Performance in Mumbai to celebrate saxophone's association with jazz music

Shirish Malhotra

Saxophone and jazz music go back nearly 120 years, and to celebrate this heady association and pay tribute to veteran American saxophonists Coleman Hawkins, Ben Webster, Lester Young, Charlie Parker, Sonny Rollins, Dexter Gordon, Stan Getz and John Coltrane, The Blue Note Quartet will take the stage this weekend. The quartet comprises Shirish Malhotra, Anurag Naidu, Saurav Ghosh and D Wood. Malhotra, who will be on the tenor saxophone, is elated about the upcoming gig, and says, "The performance will feature Anurag (piano) and me.

Anurag Naidu

We studied jazz in Paris and London respectively. D Wood (acoustic bass) has played an important part in supporting and promoting jazz, especially among the city's younger musicians. Saurav is a great drummer. We will be performing tunes made famous by jazz saxophone giants John Coltrane, Wayne Shorter, Joe Lovano and Stan Getz, among others."

Saurav Ghosh

Wood is excited that the quartet will perform iconic pieces from various periods post '50s jazz, which was made famous by Rollins, Coltrane, Getz and Webster. What makes it more special for him is sharing the stage with the three Indian musicians. "They are the most talented young Indian jazz musicians on the scene currently. Their skills, ideas and dedication remind us that jazz is truly a universal language," he explains.

D Wood

The musicians' repertoire will include perennial favourites such as Body & Soul, As Time Goes By, Take Five, Desifinado and I'm In The Mood For Love, among others. Talking about the strength of the saxophone, Wood adds, "When played with skill and artistry, the sax has a vast textural and emotional range. Almost like the human voice, the instrument can tell stories, conjure up imagery and be a catalyst for imagination."

On : January 6, 7 pm
At : Experimental Theatre, NCPA, Nariman Point.
Call : 22824567
Entry : Rs.500, Rs.750 (available at the venue and bookmyshow.com)

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