Every once in a while, a Bengaluru band steps on the world music stage. One band that has done this repeatedly is Moonarra. The world music band is on its way to Morocco for the Tangier’s Jazz Festival featuring the jazz of five continents as the only Indian band from Asia.
Scheduled from September 9 to 13, the 16th edition of the Tanjazz festival will see Moonarra etch the Bengaluru soundmark not once, but twice – with performances on the opening day of the festival and on the last day, which includes a unique collaboration with Moroccan ensemble Gnawa Express.
Comprising frontman and composer Jagadeesh on guitars and oud, co-founder and songwriter Madhuri on vocals, composer Prakash Sontakke on the Hawaiian slide guitar and Karthik Mani on drums and percussions, Moonarra is synonymous with the city’s vibrant potpourri of music.
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Representing a world music with a distinct Indian signature, Moonarra has been making inroads in the global music circuit for close to a decade now.
Jagadeesh says not only are they thrilled about performing twice before international artistes and music lovers, but they are also excited about the workshop they are doing there.
“We are going to share a lot from our world jazz Indian classical fusion backgrounds. Indian culture is always like a column set. Everything comes and adds on and makes it richer. It is never going to reduce anything. When we go to Tanjazz, we are going to represent that richness. We have taken from everywhere and made it our own and also made it accessible for everyone.
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At the workshop, we will breakdown our compositions and make fellow musicians play with us.”
On the collaboration titled ‘India Meets Africa’, Prakash says somewhere deep inside they know how it will work out.
“African music has a very strong sense of rhythm. In that context we are seeing how Carnatic rhythms blend with African rhythms. A lot of African folk music reflects the exact same patterns that Indian folk music has.
And since it is jazz, we believe we can adapt to anything. We will see how best we can bring out their elements. Only then will it be rich and the collaboration powerful.”
On representing Bengaluru and India, Karthik says: “What else can we give? Music and nationality are our best offerings of respect to our country and home. We are really looking forward to share a little taste of India there and exchange it for music from all over the world. It’s a proud moment for us.”
Prakash points out that the music scene of Bengaluru is very lucky. “We don’t have a powerful music industry dominated by filmdom. So the possibility for many parallel experiments is available. Moreover, the Bangalore music scene is the true depth of the Indian palette since it covers a large section of audiences.” Jagadeesh adds that Tanjazz is a lot like Bengaluru. “It’s a melting pot with so many influences. Bangalore mirrors that strong connect because there are so many different forms of music that dominate the city’s listening crowd. Culturally, it becomes all the more important for us to be part of this festival. We will return more enriched.”
Currently working on their second album after the success of their debut album Indian Accent five years ago, Jagadeesh agrees their music has changed a lot over the years. “Our musicians are not exclusive to us. Like in jazz, they do sessions work and are also part of the band. That’s how the music really grows. One group limits the entire music plethora while collaborations make it richer. These contributions have happened along the way.” Karthik adds: “We have played all over India, learnt a lot more so when we sit down to play, these new ideas and thoughts give us a whole new perspective and widen our horizon.”
Making that Bengaluru connect is constantly important for Moonarra. Always the punchline giver, Prakash quips: “Just like how we celebrate Abbey Road, we should celebrate JC Road!” He adds: “Places have become immortal in our heads because of the history associated with them. Bengaluru has enough and more to create its own name and we aim to celebrate it personally.”
Madhuri elaborates that they are proud of their own context. “It is our experience of life and our songs reflect who we are.
The best part about jazz is that it is the most accepting and generous form of music. It is also secular and democratic and accommodates all other music forms. There is always room. While I personally adore Indian classical music and approach jazz in a very emotional manner, jazz’s openness allows me to incorporate other forms into it. So going to the jazz conglomeration of five continents will be a thoroughly enriching experience.”