Singapore has more than its fair share of secret bars. Cool Cats, however, is more than just a speakeasy. It’s first and foremost a live music lounge where the quality of sound is its top priority followed closely by the experience of its patrons, from its superb drink list that includes carefully-crafted cocktails to its minimalist and sleek decor that puts music centre stage.
Although it has been closed as of late, the intimate jazz club is throwing open its heavy, unmarked wooden door for six special live music nights this September. Featuring three talented international acts, it will soon be time to get on down, kick back with a drink in hand and let the music take you away on a journey through sound. You haven’t had a night like this in a hot minute.
Don’t miss out on a night of live music at one of Singapore’s best small music venues.
Located in The NCO Club in Singapore’s art and culture district, the Cool Cats September program has been curated by Vamp Productions. The creative music agency also takes care of the acts you can find on stage at Marina Bay Sands, Capitol Theatre, Singapore Jazz Club and 222 Arts Club as well as the lobbies of Shangri La and Raffles. In other words, they’ve got the contacts and the connects to put on a show worth heading out for.
Natasha and Mellow Motif
Thailand’s jazz scene slaps and jazz band Mellow Motif is one of the best in the country. Combining an original and playful sound with lighthearted arrangements with Brazilian influences, the group is an ambassador for the country’s burgeoning music industry. And, they do not disappoint.
From performing at jazz festivals around the world and linking up with international jazz greats like Bob James and Roberto Menescal, the band and its members have garnered respect from musicians and critics alike. You can expect to hear their reinterpretation of tunes from the 30s-50s as well as their own compositions that swing and hit the groove hard. The crystal-clear voice of frontwoman Natasha is also a joy to experience live on stage.
When: Friday 2 and Saturday 3 September, 9pm
Janine Annice
Hailing from London, Janine Annice is blowing up Malaysia’s music circuit where she’s been collaborating and creating new music with some of the finest producers and musicians for the past few months. From the stage at No Black Tie to Ronggeng Sound System X Drum Asia Live in Malaysia, she’s feeling free and lighting it up with her vocal versatility and inimitable style.
Her sound is electro-soul and her talent will electrify the night with a transformative set. Don’t miss out on a night of Janine Annice in Singapore. We don’t know how long she’ll be sticking around.
When: Friday 9 and Saturday 10 September, 9pm
Adam Hall and The Rhythm Spectacular
Australian Adam Hall is no stranger to Singapore having toured the city previously and held an artist residence at the Southbridge Jazz Club. He’ll be back this September with his trumpet and band to perform songs from their genre-transforming group The Rhythm Spectacular which has previously reworked the music of Stevie Wonder and Beyoncé.
Adam Hall is a seasoned showman and all the musicians he plays with are some of the finest in Western Australia. Their jazzy reinterpretations of hit songs you all know and love are a breath of fresh air. Incorporating diverse styles, it’ll be hard to stay off of your feet bebopping the night away but you’re going to have to head along to find out what they have in store.
When: Friday 16 and Saturday 17 September, 9pm
Cool Cats live music lounge not only serves up quality jazz but also has some of Singapore’s finest cocktails. The exciting concept bar has crafted a cocktail list based on jazz history so you can pick and choose the tipple by the story that most excites you. There’s the Singapore Sling that pays tribute to Ella Fitzgerald or the Harlem Revolution that’s all ragtime and New Orleans as well as The Acerbic Mrs Parker whose wit has long transformed into song.
With beers, wines and fine spirits also stocked behind the bar, there’s a tipple for everyone’s taste buds. Plus, the bar snacks are not your run-of-the-mill bites to eat. Salivate over the A4 Wagyu Beef or pan-fried Foie Gras to take your night to the next level as the music moves you.
Tickets to “Music Is Back at Cool Cats: Live Music & Cocktail Nights” start from S$48.