It is a genre of music that is defined by improvisation. Jazz is without a doubt one of the great art forms of the world. It has its roots in India in Mumbai and Kolkata where African –American jazz musicians performed in the 1920’s. Over a period of time Goan musicians who picked then introduced it to Hindi film music. Goan musicians were at the forefront in many ways pushing this genre of music. Many returned home eventually and continued playing. The special appeal of Goa meant musicians from all over came to Goa to play as well as stay for long durations of time. The love and appreciation for music is so unique to Goa which makes it so attractive to musicians. As time has passed it can be safely said that Goa is now an important centre for jazz. It could even be said the State is the place to be. But like everything the last two years were terrible. The pandemic ensured the destruction of the entertainment industry. Musicians were sitting at home twiddling their thumbs or were trying to do something online. Now after the lifting of the second lockdown has jazz recovered in Goa? Are the number of shows and venues increasing? Can a musician now be able to earn a decent sum of money at the end of the gig?
Sharon of Syndicate, a very popular band in Goa, said the coronavirus was still around but the situation on the ground had certainly gotten better. She said “Jazz musicians are coming from all over the country because Goa was a lot more open. After the second lockdown since October l2021, clubs have mushroomed and yes jazz is being played. The situation is certainly getting better. There are new places now in Benaulim and there are jazz nights being organised. New musicians are emerging and playing in these places. The audience is slightly older who listen to jazz. You have to remember people come to Goa to have fun and they like to dance. You have to think of everything and keep everyone happy. But yes, jazz is back without a doubt.”
Salim John Sadiq is a blues guitarist from a mofussil town in West Bengal has been in Goa since January this year. He said he was invited by Colin D’cruz and he was surprised by how welcoming musicians were and his level of expertise he said had certainly improved. Speaking specifically about jazz he said there were so many musicians who played that genre of music in the state and the number of gigs were certainly increasing. Goa, he said, was certainly home to jazz musicians for a while and this trend would get stronger as the popularity of the genre increased even more.
Sandhya D’Mello who sings in Pune said the genre was certainly growing in popularity in the state and this was indicative of the fact that she was invited to sing for the jazz concert scheduled to be held today to celebrate International Jazz Day. She said the genre was growing in popularity with people now listening to musicians from the fortes and the fifties. Musicians she said also enjoyed playing these compositions.
He is without a doubt one of the busiest musicians in the state. Colin D Cruz said, “Goa is flying post pandemic. Many businesses that got hit by the pandemic are now recovering safely in Goa. I know of many restaurateurs from other cities who have set up base in Goa. My jazz trio is invited to perform at some of these new places but I am very choosy about where I play. Right now I have settled for four gigs a week at some premiere properties where we have been playing to excited audiences. Goa has produced some of India’s greatest jazz musicians; many of them are internationally renowned”. He said the jazz scene in India used to be in Kolkata but he was sure it was all in Goa. He went as far as to say that Goa had turned into a global jazz hub with the number of international jazz virtuosos deciding to set up base in Goa. Colin said, “Grammy award winning jazz legend Henry Threadgill had set up home in Goa at one point. It’s quite common to find a global jazz giant strolling into one of our local gigs and jamming with us. These virtuosos raise the bar for us and often inspire us to perform even better than our best. Goa probably has the most live music venues in the world, coupled with the relaxed lifestyle and beautiful surroundings and it’s easy to understand why so many artists choose to settle down in Goa”.
Anushka Countinho who is from Australia but is now based in Goa said “There has definitely been a surge in interest in jazz and other musical genres post the pandemic. I believe more people want to come out and enjoy the buzz live music brings. Being in Sydney, Australia, the music industry is slowly reviving and there are some fantastic shows and performances lined up for the rest of the year. I’ve been in Goa for two months now and have enjoyed going to many live performances with my friends and family in both the North and South of Goa”.
Goa is without a doubt a centre for great music and musicians from all over the country and increasingly the world are coming over to settle and play. One can only hope this trend continues.
