Jazz takes centre stage on the J4Jazz Weekender with dwell bands and brunches at Hyatt Regency Chennai

The Many Issues Ensemble 
| Photograph Credit score: Particular Association

Once I consider jazz, a scene from La La Land involves thoughts, the place Sebastian explains to Mia how this style of music is way from the enjoyable, elevator music we frequently affiliate it with. “It’s battle, and it’s compromise, and it’s simply… it’s new each time. It’s model new each evening. It’s very, very thrilling!” he says, applauding the band taking part in in entrance of them.

If that scene ever made you need to expertise jazz as it’s in Hollywood studios or underground golf equipment in New York, this weekend could be your calling. Hyatt Regency Chennai, in collaboration with Social Spirit is internet hosting the J4Jazz Weekender, that includes eight bands performing totally different kinds throughout numerous venues on their property.

Joey Sharma Band
| Photograph Credit score:
Particular Association

“We don’t have many worldwide jazz festivals in India. I’ve been in Chennai for the final yr and a half, constructing a jazz group via our Friday occasions. It’s gained reputation, and that gave us the arrogance to take it to the subsequent stage with this competition,” says Ruban Das, normal supervisor of Hyatt Regency Chennai.

The three-day competition kicks off with the screening of Midnight in Paris, a traditional Woody Allen movie that transports you to the roaring ‘20s, whilst you get pleasure from an era-appropriate brunch at 365 AS. On the primary day, two bands — the Auroville-based AV Trio and the Joey Sharma Band, a gypsy jazz trio from Bengaluru — will carry out at 365 AS, Hyatt Regency’s lounge bar. “AV Trio, my newest favorite, performs bossa nova, a jazz style from Latin America. They sing in Spanish,” says Ruban, noting that they are going to carry out the opening act on the competition.

AV Trio
| Photograph Credit score:
Particular Association

Day two will function a New York-style Pranzo brunch whereas Auroville primarily based duo Suryan & Shanks (Suryan Stettner and Shanks Kini) serenade the viewers. Within the night, the tempo picks up with performances by Auroville-based Matt Littlewood Quartet, who beforehand carried out on the Madras Jazz Competition, and Chennai primarily based Kirtana Krishna Kvartet, who blends Carnatic music influences with jazz.

On the ultimate day, following the screening of New York, New York — a Martin Scorsese musical romance a couple of saxophonist and a singer — accompanied by a hangover brunch at 365 AS , The Many Issues Ensemble will take the stage. This three-person band from Chennai attracts inspiration from many issues like Nature, artwork and sounds round them. “Maarten Visser, the saxophonist, has been with us for the reason that starting,” says Ruban, referring to the common jazz nights at Hyatt. Chennai pianist Aman Mahajan will even carry out his assortment titled Refuge along with his ensemble later that day.

What units this competition aside from Hyatt’s typical Friday evening jazz classes is the inclusion of a broader set of musicians. The competition options native, nationwide, and worldwide artistes, every bringing their very own kinds and genres. “The fantastic thing about jazz is that the identical music can by no means be performed the identical manner twice. The style permits musicians to discover totally different notes and variations inside the framework of a music,” provides Ruban.

Matt Littlewood
| Photograph Credit score:
Particular Association

On all three days, within the foyer lounge, Chennai-based band Tuesday Jazzers will set the tone for the upcoming performances. A Parisian excessive tea will probably be served from 4pm to six.30pm, completely pairing with the vigorous tempo of the music. There will even be a flea market promoting musical memorabilia, equipment and extra at Biscotti all through the day.

Chennai’s jazz group has grown through the years, with youthful audiences exhibiting an curiosity within the style. “That is vital for us as a result of Chennai has at all times been a house for music, artwork, and tradition. We needed to do that earlier than town gears up for its personal cultural and musical programmes,” says Ruban, referring to town’s well-known Margazhi music season.

The J4Jazz Weekender will probably be held from 20 to 22 September 11am to 11pm at Hyatt Regency, Chennai. For reservations and tickets, name 9790787813 / 9884369333.