A music form that evolved from the African American and Creole musicians who lived in America has found its strong footing in the Himalaya in the form of Surya Nepal Jazzmandu 2011.[break]
With its epicenter in Kathmandu, the premier music event organized by Upstairs Ideas Pvt Ltd, Thursday, October 20 marks the official start to the Kathmandu Jazz Festival for nine years running.
Navin Chettri, one of the founders of the festival, assured that the talents and creative energy of the nine bands coming from Australia, the US, India, Switzerland, Sweden, and of course, Nepal will leave people wanting for more, and the fusion of music is going to be a superlative affair.
“It’s that time of the year, again. Musicians from around the globe converge in Kathmandu and celebrate music,” shared Chettri who is also the drummer and lead vocalist of The Cadenza Collective.
Talking about the bands, Chettri shared that reunion with their old pal Nick Aggs, the saxophonist of Afro Dizzi Act from Australia, is going to wow the crowd.
“I can’t wait for our jam sessions. Be there to catch the tunes of Afro-funk jazz punctuated with Nepali folk and classical music. The Jazz at Patan is definitely something I’m looking forward to.”
The six-day music fest will feature the ever popular Valley Jams, the impressive musical marathon of the Jazz Bazaar at Gokarna Forest Resort, the educational feature of the Jazz Master Class at Kathmandu Jazz Conservatory (KJC), the fusion Jazz at Patan concert, and the grand finale Big Jam at Shambhala Garden of Hotel Shangri-La.
One of the highlights of the event according to the organizers is the Cuban League featuring Xiomara Laugart on vocals, Alex Tosca Laugart on keys and Yunior Terry on the bass.
They come highly recommended by the organizers. Known as the voice of Cuba, Laugart has been representing her country and people through her music for the past 30 years and will be performing in Nepal for the first time.
According to Chhedup Bomzan, one of the founders of the event, The Upstairs Jazz Bar in Lazimpat will see Cuban music explosion on October 21.
“This year’s event features some great lineup of artists, going beyond the hardcore instrumental jazz,” shared Bomzon, adding that one of the USPs (unique selling points) of Jazzmandu is its eclectic offering which only jazz music can offer.
Aiding tourism in the country, the annual event seeks to impart peace and compassion through music.
“The festival not only attracts international crowd but I’m seeing a building interests in our festival from the local youth as well,” shared Chettri, adding, “We were overwhelmed with the number of volunteer applications this year, the interest in music among the youth is encouraging and it signals a great future not just for festivals as such but for music itself.”
The crosspollination of local music with international sounds is sure to push the envelope of creativity and give rise to a music form that is known and experienced as Jazz.
Chettri was quick to point that one of the main agendas of the event was to portray traditional Nepali music through various Nepali traditional musicians like Gandharvas.
“Jazzmandu as an event is a perfect platform to showcase our musical heritage. Gandharvas have always been an intrinsic part of our society, they are the storytellers who travel and propagate stories through their singing,” added he.
Bconnected, Neighbourhood, Nick Aggs of Afro Dizzy Act, The Cuban League, and The Window Seat are some of the key acts scheduled to jam during the six-day event.
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