As we approached St James Power Station, the music blasting out from Movida, the world music bar, didn't sound too good. Thankfully, it sounded a lot better when we entered the club. The band was not playing, but the size of the room and the decoration impressed me. We decided to check out the other clubs before returning later for the band.
The Belllini Room feels like a luxurious lounge, with stripes and floral wallpaper. I especially liked the wall lined with Belvedere vodka bottles. The band and singer were good, playing a mix of jazz and blues. There were plenty of beautifully dressed people. One member of the audience even got up to sing 3 songs. We learnt later that one of St James' owners had invited his friends, including members of the Ferrari Club and a couple of actors, to party. So jamming is not the norm here. Nonetheless, it's a good place to relax, enjoy music, and people watch, if you're so inclined.
The Gallery Bar next door is good for chilling out without missing the action. With full-length glass windows along both sides of the corridor, and you can watch the action in Movida on one side, and Dragonfly on the other. We could see that there was a live performance in Dragonfly, and wanted to join in the fun. Unfortunately, it was full house, and there was still a long queue past midnight.
Returning to Movida, the band was playing rousing latin songs and the salsa numbers saw at least 5 couples on the dancefloor at any time. I joined in the dancing when they started playing Shakira's songs. The band members were also very sporting, coming off-stage to ask someone from the audience to sing a few lines, or pull people on stage to dance. It was great fun.
My only gripe was that I couldn't even say what kind of music they were playing when the band took a break. Retro? It's definitely NOT world music. They were playing Aretha Franklin's Respect when we walked out to Bellini to chill, 'cos the music was just not danceable. (Strangely, that's also when the half-filled dance floor started filling up. Can Singaporeans only dance to retro music?!!) Please... if you really intend to be a powerhouse in Singapore's nightlife, leave the retro concept where it belongs - in the past.
Having said that, I would definitely return to St James again, because the live music is good. And if you get tired of dancing in Movida, you can always chill in Bellini Room or Gallery Bar. Hopefully, they would improve on the music between the band's sets.
The Belllini Room feels like a luxurious lounge, with stripes and floral wallpaper. I especially liked the wall lined with Belvedere vodka bottles. The band and singer were good, playing a mix of jazz and blues. There were plenty of beautifully dressed people. One member of the audience even got up to sing 3 songs. We learnt later that one of St James' owners had invited his friends, including members of the Ferrari Club and a couple of actors, to party. So jamming is not the norm here. Nonetheless, it's a good place to relax, enjoy music, and people watch, if you're so inclined.
The Gallery Bar next door is good for chilling out without missing the action. With full-length glass windows along both sides of the corridor, and you can watch the action in Movida on one side, and Dragonfly on the other. We could see that there was a live performance in Dragonfly, and wanted to join in the fun. Unfortunately, it was full house, and there was still a long queue past midnight.
Returning to Movida, the band was playing rousing latin songs and the salsa numbers saw at least 5 couples on the dancefloor at any time. I joined in the dancing when they started playing Shakira's songs. The band members were also very sporting, coming off-stage to ask someone from the audience to sing a few lines, or pull people on stage to dance. It was great fun.
My only gripe was that I couldn't even say what kind of music they were playing when the band took a break. Retro? It's definitely NOT world music. They were playing Aretha Franklin's Respect when we walked out to Bellini to chill, 'cos the music was just not danceable. (Strangely, that's also when the half-filled dance floor started filling up. Can Singaporeans only dance to retro music?!!) Please... if you really intend to be a powerhouse in Singapore's nightlife, leave the retro concept where it belongs - in the past.
Having said that, I would definitely return to St James again, because the live music is good. And if you get tired of dancing in Movida, you can always chill in Bellini Room or Gallery Bar. Hopefully, they would improve on the music between the band's sets.
3 comments:
Ooh, loving the new background colour, very chic.
So i see you have updated on st james power...will come back and read, now off to JBeeeeeeeeeeee!
Miss Pole--hahaha, funny name B gave me
Join you next time you go. I can handle the retro :)
Suzie - Thanks. :) You sign off as pole-fessional mah. Maybe that can be your new nick.
SL - sure!
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