Jazzmandu 2011 - Jazz for Next Generation Music Competition - Winners' Profiles
Outstanding Band Profile: ALL MY FRIENDS
All My Friends brings together Abhishek Bhadra (23) on keyboards, Ian Eustis (25) on the double bass, and Kiran Shahi (22) on the drums. The band first played in its current configuration only two weeks ago during five days of gigs in Pokhara's Lakeside. It was a rehearsal gig for Jazzmandu, Kiran says with a smile. We sacrificed Dashain for it, escaped from Kathamandu and stated playing. The group started playing together 4 months ago as a quartet with guitarist Jigme Dorje Sherpa, before Sherpa went abroad and the band carried on as a trio. The new arrangement has worked astoundingly well, according to Ian Eustis. After Jigme left, we came up with our own sound. Jigme was like a father figure, we learned a lot [from him], but he had to leave for us to grow.
The search for a new sound certainly paid off as All My Friends were selected as the outstanding band from a very strong pool at the Jazz For The Next Generation band contest for Surya Nepal Jazzmandu 2011. Ian, Kiran and Abhishek kept a panel of accomplished international judges smiling and nodding in approval throughout their 20 minute set, displaying remarkable composure and professionalism even when technical problems threatened to derail their performance. Ian, who hails from Seattle in the USA, grew up playing classical violin before switching to more interesting jazz music, and his styles owes much to American jazz greats such as Count Basie and Charles Mingus, both of whom he lists among his influences. Abhishek's keyboard virtuosity is all the more impressive as he essentially taught himself how to play jazz after a childhood of playing rock, listening to jazz records and obsessively practicing improvisation after he finished high school. Kiran has also only recently channeled his background in progressive metal towards jazz, which he sees as the ultimate form of music to aspire to. Kiran, who still remembers the day when his father surprised him with his first drum kit, is currently involved in six bands on the Kathmandu scene.
As their next step, the band is planning to record a CD, and are already working on several original pieces in preparation. Other plans include touring India soon, possibly with Ian's trumpeter brother, with possible gigs in Delhi and Mumbai. These would seem daunting goals for many musicians, but the guys talk of their plans with mature self-assuredness and ease that, combined with their obvious musical ability, inspires confidence. Still, though determined to pursue careers in music, the guys recognize the difficulties of the Kathmandu music scene. It's difficult as a jazz musician to find gig, or make any money, says Ian. But the band seems ready for the challenge. True to their name, All My Friends have an easy rapport that feeds each musician's confidence both on and off stage. It's the best band I've ever played in, Ian said.
Outstanding Musician Profile: ABHISHEK BHADRA
Abhishek Bhadra is the very definition of a natural musician, but he wasn't always that way. Selected as the outstanding musician at the Jazz For The Next Generation band contest as part of Surya Nepal Jazzmandu 2011, 23-year-old Abhishek still remembers his first attempt at learning music: his vocal teacher declared him tone deaf and advised him to quit music. Some years later though, Abhishek gave it another shot and started playing guitar and harmonium while still in school. Inspired by classic rock bands such as Led Zepellin, he soon turned to playing metal and rock guitar, a habit he still continues today with the band Zindabaad. But it was only after high school, when he began to play the keyboard and seriously practice improvisation, that he truly found his calling. I thought I had finally found my instrument, he says. On the keyboard I could really express myself.
That was only six years ago. In another fortunate twist of fate, at about the same time Abhishek heard Cadenza, one of Nepal's pioneering jazz bands, performing at the Jazz at Patan event for Jazzmandu. He admits he couldn't even understand the fusion pieces the band performed, but he was hooked. It looked like so much fun the fusion stuff from Cadenza seemed really honest to me, he says today. I just wanted to be doing the same thing. So began a long exploration of fusion that eventually lead Abhishek towards jazz. Today his style echoes jazz piano masters such as Brad Mehldau and Keith Jarrett, both of whom he idolizes. Even without a teacher, Abhishek taught himself to improvise, listening to jazz records and practicing obsessively. A couple of years after he took up the keys, Abhishek was already playing three gigs a week with JCS, another seminal Nepali jazz band. For Abhishek it was a dream come true. Earning the title of outstanding musician at the Jazz For The Next Generation contest is just another step forward in that dream. I want to thank Jazzmandu for this opportunity, Abhishek says. I'm surprised that I won I'm thankful, but surprised.
So what now for the young pianist? I keep it simple and real, he says quietly. I just want to keep playing all my life, and not just jazz. I don't mind playing any genre. Keep playing, keep it real, make some money. Looking back today on the days when he first started improvising on his keyboard, Abhishek says, Somehow I always thought I'd be good at it. He was right.
JAZZMANDU REPORTER 2011
Roman Gautam
For more details such as programme schedule, bands' bios, photos, etc. visit:
• Surya Nepal Jazzmandu 2011 website at www.jazzmandu.com
• Surya Nepal Jazzmandu 2011 Press page at http://jazzmandu.org/press.html
For more information contact JazzmanduReporter@gmx.com
Sonia Josserand-Mercier: 9808703740 or Roman Gautam: 9841736959