On the evening of 3 July, Jazz fans from Mumbai waited patiently to see two famous American musicians at the Tata Theater. Around 7.40 pm, the audience was welcomed by Complex Brian Tellis, the pair went for a stunning applause. In the Trumpter Randy Breaker, a black and red shirt and their trademark cap, and drivers Peter Arskin, in black shirts and blazers, were a picture of elegant, avanular grace.
Three other musicians – Saxophoneist Yakov Memon, Pianoist Ottamaro Ruiz and Basist Richie Goods – joined him. Although the crowd knew very little about them before the show, they all attracted a lot of claps over the next 90 minutes and show a success to the NCPA (National Center for Performing Arts) ‘Legends’.
Randy, who was part of the famous breaker Brothers Group (his brother Michael Breaker, characteristic of a famous Saxophoneist), was visiting India for the second time. In 1966, he came up with Indiana University Jazz Encyclisms as part of the US State Department Initiative, which covered some areas of Middle East and Asia.
Peter Arskin demonstrated a gentle flour on drums photo credits: Special arrangements
He said, “I remember the city as Bombay. What is this today.
Apart from Bombay, the tour took the group to Madras, Bangalore and Calcutta. Interesting, in your debut single album score, Released in 1968, Randy wrote a piece called ‘Bangalore’ inspired by the city’s juicy greenery. But Rachna was not part of the set-list of his current India Tour.
In Mumbai, the group played ‘The Marble C’ from the same album, with Randy Switching Flogelhorn. According to the composer, it was inspired by Turkey’s Mermar Sagar, which he went on the same tour. The piece also included Solos by Saxophoneist Yakov and Pianoist Oatmaro.
With the exception of standard Gathagit, ‘I cannot start’, where Randy enchanted with his raga, all the tunes were original by members. The evening began with two compositions by Peter. While ‘CATS and Kitanance’ was seep in the New Orleans tradition, ‘Twelve’ had an innovative rhythmic pattern and a medium-swing tempo. Even ‘La La’ from the film of UPTEMPO Encore, 2024 SakramantoWas composed by him. One of the highlights was the tender rise shown by Peter, which is far from more energetic druming in many concerts.
Randy and Peter were incorporated by Oatmaro Ruiz on Piano, Yakov Memon on Saxophone and Richie Goods on Bass. , Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
The Richie Goods Composition ‘Treasure Mountain’ had a funk taste, as the melodic baseline was matched by Randy and Oatmaro. Yakov dedicated the great pianitist Horace Silver to ‘Song for Hores’, using electronic wind equipment (EWI) on it. The coordination between musicians was extraordinary, and it was Jazz in its best form, without a gimmick or one-impeccable.
Although 79 -year -old Randy’s physical movements have been slowed down, their game has not been affected by age. He has that rich tone, his ability to improve it is comfortable and he switchs easily between trumpet and flugelhorn. It was strange to see a bottle of water from the floor under stress. Ideally, it should have been placed on a stool. The other minus, on the edge of the organizer, was not even giving him a hand mike, and the existing microphone forced him to bend uncomfortable.
Randy is part of a magnificent line-up of Jazz Trumptors-Lui Armstrong, Digi Gillespie, Clarke Terry. In addition to small acts like Don Ellis, Woody Shaw, Freddy Hubard, Don Cherry, Arturo Sandowal and Douglas, besides Beni Benac III and multi-leader artist Ibrahim Maloff-to play in India.
Before focusing on Jazz, Randy was part of Jazz-Rock Group, blood sweat and tears, and played in his album Baby is the father of manLater, he joined the Hores Silver Quintate, and then, Jazz Messengers of Art Blacky. The breaker brothers were formed in 1975 with Michael and after seven years they were a major success until they dissolved. He then married Brazil’s Jazz Pianoist, Alien Alias, and played together until he participates. The Breaker Brothers re -joined in 1992 and won two groums for their 1994 album Out of the loop.
In addition to Jazz, Randy has played on many rock and pop acts including Eric Clapton, Dior Straits, Bruce Springstein, Elton John, Chaka Khan and Aritha Franklin. Like Randy, 71 -year -old Peter later went to Indiana University a few years later. Peter said he was always a fan of Randy. “He is my hero and I naturally followed him,” he said.
Peter started his career in 1972 with Pianoist Stan Kenton’s orchestra. In 1978, he joined the Jazz Fusion Band, Weather Report, and later proceeded with group Michael Breaker and Vibraphoneist Mike Maniri. He has also played on many rock and pop albums.
The show was a worthy follow-up for previous year’s NCPA Legends Concerts, including veteran trio-pianoists Cyrus Chestnut, Basist Buster Williams and drummer leny White.
Published – July 09, 2025 03:20 PM IST
