The Frankie Sixes is a jazz project of singer-songwriter Reza Salleh, started out playing for lindy hop dancers, a kind of swing dance from the 1940-50s. Reza is an AIM award-winning singer- songwriter and a regular face in the independent music scene. His debut album “Realize” topped radio charts the year of its release and has led him to performances in Korea, Japan, Thailand, Australia, Indonesia and Singapore. He’s performed at the 18th annual Sunset Live Festival, Asia Music Found Showcase and the Nakasu Jazz Festival in Japan, as well as being invited to the Jazz & Wine music series and the Daegu Folk Festival in Korea. On local shores he’s appeared in most major music festivals and has had his own showcase at Dewan Filharmonik Petronas. Reza is the main vocalist of the band.
On keys is Ee Jeng, one of the most well known jazz musicians in the Malaysian jazz scene. In addition to playing most local jazz festivals in the country, internationally he’s played for the likes of Randy Bernsen, Laura Fygi and Indro Hardjodikoro, among many others. He’s normally seen leading the 8-year-old Ee Jeng Trio doing a repertoire of jazz originals or leading Funkatorie, a soul and funk act.
On double bass is Che Wan, who has played for some of the top jazz practitioners in the Malaysian music industry including Michael Verappan, Patrick Tebrack and many more.
Outside of jazz he has sessioned for the likes of Yuna, Guba and Tony Eusoff.
On drums we have KJ, trained musically in the esteemed Musicians Institute in Hollywood, California. Together with Malaysian Jazz Ensemble WVC, KJ has drummed in many parts of the world such as China, Taiwan, Macau, Thailand, Canada, The United States and even the Caribbean Islands.
No Black Tie (NBT), Kuala Lumpur’s premier venue for live music, has been the showcase for renowned and emerging musicians alike. It has seen the likes of Malaysia’s top singers and musicians and the region’s best, not excluding an impressive line-up of international acts. With the multitude of artistes that grace its stage, NBT has been pivotal in supporting and encouraging collaboration between Malaysian musicians and international artistes.
NBT’s aim is to produce unique sounds that typically result from spontaneous improvisations by performers from diverse backgrounds. Uncompromising in its acoustics and sound quality, NBT seeks to leave an impression with the audience in an intimate setting. NBT sees this as playing a role in contributing to the diversity of Kuala Lumpur’s arts and cultural landscape.
