08 July,2017 11:00 AM IST | Mumbai | Wriddhaayan Bhattacharyya
Radha Thomas, one of India's first jazz vocalists, walks down memory lane and recalls jamming with Mumbai's biggest names
Radha Thomas also trained herself in Indian classical music and Dhrupad
In the '70s, she lived the dream, crooning for the rock 'n roll band, Human Bondage, in Bombay. Opportunity came knocking, and she flew over to Poland to represent India at the Jazz Vocalists' Festival in 1976 at the age of 20. Radha Thomas' transformational years were nothing short of fascinating. She lived in New York for close to two decades, till 1993, singing with jazz ensembles. Today, the 62-year-old author, singer and vice president of a media publishing house, runs her own group, UNK: The Radha Thomas Ensemble from Bengaluru. She chats with us ahead of a performance in Mumbai.
Radha Thomas (second from left) with the Ryoâu00c2u0080u00c2u0088Kawasaki band in USA. She featured in two of their albums, Mirror of My Mind (1979) and Ring Toss (1977)
You've performed with the likes of Sanjay Divecha and Louiz Banks. How does it feel to be back here?
It feels wonderful. Some of India's finest jazz musicians, including Karl Peters (bassist) and Adrian D'Souza (drums), call this city home, and I am lucky to have worked with them. I have also worked with the second wave of musicians, like pianists Karan Joseph and Anurag Naidu. Since this is a work trip, I doubt I'll find time to catch up with them, unless they show up at my concert. If they do, I will twist their arms till they join us for a tune or two.
What is your favourite memory involving your old friends?
Once, Louiz came to New York and stayed with us for a few days. We went for a George Benson concert and after it ended, Louiz grabbed him by the arm and clutched me by the other arm and got someone to take a picture of the three of us. I used to have that photograph, but I can't seem to find it.
Tell us about your current band.
We bring different skill sets to the stage and when it's going right, there is no sweeter sound. With so many shows, one album [I Only Have Eyes For You, released in 2012] and having worked on original music, we have a creative connect.
What will you play at the concert?
There is a song called Bangalore Blues, which is an ode to the city I now call home. I will also perform a romantic tune, Tumble, which I wrote years ago, challenging the only boyfriend who ever dumped me. Oh, and he was from Mumbai.
Why don't we see you play more often?
I do around seven or eight gigs a year, but not that often in Mumbai. You have to remember that jazz competes with Bollywood and pop music. Despite the odds, we have managed to play in Pune, Goa, Chennai, Romania and New York.
On: Tonight, 9 pm
At: The Finch, John Baker, Marol, Saki Vihar Road, Andheri East
Log on to: bookmyshow.com
Entry: Rs 750
