Date: November 23
Venue: Ravindra Bharati Auditorium
Time: 7.30 p.m.
Genre: Post-Jazz / Minimalism/ Dub
They’ve never performed in India until now and on their maiden visit to the country that they believe has a very rich musical history, Plaistow hopes to treat the city to some powerful music at The Hindu November Fest . Formed in 2007 in Geneva, the band comprises Johann Bourquenez on the piano, Vincent Ruiz on doublebass and Cyril Bondi on drums. Ahead of their performance on November 23, Johann Bourquenez talks about what defines their music and their India tour.
How would you describe your music?
In short, we use the appellation ‘minimalism/dub/post-jazz’. To go further is not easy.
How did Plaistow come about?
I met Cyril (the drummer) towards the end of 2006 during improvisation concerts and we started to play practice sessions together. This went on for six months or so, till we decided to create a trio – thus, we started to play with bassist Raphael Ortis in June 2007. In February 2012 we stopped to work with Raphael, and began to play with Vincent Ruiz.
What is it that binds the group together?
The process behind our music is hard work in sessions, where we repeatedly play some patterns till we find the right sound together. I think this itself makes the band strong and hard to disturb. We focus more on the band's sound than style(s).
Each of you has a very distinct style and taste in music. How then do you manage to make great music, while transcending differing preferencestastes?
During our composition sessions, we don't try to play a fixed score by anyone. Instead we dig each idea together, with as less limits or taboos as possible. This makes it possible to try dramatic style changes inside one track, or any crazy idea. We just keep the ‘good’ stuff that emerges from this process.
Where do you draw inspiration from?
It can be anything, a musical impression while listening to someone, a discussion with a friend, a walk in the mountain/ forest/ city, even a consideration after reading a theoretical article. Sometimes there are feelings that are unspeakable but that can be expressed through music.
Yours has an eclectic mix of genres and feelsto it. Is that deliberateit a conscious effort?
No. We basically do what we want, and then decide what we keep and what we don't. It's more about freedom than style.
Tell us something about your performance in Hyderabad? What kind of music do you plan to treat us to?
It will be powerful, meditative and crazy.
How open do you think the Indian audience is to jazz music?
India has a long and rich music history; I think there will be no problem to connect with the Indian mind. Of course, those who expect to listen to a strict mainstream Swiss jazz band – if this appellation makes any sense – will be a little uncomfortable.
What is the most exciting aspect about performing in India?
Well, we came to a point where we play asymmetric rythmic patterns and modal scales, and both have (much) more oriental origins than occidental ones. This can be a little trick for us, confronting our so-called ‘avant-garde’ music to Indian traditions that go beyond our research.
We also look forward to travel in India, walk in the cities, meet people and have good times!
The performers:
Johann Bourquenez
Vincent Ruiz
Cyril Bondi
Shrinivas Kanchi
Tickets:
Price:>Rs. 300, Rs. 200 & Rs. 100. Season passes at Rs. 750 & Rs. 500
>For the detailed schedule of Nov Fest 2013 in all five cities, click here .
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