Under the banner of Upstairs Pvt Ltd, a veritable deluge of artists from around the globe has flocked to Nepal since its inception in 2002.[break] And for its 9th manifestation, Surya Nepal Jazzmandu 2011 is bringing together eight bands from India, Australia, the USA, Switzerland, Sweden, and Nepal whose music spans a diverse array of sounds, from blues to world music, Latin and African fusion to traditional Nepali folk.
“What I love about the Jazzmandu is how it encapsulates the very best from the diverse Jazz circuit,” shared Sheri Thapa, Director of Development at John Dewey School, and a regular attendee of the festival from the start. “It draws people from all ages and backgrounds. It’s laid-back, and if you’re looking for a good time, then you know where to be.” A singer herself who has performed in the “Women in Concert” series, Thapa revealed she’s excited about this year’s female contingent. “Cuban singer Xiomara Laugart and Suman Sridhar of The Window Seat from India sound promising.”
Yanik Shrestha, Director of Passage International, who has been volunteering at the event from the start will be looking after The Cuban League this year and assured that the act is definitely worth every single paisa.
“The marriage of dynamic rhythms from the African and Latin regions is infectious and the carnival beat should please everyone, even those who aren’t into hardcore jazz,” shared Shrestha who’s one of the members of Lyrics Indy, a hip hop jazz band. He’s also of the belief that inclusion of contemporary acts will further popularize the festival.
“I don’t have any qualms about elaborate instrumental jazz music. I love the technicality of it. But for the layman, it can get a little daunting. So incorporating easy listening pieces, injecting a shot of contemporary would be the way to go. You’ll attract more people and extend the reach of festival far and beyond,” added Shrestha, reiterating that mainstream acts like Jamie Cullum would be a stupendous addition to the festival. Of course, he’s keeping his fingers crossed.
A feeling echoed by Thapa, who doesn’t fancy the hardcore instrumental jazz music, is, “The complexity of these ensembles sometimes overwhelms me. But these are all overlooked when you’re in the company of your loved ones – good food, drinks, the ambience: it’s just magical.”
Recollecting his first time at the Jazzmandu, Anil Paudel, 30, shared that the festival sparked an interest of the musical genre that he thought was too obscure for his taste.
“It was 2008, and the sight of the Catia Werneck Quartet from Brazil is still imprinted on my mind. I still have the CD personally autographed by Catia. It’s one of my most cherished possessions.”
Paudel adds that this year will mark his fourth year at the event.
A medium for entertainment and education, festivals like Jazzmandu are very important for the progression of an art form that is considered the mother of modern music, so believes Sunaina Saraf. The director of Urban Designs remembers the free concerts that were organized at the Durbar Squares in Basantapur, Bhaktapur, and Patan, and the reactions it evoked.
“There was this sense of amazement in the faces of the spectators. It was a completely new genre of music for them in an alien language, but they were responding to it. That’s the beauty of music, it transcends everything. And what the organizers have done is expose this articulate form of music to the mass,” said Saraf.
“The most beautiful melodies in the world under the starry sky of Gokarna Forest Resort are unmatched,” she said. Saraf was quick to add that she does see a lot of new faces in the crowd these days but is not convinced that their agenda is music.
Hailed as the biggest jazz party in the Himalaya, Jazzmandu has over the years become a meeting place for people, famous and unknown, who are looking for inspiration, qualitative meetings, and enjoyment and yearn for a good time.
“Jazzmandu is for music, period. Socializing, partying is there but when you come to a place like this, you ought to respect that. I see a lot of wannabes these days, whose main agenda is to be seen,” laughed Saraf, who is big on fusion music.
One of the agendas of the event is to promote creativity, the blending of international sounds and the talents of Nepali musicians. This year, it’ll take place at the beautiful Patan Durbar Courtyard on October 24. The undulating sounds of jazz are sure to transfix the seasoned to the novices, and it’s the qualitative aspect of Jazzmandu that’s been drawing in throngs of crowds.
Some claim this to be “Nepal’s most feel-good festival of international caliber” and nodding in agreement is 34-year-old Rupen Pradhan, Director of Applied Value, a marketing and advertising company.
“I’ve been a regular at Jazzmandu from the beginning and it has certainly given me a reason to love the month of October. For music lovers living in Nepal, Jazzmandu offers great value for money and time,” shared Pradhan.
Pradhan is a huge fan of The Cadendza Collective, their renowned folksy-bluesy musical ensemble is something that thrills him and he takes immense pride in calling them “homegrown” jazz act.
“Cadenza’s jam sessions are something I don’t miss. Their collaborations with other artists are tight and are electrifying. This year, it’ll be interesting to see them with Nick Aggs of Afro Dizzy Act,” shared Pradhan who also has high hopes from The Cuban League and Beconnected.
So whether you’re a music-loving soul, a social butterfly, or both, the Kathmandu Jazz Festival aims to bring together all-around happening people under one roof. It doesn’t matter what your tastes in music, alcohol, or for the sober ones, coffee or tea, might be, but the Jazzmandu team has something for everyone. The 9th Surya Nepal Jazzmandu 2011 will run from October 20 to 25.
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