The concept of Paradise Bangkok was born out of looking for records. Back in 2009 DJs Maft Sai and Chris Menist pooled together their collection of obscure Reggae, African, Jazz and Thai vinyl to put on the very first Paradise Bangkok party, a place to drink, dance and enjoy the natural musical links between sounds from across the globe. Thai luk thung and molam, both popular, rural music styles were spun alongside Mulatu, Augustus Pablo, R.Burnam and Fela Kuti, and the duo ended up playing in Japan, Vietnam, Germany, London, Switzerland, Austria and France. They also co-compiled the two volumes of 'Sound of Siam' for Soundway, as well as 'Thai? Dai!' for Finders Keepers. Chris is now back in London, working as a musician and writer, whilst Maft runs the Zud RangMa HQ record store and label in Bangkok, as well as the Studio Lam bar just next door.

The Paradise Bangkok label they both run initially focussed on reissuing lost Thai classics, many of which were only ever produced in small numbers. Issued in runs of 500 only, with screen printed, hand stitched and stamped sleeves, the sought after 7s were then collated on one LP in 2013, complete with a comic illustrated by Lewis Heriz. The newly set up Studio Lam label focusses on new music coming out of Thailand.

The Paradise Bangkok Molam International Band made their live debut in the Thai capital in 2012. Drawn from different music scenes in Bangkok, the band, (initially formed to back vintage luk thung and molam vocalists who sang live at the events) consists of Kammao Perdtanon on phin (Thai lute), Sawai Kaewsombat on khaen, a type of bamboo harmonica, Piyanart Jotikasthira on bass, Phusana Treeburut on drums and Chris Menist on percussion. Before releasing any recordings the band undertook two successful tours in 2013 and 2014 which included a support slot for Damon Albarn in Berlin, stepping in at short notice for Solange Knowles at Off Festival in Poland, as well as gigs in Germany, France, Switzerland, Belgium and the Czech Republic, all to great acclaim.


Jonny Hepbir is a gypsy jazz guitarist, composer and gypsy jazz guitar teacher based in the UK.

During Jonny's career he has performed and played with some of the most notable jazz and gypsy jazz musicians both in the UK and internationally, including Bireli Lagrene, Lulu Reinhardt, Stochelo Rosenberg, Angelo Debarre , Mundel Lowe, John Etheridge, Robin Nolan, Rino Van Hooijdonk, Paulus Schafer, Andreas Oberg and countless other fantastic players.

Jonny performs regularly with his own hot club band, the Jonny Hepbir Trio whose recent clients include Sir Paul McCartney & Sir Terence Conran.  The Jonny Hepbir Trio can be hired for all kinds of events including weddings, corporate functions, private parties, public events and festivals.

'You guys are good...really good' Sir Paul McCartney London Dec '11

It is also possible to book private Gypsy Jazz Guitar lessons with Jonny, either as an individual or a small group, and he runs regular Gypsy Jazz workshops open to players of all abilities throughout the UK.

For more info about hiring the Jonny Hepbir Trio or booking Gypsy Jazz Guitar lessons, please call 07712 332967 or email info@jonnyhepbir.com

Big Crown Records is a Brooklyn based independent record label started in 2016 by Leon Michels & Danny Akalepse. Home of Lee Fields & The Expressions, Lady Wray, El Michels Affair, Bacao Rhythm & Steel Band, The Shacks, Paul & The Tall Trees, 79.5, Bobby Oroza, Brainstory, Okonkolo, and many more.

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