The Biggles Big Band, a world-class big band from Amsterdam

Thai jazz enthusiasts know well that opportunities to see a big band—a large jazz ensemble distinct for its swing style—are rare. This may be because it is not a mainstream musical culture here, and also due to the sheer size of the band, which consists of about 12-25 musicians using a variety of instruments, including brass sections like trumpets, trombones, saxophones, flutes, and clarinets, as well as string instruments like violins, violas, cellos, and double basses, plus guitars, pianos, and drums. This makes the chance to see a big band in Thailand not easy to find.

However, deep-level jazz fans know that every year, a world-class big band, The Biggles Big Band from Amsterdam, Netherlands, has been continuously touring Thailand since 2009.

This year, The Biggles Big Band did not miss coming to Thailand as usual, inaugurating their first stage at The Piano Resort Khao Yai on February 9th.

The Khao Yai stage this year had a surprise: an opening act by a local big band from Korat named KBB (Korat Big Band), founded just recently in 2022 by Dr. Paiboon Prachayanusorn, President of the Korat Big Band Music Club. That night, the band performed several Royal Composition songs, such as "Love at Sundown" (Yam Yen), "Candlelight Blues" (Saeng Tien), and "H.M. Blues" (Chata Cheewit), creating a very impressive experience for the audience.

After the opening act and a brief break, members of The Biggles Big Band began to take the stage, with Adrie Braat, the conductor, walking up last in a striking orange suit, just as he does every time he performs.

"Hello ladies and gentlemen, welcome to our music performance. This time our big band will play traditional swing jazz. On behalf of all the musicians in the band, I hope you enjoy it. Have fun. Khob Khun Lai Lai Der Krub (Thank you very much)," were the clear Thai opening remarks from Mr. Adrie Braat, which successfully drew applause and delight from the audience that night.

As the speech ended, the sound of swing jazz instruments roared up amidst the cool, natural atmosphere of Khao Yai, creating such fun and festivity that some could not resist getting up to dance joyfully along with the music.

It is considered a jazz tradition that during songs, there are solo showcases for each instrument, giving musicians a chance to display their specific skills. Each solo was powerful and intense, as if freezing every movement around us, leaving only us facing the musician.

Not only were there instrumental pieces, but there were also vocal songs by the powerful young singer Oscar Rodenburg, who transfixed us with the music. Starting with the classic Spanish song Besame Mucho, which swayed emotions with its dreamy romantic vibe, while fast songs like Top Hat, White Tie and Tails got legs moving to the rhythm. This was followed by Fly Me to the Moon and My Way, classic jazz from Frank Sinatra that naturally made the setlist, and the night closed with the immortal song from Louis Armstrong, What a Wonderful World, which everyone sang along to until the end. It was a full hour filled with nothing but fun and appreciation, making the night feel like it passed very quickly.

After the concert ended, fans lined up to take photos with their favorites until the crowd started to thin out, allowing Khaoyai Connect to have a small chat with Adrie Braat, the conductor who controlled the fun throughout the night.

Adrie said that this year they returned to Khao Yai upon invitation from Khun Te Tae (Panchana Vatanasathien), President of the Khao Yai Tourism Association, as well as due to calls from last year's audience asking them to come back. Additionally, on each visit, they try to connect with local children by organizing free music workshops. This year, they started in Khao Yai and will continue to Korat, Khon Kaen, Roi Et, Ubon Ratchathani, Chiang Mai, Laos, and conclude at the Netherlands Embassy in Bangkok.

"I see music as a universal language that can connect with people, no matter what type of music it is. I also know that in Thailand many years ago, the band Carabao was very popular, which is very different from our music, but I like it very much as well," he said.

Adrie has not come to Khao Yai for the first time, but every time he visits, he is impressed.

"I [like] the nature here; the air is very fresh. Even though it's not far from Bangkok, we wake up to very cool air, see birds, and hear the sounds of nature; it is good for our souls".

The Biggles Big Band is a big band that has toured Thailand until a bond was formed, engaging in volunteer activities teaching music to children in the areas they play. For each visit, the musicians use their own funds, with sponsors contributing only sometimes.

"Normally, I am a bassist in a string quartet, touring various places like Japan, China, or recently we went to Cuba, and next month to Switzerland and Germany, for example. We are a band that is quite popular with listeners, and I have funds from these jobs. As for The Biggles Big Band, it is a big band formed to play in Amsterdam, where every month we perform at beer halls, which has a very good atmosphere".

For anyone interested in The Biggles Big Band's performance, after the show at Khao Yai, they are touring throughout February. Starting from February 11 in Nakhon Ratchasima; February 13 in Khon Kaen at the TonTann Heart and Craft Market, Ton Tann Village stage; February 15-16 in Roi Et; February 19 in Chiang Mai at Tulou Restaurant; February 20 in Ubon Ratchathani; and closing the Thailand tour on February 25 in the garden atmosphere of the Embassy of the Netherlands in Thailand.

For those interested in details regarding dates, times, locations, and costs, more information can be found at Facebook.com/bigglesbigband.