It was fifty 50 years ago on this day that Braz Gonsalves and Yvonne Vaz, daughter of the legendary Chic Chocolate (who had earned the sobriquet “Louis Armstrong of India”), bitten by the love bug, finally stood before the altar of God, to exchange their marriage vows, and to emphatically say “I do”.
The Church ceremony was followed by a big bash, a fairy-tale–type reception. Tom Jones in the “Anniversary Song” paints the correct tableau, “Oh, how they danced on the night they were wed, they vowed their true love, though a word wasn’t said. The world was in bloom, there were stars in the skies, except for the few that were there in their eyes. And as they held each other so closely in their arms, angels were singing a hymn to their charms, their hearts gently beating, murmuring low, Darling I love you so…”
Braz and Yvonne are both jazz legends who made it big in the world musical scenario of earlier decades. Their music rang loud and clear: sax, trombone, trumpet and double bass playing in ethereal harmony and mellifluous voices scatting away to glory in heart-stopping improvisation. Sadly, with the arrival of the Synthesizer, the Fenders and the Rolands, the old phalanx found it difficult to make their crystalline notes heard in the stridency of the new music. Many vintage musicians have now dispersed, many died, and others have crossed the eighties, their trumpets and trombones gathering shades of patina. Mercifully, their sterling music survives, (despite odds!) bringing back the longing and nostalgia of yesteryear. Braz and Yvonne, live now in retirement in their apartment in Porvorim, but still grace us oftentimes with their heavenly music.
Braz was the name synonymous with Jazz in India. He made a mark internationally as one of the greatest jazz saxophonists. Born in Neurá, he learnt music from his dad, Lawrence. At 15, Braz left Goa and was soon the new sensation all over India. His record over the last few decades speaks volumes about his creativity and versatility as a player and composer. He is equally at ease with the Tenor, Alto, Soprano Saxophones and the Flute and was a regular at India’s foremost Jazz event, the “Jazz Yatra”. He played along with all the greatest names in India and the world. A pioneer of Indo-Jazz fusion, he cut a record of original compositions called “Raga Rock”. Braz’s innovative style saw him being featured at International festivals in Europe and the Far East in the 90’s. He also toured with “Sangam”, the best fusion band India had ever produced. Ask Braz to what he owes his success and without batting an eyelid he retorts, “These accomplishments would not be possible without the grace of the Almighty.”. Today, Braz only plays “for the greater glory of God”.
A versatile vocalist, Yvonne sang for various top jazz bands. She appeared as the soloist with Chapman Robert’s one hundred strong gospel choir at the 1980 Yatra. At present, in Goa, she does gigs with various jazz quartets and her voice retains the old magic, cadence and tonality.
It’s not surprising then, that it was music that brought the couple together. “During Chic Chocolate’s contract at the Taj Mahal one particular year, the famous Dutch “Ashley Kozak Jazz Quartet” was to perform at the Taj and they needed a local jazz alto sax player. Luckily, they found Braz to do the honours. The result was that Chic Chocolate, who was in the audience, was totally bowled over with Braz’s blowing and decided to invite him home to meet the family. Yvonne says, “When Braz dropped in, after the introductions, dad asked me to play something on the piano for him and I chose the semi- classical, ‘Pearl of the Sea’.” After finishing, I quickly shut the piano and bashfully ran into the other room.”
Little did she know that from that very instant Braz had his eyes on her! His visits became more frequent. Albeit shy, he would still whistle with panache amorous tunes like “I Love You”, “All I Do Is Dream of You” and “Come Closer to Me” as if to capture her attention. But it was at Yvonne’s cousin’s wedding that Braz subtly but surely clinched the deal. “Braz picked me up for a dance and during that dance he did not really propose to me, but very boldly told me that he was going to marry me! I thought I was falling flat on the ground as my knees got weak but was excited at the same time!” The couple ultimately tied the knot on November 27, 1967.
A great writer said, “Time is like a river, you can’t step on the same water twice, because the flow that has passed, will never pass you again.” Today, these words aptly apply to our golden Jubilarians. They lived their lives to the full always basking in the divine light. After all, light is the great natural symbol that reminds us of God. Every Holy Book tells us that God lives in inaccessible light. Cardinal Newman caught the religious meaning of light when he wrote: “Lead kindly light amid the encircling gloom, lead thou me on.”.
Today, on this auspicious occasion, our prayer is that God who was bountiful to give them the “gold”, may also grant them the “diamond”.
(Dr Francisco Colaço is a seniormost consulting physician, pioneer of Echocardiography in Goa, column writer, singer/songwriter and music aficionado)
