All That Jazz

Mumbai did once have a golden Jazz age. That was the period from the 1960s to the 1980s when names like Dizzy Sal and Jazzy Joe resonated with music lovers,and morning sessions of coffee and jazz were common with youngsters. We may not see that kind of enthusiasm soon,but it looks like jazz is set to regain its popularity. New places like Blue Frog,Bonobo and Hard Rock Café are providing a platform for alternative music. There has also been a growth in the number of international artists who’re heading to Indian shores to delight local jazz lovers. Over the past couple of months itself,performers like the Wolfgang Haffner Trio,Scott Henderson and Richard Bona have flown in to perform,while festivals featuring jazz,such as the One Tree Music Festival,Melange and JazzUtsav have also multiplied.

India’s most famous jazz composer/performer,Louiz Banks,welcomes this new wave. “The jazz scene seems to be picking up—thanks to visionary sponsors who’re taking the initiative to feature international jazz artists who in turn are revitalising the scene.” Banks himself is set to perform with the Grammy-nominated jazz guitarist Mike Stern at a series of concerts at the Blue Frog and NCPA this week.

It’s not just international performers—even many Indian musicians and bands are performing music,with a very discernible touch of jazz. Stern acknowledges,“I’ve heard some Indian jazz musicians and they’re smoking. Sometimes they have some Indian influences and that’s what makes them exciting,” Bands like Jazz Junction and the Brown Indian Band are keeping that spirit alive,while acts like Something Relevant and Airport combine the best of jazz with other genres.

In fact,it is the ease with which jazz combines with other genres,especially classical music,that’s made sure it survives. “Many new bands perform jazz,but they always mix it up with something else. This constant evolution is necessary if jazz is to survive,” says Sequeira. Stuart D’Costa,bassist of Something Relevant,says that what is also important is that jazz is more than just music; it’s an extension of the musician. “Jazz is based on improvisation. The same song can sound different depending upon the musician’s mood. So it makes for such great live music,and people are beginning to acknowledge that.”

There is still some time to go before one sees a full-fledged jazz renaissance in Mumbai. D’Costa feels that more festivals and international artists won’t make much of a difference. Until enough music schools take it upon themselves to teach students to understand their instruments,rather than just playing a few songs,jazz will remain niche. “To really know and appreciate jazz,you have to understand the many ways in which music can be made and felt. That is lacking in both musicians and audiences,” he says. Banks,on the other hand,is more optimistic. “As the number of jazz outlets and performances increase,perceptions will change,” he says,“we all know that people appreciate artistry and originality in all art forms,so why should jazz be left behind?”