Dash of Nepali tunes in Jazzmandu 2015

Kathmandu / October 31: One of the most loved music festivals of Nepal, Surya Nepal Jazzmandu, in its 13th year now, kicks off on November 4. Artistes from all around the world have been enthralling the audience with their performances in the festival, and this year won’t be any different. For Nepali musicians, Jazzmandu isn’t merely a concert but a medium to learn from fellow musicians whilst exhibiting Nepali talent. All Nepali bands taking to the stage this year have the experience of performing in previous editions of the festival, too.

Three Nepali bands performing this year shared their expectations from the festival and what Jazzmandu means to them.

NAVIN CHETTRI, CADENZA COLLECTIVE

Back from their Europe tour, Cadenza is all set to perform at Jazzmandu for the 13th time. This year, audiences at the festival can also expect to enjoy some of the jazzy items from Cadenza’s newest album, ‘Back to the roots’—the one that won the 2014 Nepal Hits FM Music Award’s ‘Best Pop/Rock Album of the Year.’ Drummer Navin Chettri from Cadenza shares with us his thoughts on Jazzmandu and jazz.

How is the preparation for this year’s Jazzmandu going on?
It’s been a difficult year for all of us. We were only just recovering from the devastating earthquake and then came along another trouble. It’s a challenging situation but we are ready and rocking for Jazzmandu. I believe the festival will also be a good retreat for the Kathmanduites. Let’s forget our frustrations and groove along to a beautiful melody for a while.

You have been performing in Jazzmandu for quite some time now, how is this year going to be different?
Every year is different for we end up meeting and collaborating with different musicians and artistes. This year we will be performing many songs from our latest album, ‘Back to the Roots.’

How would you define Jazz music?
There is no real definition for Jazz music. For me Jazz is energy and I enjoy the improvisation it involves. The amazing thing about Jazz is that it is a mixture of all genres. Be it hip hop or blues, they all contain some quantity of Jazz music.

RABIN LAL SHRESTHA, RABIN LAL SHRESTHA DUO

Rabin Lal Shrestha has been playing in Jazzmandu for over a decade. However this time it’s going to be a little different for he is performing alongside his son, Bijay Lal Shrestha.

What does Jazzmandu mean to you?
Just like Dashain and Tihar, Jazzmandu is a festival for us. It’s a platform where we learn some from our foreign friends and teach some to them.

Will the audience get to see something different this year?
This time we will be doing a number of pieces with sarangi and sitar which we hadn’t
incorporated much in our performances earlier.

Nepal is going through a tough time now. How will Jazzmandu help?

We all are searching for ways to forget this trial and move on from this testing time. Although we can’t say
Jazzmandu will bring an end to the woes we’re going through, it will surely help heal. And what can be better than healing through music?

(Source: www.myrepublic.com)