Catch the fretless trio of an Indian, French and a German come together for the first time this Friday
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Here's your chance to bring a soothing beginning to your weekend, only for the love of jazz. Come Friday, jazz should be the genre of your choice, as this trio of musicians has crossed all boundaries.

Jazz across borders

"I have never met them before", says Muthu Kumar Varadarajan, city-based percussionist, who is all set to perform this evening with French saxophonist Fran ois Jeanneau and German pianist Uli Lenz. Three nationalities, three different styles and philosophies in music, come united with a strong spirit of jazz.
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Aptly titled Jazz Connect 2010, a three nation inter-cultural jazz concert, brings together a three-set ensemble to create some magic. "I was born into a traditional Tamilian family, and had a musical atmosphere at home", says Muthu, telling us about how his journey began.

His association with jazz has been long and continual. "I have spent some time in New York City where I used to play with a jazz band called Edmas. I have also played with Sharik Hussain and a French jazz band called No Jazz", he says.

Music in their jazz

Self-taught until the age of 22, Muthu was inspired by Zakir Hussain to take formal training in percussion. He learnt under Alla Rakha in Mumbai for a brief while, after which the breaks began pouring in. He now teaches yearly at the Colarado University and runs an event and artist management company called Laya Productions in the city.

If jazz is a passion, there are other genres Muthu plays and creates collaborations in, indulging in the more popular film and pop music. "I have been playing a lot of other instruments, within the wide range of percussion. I have also played for Lucky Ali's band", he tells us.

High notes for the evening

It's been a rigorously religious rehearsal routine for Muthu. "It is about being able to look for the pulse and playing along", says Muthu who has been sticking for five hours everyday. Saxophonist Fran ois Jeanneau, began playing jazz at an early age, and hasn't looked back since then.
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"When I was about 15, I wanted to become a jazz musician, even though I heard a lot of classical music back then", says Francois. And who would be that one artist he would dream of collaborating with? "Uli Lenz, as we are looking at making some beautiful music for ourselves and the audience" snaps Francois.

Jazz up your evening that brings you music from across countries, by an ensemble, which jams it up for the first time in front you, all for the love of music.

At Alliance Francais de Bangalore, Vasanth Nagar
On July 9, 7.30 pm
Call 4123 1340