Jazzmandu 2022

By Mannu Shahi

Co-founded in 2002 by Chhedup Bomzan of The Jazz Upstairs Bar and Navin Chettri of pioneer Nepali Jazz Fusion group Cadenza Collective, Jazzmandu started as a weeklong concert series but has transcended to be the grandest jazz celebration of the Himalayas. 

This series has hosted many legendary international acts whilst also yielding collaboration and performance slots for adept local musicians. The festival remains to emphasise the commemoration of Jazz in Nepal and spread the message of peace and compassion through this style of music since day one. 

The organisers believe in this cultural exchange of various musical expertise in locally accessible venues to enrich the attendees’ concert going experience by promoting eccentric creativity, encouraging the sharing of international sounds and ideas, pushing the limits and boundaries of musical expectations and nurturing the talent and vision of Nepali musicians. 

The entire repertoire of this brand embodies various music learning and performing larks for more inclusivity and relevance like free shows, educational school programs, workshops, jam sessions in various spots around Kathmandu. However, due to the pandemic Jazzmandu as like the rest of the musical affairs was halted for two years and is rejuvenating this year straight after 2019. 

The performers in this 18th edition include The Jamie Baum Sextet from the USA composed of six sensational New York jazz cats performing a mixture of Brazilian, Latin, South Asian and modern classical music. 

Jamie Baum, a jazz flutist and composer, leads the group with Kenny Warren on trumpet, Brad Shepik on guitars, Zack Lober on bass, Julian Shore on piano and Jeff Hirshfield on drums.

The second act for this year is a Brazilian singer/songwriter Catia Werneck who moved to France at an early age for the betterment of her career. Influenced by many ranges of musical styles Werneck will be supported by Noé Chantraine on piano, Benjamin Asnar on bass and Navin Chettri on drums. 

The third performer for the event is yet another singer/ songwriter, composer and producer Yumi Ito, who defines her soundscape as an amalgamation of jazz, art-pop, electronica, free improvisation and neo-classical music. The Yumi Ito trio features her on vocals, Kuba Dworak on bass and Iago Fernandez on drums. 

Jin Jim from Germany take-up the fourth slot with their blend of latin, jazz and rock influences creating a rhythmically complex yet harmonically comprehensive sonic palate. The quartet consists of Daniel Manrique Smith on flute, Johann May on guitars, Ben Tai Trawinski on double bass and Nico Stallmann on drums. 

Similarly, our local performers this year are Cadenza Collective, a fusion of jazz, afro-funk and Nepali folk consisting of Navin Chettri on vocals/drums, Pravin Chettri on saxophone, Rajat Rai on guitars and Samir Chettri on bass. 

Representatives of the Gandharba community fabricating typical Nepali folk music Samundra Band with Anil Gandharba on sarangi, Subash Gandarba on bansuri, Pujan Gandarba on madal, Ramkrishna Gandarba on arbajo and Buddha Gandharba on kartal. Jonisha Poudel an Eastern Classical music practitioner, solo vocal performer and Khayal maven, who will be accompanied by Santosh Bhakta on ishraj, Shree KC on harmonium and Nimesh Kapali on tabla.  

The series of shows are scheduled during October 13-19. Nonetheless, the event will take off with free workshops beforehand from October 10 to October 12 held at Yalamaya Kendra, Patan. Followed by Jazz For Next Generation, a music competition for aspiring new talent held at Malpi International College, Baluwatar, on October 13 and Groovin’ at Upstairs the same evening at Jazz Upstairs, Lazimpat. 

The next day on 14th October, the international acts will take over different venues around the Kathmandu Valley under the Valley Jams segment. This will be subsequent to Jazz Bazar the grand celebration in the luscious serenity of Gorkarna Forest Resort.

With Sounds Of Brazilian Jazz on 17th October at Aloft Kathmandu, Thamel; Jazz At Patan on Yalamaya Kendra the next day; the event will conclude on 19th October with the Grand Finale held at Hotel Yak & Yeti, Durbarmarg. So be sure to support the most alluring performance for you from the bundle.