JAZZFEST 2023 LINEUP

DAY 1 – Friday 8 December 2023

RON CHA TRIO (INDIA)

Ron Cha, is an extraordinary pianist and composer who first performed at the Kolkata Jazzfest at the age of 14. Trained initially in Western Classical music and inspired by the likes of Bud Powell, Thelonious Monk, Aaron Parks and Taylor Eigsti. Ron is a recipient of the A.R. Rahman full scholarship to the Berklee College of Music in Boston. He found his unique sound, incorporating elements of Western Classical, Blues, and Gospel into his expressive style. The Ron Cha Trio, the opening band of the Kolkata Jazzfest 2023, features the fiery bassist Sonic Shori, and the renowned drummer and percussionist Dhir Mody.

FOUR ON A SWING (INDIA)

“Four on a Swing,” founded by Latin Jazz pianist Pradyumna Singh Manot in 2007, has gained acclaim for its dynamic fusion of talents. The current lineup includes Brazilian and Cuban music specialists Ahona Sen on lead vocals, Bihu Mukherjee on drums, Aditya Servaia on bass, Aamir Rizvi on guitar & vocals and Pradyumna on the piano. In 2018, a pivotal year for Pradyumna, he became the director of the NCPA Jazz Collective, aiming to popularize Jazz in India. His performances at the Java Jazz Festival and the Panama Jazz Festival garnered international recognition. The band continues to captivate audiences with its unique blend of Latin Jazz and other genres, embodying the essence of Jazz as a vibrant and boundary-pushing musical experience. Ahona and Pradyumna are music educators and key figures in mentoring a new generation of Latin Jazz musicians in the city through their program – 12 Keys.

TRITHA & FRIENDS (INDIA / ARGENTINA)

Tritha, a globally acclaimed artist and music activist from Kolkata, gained recognition for her performance at the Cannes Film Festival in 2019. With 16 albums in her repertoire, Tritha’s journey spans international acclaim, featuring on BBC World and TEDx Delhi. Trained in Indian classical music for 30 years, her versatile albums, from “PaGLI” to “Pachamama – A Tribute to Mother Earth,” showcase a seamless transition from classical to contemporary forms. Beyond her musical pursuits, Tritha co-founded SPACE, a women artist collective, and engages in holistic festivals and workshops worldwide. Her impactful presence extends to DJing, composing for films, and using music for healing, creating a profound transformation of the soul. Tritha’s influence resonates through collaborations with renowned artists and her innovative approach to global music. Tritha will be joined by Gala Solar from Argentina on Saxophone and an all-star lineup of Kolkata musicians including Gaurab Chatterjee (Gaboo), Bodhisattwa Ghosh (Bodhi) & Mainak Nag Chowdhury (Bumpy).

Special feature

RUPA (DISCO JAZZ) – An untold legacy

Her first live performance since the 1980s

In 1982, Rupa, the voice behind Disco Jazz, released an album that would later become a sought-after gem in the realms of Indian dance music. The songs on the record arranged by Sarod legend Aashish Khan, later rediscovered by her son Debayan, emerged from obscurity to captivate a global audience. As fans around the world connected with her eclectic sound, Rupa’s impact echoed across the decades. Now, after almost forty years since the release of Disco Jazz, Rupa is set to make a triumphant return to the stage. On 8th December 2023, she will grace the spotlight at the Kolkata Jazzfest, marking her first live performance since the 1980s. This eagerly anticipated event promises to be a nostalgic celebration of Rupa’s musical journey, celebrating her iconic voice with a new generation of listeners with the musical support of Tritha & Friends. 

DAY 2 – Saturday 9 December 2023

THE SHONAI COLLECTIVE (INDIA / JAPAN)

The Shonai Collective, comprising Shifumi Saito on upright bass, Shantanu Sudarshan on drums, and the pianist Shonai, is an indie Jazz trio driven by a collective passion for music and a shared commitment to artistic expression. Their collaborative efforts materialize in “Epiphany,” an eight-piece collection of original compositions penned by Shonai. Each track explores diverse aspects of human experience, drawing inspiration from life’s myriad emotions. The album gracefully navigates themes of resilience, optimism, and gratitude, encouraging listeners to find hope amid emotional challenges. It delves into the concept of self-acceptance, embracing vulnerabilities, and concludes with minimalistic composition incorporating a motivational message by Swami Vivekananda. The Shonai Collective’s “Epiphany” stands as a testament to the trio’s collaborative prowess, offering audiences a transformative musical journey characterized by virtuosity, improvisation, and emotional depth.

