Pure music, no frills

Started around 16 months ago byu00a0Dee Wood, a music professor, Bandra Base on the 29th Road in Bandra (W), has been slowly establishing itself as a community musical hub. The small centre has nothing but an open stage, yet has only one aim and that is to create a base of learned music listeners. "The idea is to create a base of people, who not only enjoy music, but also understand it," says professor Wood.

Dee Wood at Bandra Base

Professor Wood, who came to Mumbai six years ago to teach music at the Whistling Woods International, refuses to associate himself or Bandra Base with any particular genre. "Jazz, Rock, Classical, African, Indian or World Music - we believe that all music is connected to each other, and welcome artistes from all genres to come and perform with us," he adds.

The music hub, says Professor Woods, has knowledge at the centre of its philosophy. "We are not only focussed at creating a unique musical experience, but also introducing people to each other and hopefully help create a cultural relationship between them," he says, adding, "Here the audience is free to interact with the artistes. In fact, we also encourage people from related fields, like filmmakers, dancers and writers to interact with musicians."

And therefore, before every performance Professor Wood conducts a small workshop where he talks about music, its history, influences and everything else that he could share with the audiences. The line-up for the performances change every week, with newer faces, mostly artistes touring or visiting India, joining him on a free evening, he adds. Professor Woods says that he is very serious about music, and expects the same from the audiences. "We do not want people who wish to come to exchange business cards, or the types who go to a music gig to eat and drink. "It's not about the food and the booze, but about the content. We do not wish to compete with waiters, ambiance or cell phones. It's all about music. And if that's what you want, you are welcome to join us."

Professor Dee Wood will join Hideaki Tokunaga on guitar and Benny Sones

On October 26, 9.30 pm onwards
At Bandra Base, 29th Road, Bandra (W).
Entry '200 Log on to www.facebook.com/bandra.baseu00a0