Sharik Hasan’s quartet was formed as a result of exchange of ideas and by virtue of knowing each other through the school of music they all were pursuing. But they didn’t perform together as a group until the four met in Mumbai last month and performed to the audience. Recalls Sharik, “everything was so perfect — the audience, the acoustics, the crowd and the weather as well. I had briefly played with my drummer and bassist sometime back in New York and I was sure, that if I ever make a jazz band they will be a part of it. We sounded just perfect together. I must have thought aloud because Raviv Markowitz on the double bass and Philippe Lemm on drums were very eager about the association. When I felt we should do the tour I invited Adam Larson who plays the saxophone and we were all set as a band. What was needed to be taken care of was the funds for an international tour. When everything fell in place the four of us played and we were all glad we were together,” says Sharik.
Sharik Hasan is one of the leading pianists and composers of his generation to emerge from India. He spent several years studying jazz and classical music in France and the USA while also working on Indian classical traditions.
He started his tryst with the piano at the age of five and by 16, had completed the curricula of the Royal School of Music, London and Trinity School of Music, Cambridge. He then went to the United States to attend the prestigious Oberlin College and Conservatory of Music. He has performed at venues all over the world including the Blue Note (New York), Panama Jazz Festival, Nancy Jazz Festival (France), Lincoln Centre (New York) and has shared the stage with luminaries such as John Patitucci, Joe Lovano, Wayne Shorter, Terri Lyne Carrington, Adam Nussbaum, Ralph Peterson, and David Liebman among others. But Sharik hadn’t known about jazz until he was in his late teens. “Like all Indian children I have grown up listening to the radio and a lot of Indian classical music. Western music, rock and R&B were also a part of my growing years in music and this wide exposure helped me tune into finer elements of music. Kids these days are however luckier with the internet and youtube providing a larger platform to learn, appreciate and get introduced to different genres of music. The internet is a great platform for those who aspire to make a mark in the world of music but lack of funds foils their plans,” adds Sharik. Sharik is also thrilled about the fact that there is a growing awareness in general and it is opening doors for different genres of music. The wide approach is making everyone appreciate cross cultures and the trend is facilitating new forms of art, says Sharik.
Sharik Hasan’s quartet will perform tomorrow at Hyderabad Marriot Convention Center.
