rainforest World Music Festival in Sarawak with AkashA.

The night loosened up with old favourites like Sting’s Englishman In New York and Cyndi Lauper’s Time After Time.

The energy went up a notch with Don Henley’s Boys Of Summer. Wilson’s performance had both the infectious enthusiasm of a karaoke singer and the verve of a musician who has perfected his craft in many genres.

“The weakness of many local players is that they’re not versatile. There are guys who can play (the technically difficult music of) Yngwie J Malmsteen but they can’t do jazz or folk,” says Wilson. “The scene here is too small to sustain many homegrown bands.”

By not being limited to one band with one style, Wilson can export his skill to artists throughout Asia and the world.

Versatility and instinct help make for a lively jam session. With this combination, we know we’ll get the music that’s closest to the heart. What might this be?

“Blues,” confirms Wilson without hesitation. “In particular, early Eric Clapton and anything by B.B. King”.

Where better to listen to soulful, personal music than a venue that feels like your own backyard? Cityfolk that night sure wished Wilson’s parents visited more often.