Joy Sharma Trio | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
This weekend, you will get a chance to relax and soak up the spirit of jazz at a relaxed pace. The inaugural edition of the Courtyard Kuta Jazz Festival 2024 will beginOn 1st September.
Conceptualised and curated by pianist-composer Aman Mahajan and Courtyard Kuta founder Natasha Iape, the festival is a celebration of all things jazz. “This is something we have been wanting to put together for a while,” says Aman, adding, “We hope to show new directions in the city’s niche jazz scene.”
“At first we didn’t want to call it a festival because we weren’t sure if it would be the right scale, but when it turned into an all-day event, we felt it was appropriate.”
According to Aman, “The three artists will present a unique blend of Bangalore’s jazz styles. The festival is designed to give the audience a chance to interact informally with the musicians, so in addition to the performances, there will also be lunch and tea breaks. The hope is to enjoy a day of jazz culture.”
Refuge at Courtyard Kuta Jazz Festival 2024,Which includes Apoorva Krishna, Joy Sharma Trio and Pockets and Changes.
Apoorva Krishnan | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
“One guy I’ve had my eye on for a long time is guitarist Joey Sharma. He has revived an old style of jazz called gypsy jazz, which originated in Paris, and was influenced by Spanish music as well as flamenco. Joey plays gypsy jazz in an authentic way and he has a great trio, so he was one of my choices for the show.”
Aman said another emerging band from the city – Pockets and Changes – plays progressive jazz, while Refuge is based on contemporary Indian jazz.
“I have recently started working closely with violinist Apoorva Krishna. We will be offering a slightly different take on contemporary jazz compositions. What is special about Apoorva is that she is not only a Carnatic musician, but she is also exploring jazz and western harmonies, which is a different approach to this genre of music.”
He added, “I think all three of these bands embody the spirit of jazz in contemporary ways that are relevant to India and Bangalore.”
Bengaluru-based jazz band Pockets and Changes | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
A performance-workshop of all the participating artists led by Auroville guitarist-composer Dhani Muniz will also be part of the event.
Music students can get a 50% discount on day passes by contacting Courtyard Kuta. “Most of the time, students want to attend, but they shy away from doing so because of the cost,” says Aman. Visitors can also buy tickets for shows of specific artistes.
The Courtyard Koota Jazz Festival will take place on September 1 from 12pm to 8pm. Check tickets and schedule at Skillbox and Courtyardkoota.com