JAZZMAHAL (INDIA)

Established in 2022, Jazzmahal, founded by bassist Debjit Mahalanobis, pianist Tazim Sheikh, and drummer/vocalist Aniruddha Saha, is a trailblazing collective that defies musical boundaries. With influences spanning straight-ahead Jazz, Hindustani and Carnatic music, avant-garde, Western classical, and hip-hop, Jazzmahal takes a progressive approach to their arrangements, often incorporating odd meters. Debjit’s masterful handling of the acoustic bass provides a solid foundation, while Tazim’s well-rounded piano skills and Aniruddha’s intricate rhythms contribute to the group’s captivating sound. Together, they create a unique blend of world music that showcases their diverse talents and shared passion for innovative musical expression.

WOJTEK JUSTYNA TREEOH! (NETHERLANDS)

The Wojtek Justyna TreeOh! is a boundary-defying ensemble that seamlessly blends the dynamic energy of funk-jazz with the rich colors and rhythms of world music. Led by guitarist Wojtek Justyna, the TreeOh! creates a unique sonic landscape by integrating fuzzy leads, traditional African rhythms, and pulsating synth bass lines. Their third album, “THRICE” (2022), showcases the collective’s compositional prowess, delivering a captivating mix of head-nodding grooves, intriguing harmonies, and vigorous melodies. With a global presence marked by performances at renowned Jazz festivals and clubs worldwide, including Jazz in Daegu, Delft Jazz Festival, and Jazzahead!, the TreeOh! has earned acclaim for its electrifying live performances, characterized by dynamic interplay and vibrant textures. The ensemble features an international lineup with Daniel Lottersberger on bass guitar, Alex Bernath on drums, and Diogo Carvalho on percussion and synths.

DAY 3 – Sunday 10 December 2023

HUMSAFAR (INDIA / RUSSIA)

ESSENCE OF DUALITY (GERMANY)

Essence of Duality seamlessly navigates the intersection of Jazz and Indian music, a culmination of sitarist Hindol Deb’s quest for innovative sounds and compositional styles after relocating to Germany. Rooted in Indian classical music, Hindol brings forth a distinctive approach by incorporating polyrhythmic structures and Jazz language in instrumentation, harmonization, and improvisation. Collaborating with virtuoso Jazz pianist Clemens Orth, drummer Christoph Hillmann, and bassist Christian Ramond, the ensemble achieves a captivating blend of rhythmic intricacy. Hindol’s extensive background includes a crossover Jazz album, ‘Essence of Duality,’ and ‘Northlight,’ a Nordic crossover album. Clemens Orth, known for his sophisticated harmonic language, adds layers of intricate improvisation, while Christian Ramond’s diverse musical experiences contribute to the rich tapestry. Christoph Hillmann, an acclaimed drummer, brings an interactive and expansive range of sounds. Hindol’s recent project, ‘SAMHITA – Sitar meets Jazz Ensemble,’ further underscores the band’s commitment to forging unconventional musical connections.

ARINJOY TRIO (INDIA)

In 2019, the Arinjoy Trio made waves in the national Blues scene with their self-titled debut album, a seven-track masterpiece paying homage to Blues legends. The trio, consisting of vocalist-guitarist Arinjoy Sarkar, bassist Aakash Ganguly, and drummer Sounak Roy, navigated the pandemic by engaging in online gigs including the digital edition of Kolkata Jazzfest 2020 and eventually returned to live performances, including a notable appearance at the Mahindra Blues Festival alongside Buddy Guy. Now, four years after their debut, they present a brand-new EP titled ‘Talkin’ That Talk,’ featuring four tracks that have been staples of their live sets since 2019. This latest release showcases their evolution, with dynamic compositions like “Blues For Kirk,” dedicated to blues hero Kirk Fletcher, and the scintillating “Just Your Alibi,” inspired by Robert Cray’s music. The EP also includes the blues ballad “Now I Think I’m Done,” exploring themes of romantic longing, and concludes with the funky “Why You’re Taking So Long,” humorously portraying a one-sided romantic situation. With impressive musicianship and notable collaborations, including organ parts by John Mccullough, strings by Joe Deninzon, and horns by Mike Snow, ‘Talkin’ That Talk’ reaffirms the trio’s musical prowess. Produced by veteran Kolkata guitarist Amyt Datta and mixed/mastered by Marc Urselli, a multi-Grammy award winner, the EP exceeds expectations. The Arinjoy Trio is set to perform as the closing band at the Kolkata Jazzfest on 10th December, marking a significant moment in their musical journey.