Ahead of International Jazz Day (April 30), collectors, musicians and artists recall their musings about a genre that is growing into a robust community. Plus, a curated list of the best jazz gigs to celebrate the big day
A moment from a session at the club. Pic Courtesy/Facebook
Sustained by love
WE started the Pune Jazz and Blues Club back in the early 2000s, and I took over in 2010. The objective was to make people aware of jazz through listening sessions, recordings and musical concerts. It was never to charge money. We still have free entry for listening sessions. We have Mehdi Niroomand of Shisha Café in Pune who loves and wants to promote jazz music. Most jazz clubs are sustained by the love for the genre. They are not money spinners, not even in the USA. Despite its growth, it remains a niche genre. But it is growing and has a steady following here. We started out with listening sessions, but slowly added video content, and sessions on jazz history to complement live performances.
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Ashwin Panemangalore, co-founder, Pune Jazz and Blues Club
Casual and fun
Mehrotra’s artwork for the cover Jazz Yatra 1988
While I was in Dubai in the ’70s, I would often buy records. My mother was trained in Hindustani classical, and I grew up around music. One of the first albums that switched me to jazz was The Weather Report. It was a game-changer. Later, I was part of the team with Jazz Yatra started by Niranjan Zaveri. We were lucky to hear Dizzy Gillespie perform. So, when I was approached to create the covers for the album, I was more than happy. The challenge was that you could not pick a theme because the performers were so diverse. So, I would focus on a single instrument or performer, and paint in my style.
I still attend jazz concerts in Mumbai. The only thing I miss is that it has become clinical. Jazz should be casual and fun. At most shows these days, you are seated. It does not have the same feel.
Jaideep Mehrotra, artist and jazz lover, Mumbai
The artist with his collection of records. Pics Courtesy/Jaideep Mehrotra.com
For the passionate listener
Records from Sujit Sinha’s collection
I started collecting [music] in 1987 when I was in my teens. It started with pop and classical rock, but I realised many of them had jazz influences. The first album was Miles Davis’ Kind Of Blue. That was different and very interesting.
One of my particular interests has been the sub-genre of British Jazz. The trigger for me was the music of Amancio D’Silva. He was a guitarist from Goa, who moved to England and created a record with the Caribbean-origin saxophonist Joe Harriott. The album was called Hum Dono. That caught my attention. Slowly, I discovered other names in the genre. British jazz is very distinct, and is a melting pot of influences from India, the Caribbean, and the subcontinent.
Bengaluru has a rich heritage of jazz culture. Recently, Windmills Craftworks in Whitefield hosted several jazz musicians. But the genre is still one for passionate listeners. Despite the growing interest of youngsters in records and collections, it is not a popular genre among listeners.
Sujit K Sinha, records collector, Bengaluru
Sujit K Sinha
Shifting interests
My love for jazz dates back to school. I was always fascinated by the improvisational aspect of the genre. It also helped that I was trained in both Western and Hindustani classical music. Hindustani classical, in fact, has more in common with jazz and helped to sharpen my instincts further.
While I have only been travelling as a performer recently, I can tell that Mumbai has a more aware jazz listener. They are exposed to diverse music. Delhi is growing that culture, especially with The Piano Man Jazz Club. But I can tell you that there is a definite audience, though niche. The marker for me is the wedding season. I was surprised when friends told me about a growing request for commercial jazz at Indian weddings. Now, even if they are asking for Michael Bublé or Frank Sinatra at an Indian wedding, I would take it as a win. It shows a shift in pattern.
Meera Desai, bassist and vocalist, Mumbai
Gigs to catch
. Quadrophonic: Catch the quartet of Sanjay Divecha, Prayaag Baruah, Rhythm Shaw and Srinjay Banerjee team up with Louiz Banks for a rare performance.
ON April 28; 11 am
AT Prithvi Theatre, Juhu Church Road, Juhu.
LOG ON TO prithvitheatre.org
COST Rs 500
. Jazz and cocktails: Schubert Vaz, Anand Vaity, William Fernandes and Steve Francis put up a special celebration of jazz with this concert by The Bombay Jazz Club.
ON April 30; 6 pm onwards
AT The Irish House, Phoenix Mall, Senapati Bapat Marg Lower Parel.
LOG ON TO in.bookmyshow.com
COST Rs 499
. Celebrate on the big stage: The 13th edition of the International Jazz Day takes stage with Louiz Banks bringing together a range of artistes from Adrian D’Souza and Gary Lawyer, to Emmanuel Simon and Omkar Dhumal.
ON April 30; 7 pm
AT Tata Theatre, NCPA, Nariman Point.
LOG ON TO
in.bookmyshow.com
COST Rs 944 onwards
. Guitar on live: Rhythm Shaw will showcase his virtuoso guitar skills in a special jazz session at this Bandra venue.
ON April 30; 10 pm
AT Bonobo, Kenilworth Plaza, off Linking Road, Bandra West.
FREE
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