They’re blowing their own trumpet, but there’s still reason to lend an ear

Tonight's Jazz Utsav brings together exciting virtuosos from America

Guitar-God: Wayne Krantz speaks on what to expect at the Jazz Yatra

Tonight's Jazz Utsav brings together exciting virtuosos from America
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When the synergy of a dozen sounds stretches to reach your soul, resistance is a stupid option to go with. A bunch of US-based musicians are the main headliners this year at the Seagram's 100 Pipers Jazz Utsav, with two musicians who have cut their teeth with the world famous Steely Dan band Wayne Krantz (Guitar) and Anthony Jackson (Bass Guitar). Beatle Jazz comprises Brian Melvin on Drums and Percussion, David Kikoski on Piano and Peter Barshay on Bass. They are joined by formidable musicians, Wayne Krantz on Guitar, Anthony Jackson (Inventor of Six String Bass), Cliff Almond on Drums and David Binney on Sax.

Acoustically inclined
The three-day music gala, to be held at three cities Bangalore, Mumbai and Delhi will see jazz biggies in performance. The main attraction, however, is Beatle Jazz and Wayne Krantz. "It's going to be pure entertainment," promises organiser, Amit Sehgal of Capital Jazz.

Namita Gupta in conversation with the Guitar-God, Wayne Krantz, who has played at some of the world's hippest jazz clubs of the likes of Club 55 in NYC.

You are a jazz legend. Have you played in front of an Indian audience before? How clued in is the Indian audience in terms of good jazz music?
I honestly don't know. I've never played here before. I look forward to finding out when I play at the Jazz Utsav. It's a rhythmic culture, that's obvious from the Indian music I've heard. So hopefully that will be one kind of connection we can make together.

What are the jazz specials expected at the concert this weekend in Bangalore?
It's a special band, as we have all played my music in different combinations, but never in this specific group before. My music is usually trio-based, so this will be different for all of us.

What are you looking forward from this concert?
At the Jazz Utsav I'mu00a0 primarily looking to connect with the musicians and hopefully make some great music. Beyond that, it's an honour simply to be asked to perform for such a legendarily musical culture for the first time.

Describe your perfect night with great music?
I'm not sure if there is such a thing. Imperfection is part of the fabric of improvising, it's a built-in component that we react against and deal with in the moment, all the time. But one night in Italy we played a very good concert and at the end, my little daughter came on stage with me and held on to me while I finished playing. That was close to a perfect night.

Have any musicians influenced your work?
I had inspirations early on, of course, mostly rock and jazz people. Then I turned away from my influences to try to forge my own music and never really got back to them. I get inspired by anything imaginative that tries to go beyond the status quo. I'm not really much of a stylist, playing-wise or listening-wise.

We saw David Binney perform at a lounge in Bangalore many years back with Guitarist Prassanna. What do you recall of the audience that night?
I remember David said he had a really good time that night.

All of you at different points of time have played with the legendary Steely Dan band. Is it true?
Yes, I played and recorded with them, and Anthony Jackson played on Donald Fagen's first solo record.

When November 20, Friday,
Time 7 pm onwards
Where 100 Pipers Jazz Utsav 2009 Ambedkar Auditorium, Vasanth Nagar
Ticket Rs 500 and 750
At Opus

Inputs from Ishita Sharma